Massini ‘shocked’ to win President’s Award

By MO CRANKER on November 21, 2020.

Medicine Hat Public School District vice chair Rick Massini speaks last month at a monthly board meeting. Massini recently was awarded the presidents award from the AB School Boards Association.--NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER

mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@mocranker

Rick Massini has dedicated a good chunk of his time to public education, and helping students learn.

This week he was honoured by the Alberta School Boards Association with the President’s Award.

“I found out about this second hand, actually,” said Massini. “I was shocked and extremely honoured to get this award.

“I’ve met so many great trustees around the province, and to be chosen for this award is amazing.

“I’m speechless.”

The award is given out every year to someone in the province who has made “an exemplary contribution to education.” Alberta School Boards Association president Lorrie Jess picked the winner of the award.

Massini started teaching in the Hat in 1980 and began his career in Calgary eight years before that.

He started in the Hat at Medicine Hat High School as a science, math and physical education teacher. He then went into a counselling role at Hat High. He then moved into the role as vice-principal at the same school.

After that he moved to Ross Glen School to be principal. He is now the vice chair of the public school board.

“It’s always been about helping people learn for me,” he said. “I really identified with students who may not have learned in traditional ways and may not have learned as fast, because I am a non-traditional learner.

“Education is so important to me and I’ve always wanted to help students learn.”