Laura Hoffman is the recipient of this year's Excellence in Catholic Education Award.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com@MHNMcCracken
Laura Hoffman has been named the recipient of this year’s Excellence in Catholic Education Award.
The St. Michael’s School teacher was honoured by Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education to open Tuesday’s board meeting, but Hoffman insists she didn’t get there by herself.
“I stand on the shoulders of giants,” she said at the board meeting. “I have so many people to thank who helped me on this journey. I have been so fortunate to teach in a Catholic school. And I’ve learned that, in addition to an education, students in Catholic schools learn so as to help others and make a difference in the world around them. They learn that the community is at the heart of who we are, and we have a responsibility to respond to the needs of others because we are all part of God’s family. There are many individuals who impressed upon me this sense of community and made a positive difference through the years.”
MHCBE vice chair Robert Risling – who was part of this year’s selection committee – says the award means a lot to MHCBE, as well as every other Catholic board in the province.
“This award truly means a lot to us as a board, not just to our board but the Catholic boards throughout the province of Alberta,” said Risling, adding St. Patrick’s School teacher Dawn Forbes also received a nomination. “Just to be nominated – and I think everyone will agree – you’re a winner. It just shows the commitment you have to Catholic education and just the excellence that you bring to our students and our district.”
But Hoffman’s guidance extends past the students at their desks. Brianna MacPherson, who spent five weeks as Hoffman’s practicum student leading up to Christmas, said she “experienced the excellence that led (Hoffman) to this award” first hand.
“I am thrilled she’s getting the recognition I truly believe she deserves,” MacPherson, who nominated Hoffman, told the board. “In my nomination letter, I referenced the fact that Laura models the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education’s motto and consistently shows the face of Christ to all. I also addressed how she’s willing to consult with the parish whenever she feels it’s necessary. I would honestly classify Laura as a big book of knowledge. She spent time with me after school nearly every day, teaching me how to best teach students.”
Hoffman thanked everyone who helped her along the way and gave her the chance to pursue the career she loves, from MacPherson to the board and of course, her colleagues and students.
“As I look to the future, you can all take comfort as I truly believe our district is in very good hands,” said Hoffman. “The student-teachers with whom I have been so fortunate to work with are a promise of the future and a blessing for today, as they inspire their students, mentor-teachers and all those with whom they work, with that same sense of community and passion to make a positive impact and difference to a child in their classroom.”
