Local teacher, MHC grad wins provincial education award

By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on June 28, 2022.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

Medicine Hat College graduate Ashley Thompson has been named winner of the 2022 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Social Studies Education Student award, which recognizes Bachelor of Education program graduating students who demonstrate passion for the field of social studies.

Thompson, who hails from a long line of educators, was selected following submission of an essay and a presentation to the award’s judging panel, comprised of teachers, a historian and Alberta’s lieutenant governor.

“This year’s topic was on influential Albertans,” Thompson, one of three finalists, said. “I chose three Canadian soldiers who won the Victoria Cross, which is a special military award presented to soldiers who show bravery or valour.

“I presented as if I was teaching a Grade 5 class, so to get (the judging panel) to really listen in. Their mission was to figure out the criteria of someone who won the Victoria Cross based on the (soldiers’) stories.”

Thompson, who now works as a K-6 substitute teacher, thanks her MHC instructors for assistance they provided throughout the award application process and her time at MHC.

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