The Jack MacKenzie Career Service Award Winner 2020
Following the passing of Jack MacKenzie on August 22, 2018 the SPEA Executive immediately passed a unanimous motion to rename SPEA’s Career Service Award to the Jack MacKenzie Career Service Award. Jack was instrumental in modelling the physically holistic lifestyle that this award truly epitomizes.
This award has been created in honor of outstanding contribution to Physical Education in the Province of Saskatchewan and its schools. The award winner is exclusively chosen by the SPEA Board of Directors and presented at its own discretion and time.
The winner of the 2020 Jack MacKenzie Career Service Award is Ms. Holly Stevens.
Holly became the Executive Director for SPEA on August 7th, 2007 and she served in that capacity for 13 years until March 31st, 2020. She served under six different SPEA Presidents during her tenure.
Holly was the foundation that carried the organization and truly made it all happen behind the scenes. SPEA grew and was sustained by countless hours of hard work and advocacy that no ever saw except for Holly’s family.
A quote was found in Jack MacKenzie’s obituary that is fitting of this tribute:
“One could write a rather large book about Jack MacKenzie, outdoorsman, teacher, leader, mentor, athlete, world-traveller, adventurer, and family man. He might be embarrassed though – because as far as he was concerned, it was never about him!”
The character traits listed above match the woman who has been awarded this career service award for 2020!
This award has been created in honor of outstanding contribution to Physical Education in the Province of Saskatchewan and its schools. The award winner is exclusively chosen by the SPEA Board of Directors and presented at its own discretion and time.
The winner of the 2020 Jack MacKenzie Career Service Award is Ms. Holly Stevens.
Holly became the Executive Director for SPEA on August 7th, 2007 and she served in that capacity for 13 years until March 31st, 2020. She served under six different SPEA Presidents during her tenure.
Holly was the foundation that carried the organization and truly made it all happen behind the scenes. SPEA grew and was sustained by countless hours of hard work and advocacy that no ever saw except for Holly’s family.
A quote was found in Jack MacKenzie’s obituary that is fitting of this tribute:
“One could write a rather large book about Jack MacKenzie, outdoorsman, teacher, leader, mentor, athlete, world-traveller, adventurer, and family man. He might be embarrassed though – because as far as he was concerned, it was never about him!”
The character traits listed above match the woman who has been awarded this career service award for 2020!
This award is a small token of SPEA’s appreciation for all the hard work and dedication that Holly has given to her peers and the physical education community in the province of Saskatchewan and Canada. She is truly deserving of this very special award!
Congratulations! Retirement Wishes
Ms. Holly Stevens
Congratulations and best wishes to Holly Stevens as she retires from her position as Executive Director of SPEA. Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when someone such as Holly has been so instrumental and dedicated in the support and development of SPEA over the past many years. Over her time with SPEA, Holly was noted as a tireless and efficient worker who was relentless in her support of the SPEA Board, it's membership, and physical education. Her attention to detail and doing things right were traits that everyone came to rely on.
Holly’s career with SPEA can be summed up in this way. She always stood for what she believed in and what was right – but she took it one step further and it wasn’t what Holly said that set her apart – it st what she did! Her actions spoke volumes about her character and the SPEA organization.
We wish Holly all the best in the future with good health and happiness. Her family is very important to her and she is looking forward to spending quality time with her grand daughter and her extended family and friends. Thank you, sincerely, for your years of dedication and commitment to SPEA and physical education in the province of Saskatchewan.
Sincerely,
The Saskatchewan Physical Education Association (SPEA)
Congratulations and best wishes to Holly Stevens as she retires from her position as Executive Director of SPEA. Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when someone such as Holly has been so instrumental and dedicated in the support and development of SPEA over the past many years. Over her time with SPEA, Holly was noted as a tireless and efficient worker who was relentless in her support of the SPEA Board, it's membership, and physical education. Her attention to detail and doing things right were traits that everyone came to rely on.
Holly’s career with SPEA can be summed up in this way. She always stood for what she believed in and what was right – but she took it one step further and it wasn’t what Holly said that set her apart – it st what she did! Her actions spoke volumes about her character and the SPEA organization.
We wish Holly all the best in the future with good health and happiness. Her family is very important to her and she is looking forward to spending quality time with her grand daughter and her extended family and friends. Thank you, sincerely, for your years of dedication and commitment to SPEA and physical education in the province of Saskatchewan.
Sincerely,
The Saskatchewan Physical Education Association (SPEA)
Congratulations Dr. Humbert
Our congratulations go out to Dr. M. Louise Humbert of Saskatoon as 2020's recipient of the R. Tait Mackenzie Honour Award. She is cited by PHE Canada as: "an award-winning university educator whose career accomplishments and lifelong commitment to enhancing the quality of physical and health education for children and youth in Saskatchewan and beyond is meritorious in every way. Through her academic background, research skills and personality, Louise has been able to translate her many research findings so that PHE practitioners can understand the results and, most importantly, implement the recommendations appropriately. Through her research, teaching, administrative and professional leadership, Louise has demonstrated the professional ideals, service to humanity, and dedication to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of physical and health education, recreation, and dance."
Local Initiative Award Winner 2020
Ms. Twila Seeley – Good Spirit School Division
With a calm head, warm-heart and ambitious soul, Twila Seeley, school counsellor in Good Spirit School Division, has helped to transform the schools that she works in. As well as being a master at her duties as a counsellor, Twila goes above and beyond for the students that she serves. She has been the driving force that initiated Gay, Straight Alliances, an advocate for all, challenges normative thinking and keeps students needs at the forefront. Most recently, Twila created student advocate groups in both of the schools that she works in. In under a year, Twila has helped the students that make up these groups analyze needs, develop mandates, and gain youth mental health first aid training. At the end of November the two chapters worked together to plan and facilitate a mental health summit that involved four different schools. The summits purpose was to draw student’s attention to the impact social media has on mental health and arm them with strategies that both prevent issues and assist them in navigating through future challenges. The data that followed the summit has indicated a marked difference in the student’s perceptions and understanding. The above examples are a mere few of the many ways Twila has impacted the lives of the staff and students that she works with.
Congratulations Twila!
With a calm head, warm-heart and ambitious soul, Twila Seeley, school counsellor in Good Spirit School Division, has helped to transform the schools that she works in. As well as being a master at her duties as a counsellor, Twila goes above and beyond for the students that she serves. She has been the driving force that initiated Gay, Straight Alliances, an advocate for all, challenges normative thinking and keeps students needs at the forefront. Most recently, Twila created student advocate groups in both of the schools that she works in. In under a year, Twila has helped the students that make up these groups analyze needs, develop mandates, and gain youth mental health first aid training. At the end of November the two chapters worked together to plan and facilitate a mental health summit that involved four different schools. The summits purpose was to draw student’s attention to the impact social media has on mental health and arm them with strategies that both prevent issues and assist them in navigating through future challenges. The data that followed the summit has indicated a marked difference in the student’s perceptions and understanding. The above examples are a mere few of the many ways Twila has impacted the lives of the staff and students that she works with.
Congratulations Twila!
Local Initiative Award Winner 2020
Mr. Johnathan Sonntag – Miller Comprehensive School
Regina Catholic School Division
Johnathan Sonntag is in his 4th year of teaching with Regina Catholic Schools at Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School where he teaches Physical Education and Science. During his career he has coached hockey, volleyball, wrestling, track, and golf, and is a member of the grad committee and outdoor education club. He was a pilot teacher and resource evaluator for the updated Physical Education 20 and Physical Education 30 curriculums. He is currently working on his Masters Degree at the University of Regina in Curriculum and Instruction. Johnathan is also on the planning committee for the SPEA’s Student Leadership Experience. Johnathan is very deserving of this award and we him all the best!
Congratulations Johnathan!
Regina Catholic School Division
Johnathan Sonntag is in his 4th year of teaching with Regina Catholic Schools at Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School where he teaches Physical Education and Science. During his career he has coached hockey, volleyball, wrestling, track, and golf, and is a member of the grad committee and outdoor education club. He was a pilot teacher and resource evaluator for the updated Physical Education 20 and Physical Education 30 curriculums. He is currently working on his Masters Degree at the University of Regina in Curriculum and Instruction. Johnathan is also on the planning committee for the SPEA’s Student Leadership Experience. Johnathan is very deserving of this award and we him all the best!
Congratulations Johnathan!
Local Initiative Award Winner 2020
Saskatoon Public Schools' Move To Grow is a campaign to encourage students and families to pursue active transportation options (human powered methods of travel) such as walking or cycling, for travelling to and from school. The benefits are bigger than just physical health. We Move To Grow not only our bodies but also our brains, our independence, our mindset, our mental health, our mood, our family, our friendships, a safer community, a sustainable future, and so much more.
In schools, the Move To Grow campaign focuses on education to help students understand how they can safely travel to and from school. We know family life is busy and this won’t work for everyone every day. But with so much to gain, we hope families will make the investment of time to develop a new active and healthy habit.
Congratulations!
In schools, the Move To Grow campaign focuses on education to help students understand how they can safely travel to and from school. We know family life is busy and this won’t work for everyone every day. But with so much to gain, we hope families will make the investment of time to develop a new active and healthy habit.
Congratulations!
PHE Canada - Dr. Andy Anderson Young Professional Award Winner 2020
Ms. Julie Andrews – Churchill Community High School
Northern Lights School Division
Laronge, SK
Physical and Health Education Canada’s Dr. Andy Anderson Young Professional Award is a yearly award presented to one professional association that best epitomizes exemplary work on behalf of the physical and health education profession. Selection of the award recipient is made by the provincial association.
Andy was an incredible leader and had an enormous impact on the field of health and physical education. Throughout his career, he nurtured many leaders who continue to serve as champions and carry on his legacy in our profession today. The Dr. Andy Anderson Award will help to further recognize his significant contribution to the field.
Julie lives and teaches in Laronge. She lives an active lifestyle, promotes family wellness, and is always encouraging her students to be as active as they can be. She loves teaching outdoors and is noted throughout her community, school division, and the province as an advocate for land based and cultural instruction.
Julie is well respected in her community and an active member of the SPEA Board of Directors. She is part of the Follow Their Voices Program within her school and she leads with conviction, dignity, and respect. She is currently on the Physical Education 20 and 30 Implementation team and was also a member of the provincial reference committee, the writing team, and a pilot teacher.
Julie is a voice and role model for First Nation students and their well being in her school, the community, and the province. Her leadership and quiet confidence underlines her determination to stand for what is right and just. She is an ally and advocate for her students and is very supportive of their athletic and wellness pursuits.
Julie is currently working on her Masters degree through the University of Alberta. She resides in Laronge with her husband Gabe (who is also a teacher and high school football coach) and her two daughters, Amelia and Hedi. She is an excellent candidate and well deserving of this award!
Congratulations Julie!
Northern Lights School Division
Laronge, SK
Physical and Health Education Canada’s Dr. Andy Anderson Young Professional Award is a yearly award presented to one professional association that best epitomizes exemplary work on behalf of the physical and health education profession. Selection of the award recipient is made by the provincial association.
Andy was an incredible leader and had an enormous impact on the field of health and physical education. Throughout his career, he nurtured many leaders who continue to serve as champions and carry on his legacy in our profession today. The Dr. Andy Anderson Award will help to further recognize his significant contribution to the field.
Julie lives and teaches in Laronge. She lives an active lifestyle, promotes family wellness, and is always encouraging her students to be as active as they can be. She loves teaching outdoors and is noted throughout her community, school division, and the province as an advocate for land based and cultural instruction.
Julie is well respected in her community and an active member of the SPEA Board of Directors. She is part of the Follow Their Voices Program within her school and she leads with conviction, dignity, and respect. She is currently on the Physical Education 20 and 30 Implementation team and was also a member of the provincial reference committee, the writing team, and a pilot teacher.
Julie is a voice and role model for First Nation students and their well being in her school, the community, and the province. Her leadership and quiet confidence underlines her determination to stand for what is right and just. She is an ally and advocate for her students and is very supportive of their athletic and wellness pursuits.
Julie is currently working on her Masters degree through the University of Alberta. She resides in Laronge with her husband Gabe (who is also a teacher and high school football coach) and her two daughters, Amelia and Hedi. She is an excellent candidate and well deserving of this award!
Congratulations Julie!
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