Caregiver of Inspiration 2011 Award Ceremony
Celebrating Special Education Technician Sherri MacCallum
by Wendy Singer
Inspirations Newspaper recently honoured the 2011 Caregiver of Inspiration recipient Sherri MacCallum at Lakeside Academy in Lachine of the Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB). The ceremony, hosted by Principal Michelle Harper and staff, was attended by over 40 people.
After our editor Mike Cohen described the raison d’être for Inspirations, Principal Harper took the floor, sharing that MacCallum is Lakeside Academy’s inspiration. While holding back emotions, Harper told MacCallum, “I always think about you as mother earth. We all know that we can go down to Resource any time and you are there with a hug or a smile, embracing everyone. You are the embodiment of generosity and kindness. I believe that you make us all better people, teachers, administrators, commissioners, no matter what our role is, because of who you are and how that rubs off on everyone.”
MacCallum’s colleague Sandra Mill-Phillips added: “ We work in a most amazing department. The thing that binds it is patience and humour, and it is embodied right here. We’re so happy for you today. You couldn’t be more deserving.”
To applause and music, some 20 students slowly filed in, presenting MacCallum with a poster, individually hand-made cards, and an original rap performed by student Wazim Myer. MacCallum accepted each gesture with personal interaction, demonstrating the special relationships she has with each student.
Vice Principal of Rosemont Technology Institute Danica Lewington presented a beautiful hand-made bench, crafted by her students. MacCallum sunk into, expressing her gratitude. Special thanks to Principal of Rosemont Technology Harry Michalopoulos for sponsoring the award.
In my capacity as coordinator of operations for Inspirations I presented a $50 gift card from Tim Horton’s with a message from Tim Horton’s Regional Marketing Coordinator Patricia César congratulating MacCallum on her achievements and wishing her the best with her ongoing work.
Jason Goldsmith, founder of the Big Blue Hug autism awareness project, presented a stained glass painting titled “Together.” He explained, “This painting was chosen specifically for you, because what you do is bring people together.” Goldsmith demonstrated his son’s original drawings which form the basis of this painting, showing the evolution of thought and communication.
LBPSB Regional Director Dave Meloche spoke on behalf of the school board and the director of Complementary Services.“You’ve done so much Sherri,” he said. “You don’t only provide a voice, you allow students to grow their own voices. You are so deserving. Thank you for empowering these students to be so much more than many people thought they could be.”
Patrick Whitham, LBPSB Commissioner for Lachine provided concluding remarks to MacCallum, “Thank you for all the work you do for these students.”
MacCallum thanked her colleagues for nominating her and thinking she is deserving, saying, “I’m not nearly as good as I am by myself. It’s working with you guys that makes it easy for me every day.”
CTV will air a piece about MacCallum and the Resource Department at Lakeside Academy in June….stay tuned for details!
Nominations are now being accepted for ‘Teacher of Inspiration 2011’.
Special thanks to Daniella Scoppa, Communications Officer at LBPSB for organizing this event and her participation in the success of Inspirations, Michelle Harper for welcoming Inspirations to Lakeside Academy, Tim Horton’s, Rosemont Technology Institute, The Big Blue Hug, and CTV News for their support.