The DundeeWealth Teacher of Inspiration 2011 Award Ceremony
Celebrating Teacher Chrissy Mohammed
On November 7 teachers and students assembled in the St. Johns Elementary School library in St. Jean-sur-Richelieu to celebrate the DundeeWealth Teacher of Inspiration, Chrissy Mohammed.
Principal Tim Mahoney warmly welcomed the Inspirations Newspaper team and introduced his vice principals Brad Morley and Vicky Roach, Riverside School Board (RSB) Commissioners Pierre D’Avignon and Pierre Chouinard and RSB Director General Sylvain Racette.
EMSB Assistant Director of Student Services and Consulting Editor of Inspirations Julie René de Cotret began with thoughts about the newspaperand the award. “Chrissy exemplifies everything that Inspirations is about,” she remarked. “ She is dedicated to providing the best possible education to children with special needs, is innovative in her classroom, and is a learner herself.”
This vision matches that of award sponsor DundeeWealth, whose culture of success focuses on collaboration and innovation. They actively contribute to a full range of health, education, arts, social welfare and community reinvestment activities, with a special focus on supporting at risk youth in Canada.
Colleen Lauzier, principal at St. Lawrence School, nominated Chrissy for the award. Lauzier emphasized the fact that while teaching during the day, Chrissy was working towards her Masters of Education full time. She explained, “The learning Chrissy did outside of school directly benefitted her students, myself and all of the other teachers because she certainly is one that is willing to share.”
Colleague and parent of one of Chrissy’s students, Veronique Lemay, shared an emotional tribute. “As a colleague – thank you for everything you’ve taught me. As a parent – thank you for everything you’ve taught me and everything you do for my daughter on a daily basis. And as a person – thank you, because I don’t think a better newspaper could have chosen a better person. You truly are an inspiration to me and to all of us who know you.”
There was a video presentation, in which students thanked Chrissy for so many things, including the “calm down chair,” being a good teacher, hugs, helping with problems, caring and making them feel special. Under the direction of music teacher Elizabeth Urbanowicz, the students also serenaded Chrissy with three songs. With sweet voices singing, “Tu es très unique, tu es magnifique, il n y a un autre comme toi,” there wasn’t a dry eye in the room! They also gave Chrissy cards and flowers.
Inspirations presented Chrissy with a hand-made chessboard from The Rosemont Technology Institute thanks to Principal Harry Michalopoulos, a $50 gift card courtesy of Tim Hortons, and movie passes courtesy of Cinémas Guzzo. Jason Goldsmith, founder of the Big Blue Hug, presented Chrissy with the painted glass gift “50 Smarties and a Fish.” He paralleled the message of this painting with Chrissy’s work: pushing hard, exceeding expectations and doing your best in order to achieve the needed results.
Chrissy thanked Inspirations and her colleagues, family and friends, sharing, “When I decided to go back for my Masters, it was something I really needed, not only for me, but for others. I see myself as a resource for others. Receiving this award is an honour.”
Sylvain Racette closed the ceremony stating, “You are truly a source of inspiration and I’m so glad I came all the way here to see you being celebrated! It’s touching, and reminds us of our mission. Congratulations to you Chrissy.
Special thanks to Nathalie Brault, Communications Consultant at RSB for organizing this event and her participation in the success of Inspirations. Thanks to Tim Mahoney, Linda Mahler, Tim Horton’s, Cinémas Guzzo, Rosemont Technology Institute, The Big Blue Hug, Heritage Television and Jordan Swift, and CTV News for their support.