Erin was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“It is with great admiration and enthusiasm that I nominate Erin Piels for recognition. Erin is not only an exceptional educator but a deeply compassionate and driven individual whose impact reaches far beyond the walls of her classroom.

Erin consistently goes above and beyond to meet the diverse needs of all her students—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her unwavering dedication ensures that every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. Whether navigating complex behavioral challenges or tailoring instruction to individual learning needs, Erin does so with creativity, patience, and grace.

What truly sets Erin apart is her willingness to face any challenge head-on. No matter the circumstance, she approaches obstacles with a problem-solving mindset and an open heart. She doesn’t hesitate to think outside the box when traditional methods fall short, and her innovative approach often leads to powerful breakthroughs for both students and colleagues.

Erin is also a continuous learner. She is always reading, researching, and exploring best practices to grow as an educator. But she doesn’t stop there—she generously shares her knowledge with colleagues, offering ideas, resources, and thoughtful advice. Whether you’re struggling with a phonics concept or looking for new strategies to engage students, Erin is the first to offer her support and insight.

Beyond her expertise in teaching, Erin is a true humanitarian. She is passionate about human rights and social justice, and she weaves these values into her teaching and leadership roles within our school. Her advocacy, compassion, and leadership help create a more inclusive, equitable learning environment for everyone.

Erin is the kind of teacher every student deserves to have at least once in their life. Her classroom is a place of safety, encouragement, and excellence. The students lucky enough to be taught by her are truly blessed, and so are the colleagues who have the privilege of working alongside her.

I cannot think of a more deserving person for this nomination. Erin’s impact is profound and far-reaching, and I admire her deeply—not just as a professional, but as a human being.”

Sheri was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“As this school year comes to a close we prepare to say farewell to someone truly special, our amazing colleague and dear friend, Mrs. Sheri Mortimer. After a remarkable and inspiring career, Sheri is set to retire leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and unforgettable memories.

Sheri has always had a natural gift for teaching. Her classroom has been a place where learning comes alive, where students feel seen, valued, and excited to learn new things and grow. She has that rare ability to make every child believe in themselves, no matter where they start or what challenges they face in their lives and education. Her patience, encouragement, and unwavering belief in her students have made a lifelong difference in so many young lives.

Beyond the classroom, Sheri has been the heart and soul of our school community. She’s always the first to step up when a student is struggling, offering not only her expertise but also her time, energy, compassion, and care. Her commitment to her work is truly inspiring whether she’s planning a lesson, supporting a colleague, or spending her evening making batches of slime so kids can joyfully pour it on staff as part of a Terry Fox Fundraiser celebration (yes, that really happened—annually for years!).
One of Sheri’s most beloved traditions has been organizing our school’s annual Terry Fox Run. Year after year, she has poured her heart into making the event not just a fundraiser, but a joyful, school-wide experience that brings everyone together for an important cause and awareness. From fun challenges to creative incentives, Sheri has always found a way to motivate students to care deeply and get involved; and they do, because they see how much she cares so they care as well.

Sheri’s retirement is well earned. Mrs. Mortimer will be dearly missed at our school and within the community. Her laughter, warmth, tireless commitment, and consistent positive spirit has touched us all. She has left a mark on this school that won’t ever fade; we are all better educators and people for having worked alongside her for more than 31 years!”

Michael is a Teacher at Holy Cross CSS in Peterborough.

Michael was nominated by students, who said:

“Mr. Whibbs has been my technology teacher from grades 10 to 12, and throughout that time, he has been an incredible mentor and supporter. When I discovered an interest in architecture, he introduced me to design tools, guided me through learning them, and even helped me secure access to professional software. With his encouragement, I started a small design business, completed meaningful projects, and earned a scholarship to architecture school. Mr. Whibbs always puts his students first, tailoring projects to their interests and abilities. He challenges those with potential and finds creative ways to engage those who struggle. He creates a welcoming, supportive space where every student feels seen and heard. His dedication goes far beyond teaching—he inspires. That’s why I believe Mr. Whibbs is truly an Everyday Hero.”

“When it comes to reliability, easy to talk to, and going the extra mile, Mr. Whibbs stands out in every way. Mr. Whibbs is the kind of person who shows up a smile even on his bad days. He never seeks recognition, but his impact is felt everywhere, from the smallest gesture to major school-wide initiatives like setting up for masses and school celebrations. He is the first to lend a hand, offer a solution, or simply ask, “How can I help?” He exemplifies what it means to uplift others, and truly embodies the spirit of an Everyday Hero.”