outstanding alumni honoured at CBE awards dinner

outstanding alumni honoured at CBE awards dinner

MLA Kent Hehr with Pat Cochrane

The Calgary Board of Education Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner hosted by EducationMatters “inspired the hearts and minds” of everyone in attendance. The awards honoured two outstanding Calgary Board of Education alumn: the late Peggy Valentine and Retired Master Corporal Paul Franklin, both of whom have been selfless and driven to make a difference on local, national and international scales.

Guests of the awards were captivated by Paul Franklin’s address as he reflected upon his life and the many obstacles he overcame after the tragic suicide bombing that made him a double above-the-knee amputee. Modest and kind, Paul accepted his award not just for himself but on behalf of all Canadian and foreign soldiers that devote their time to help fight injustice, teach, and save lives.

Naomi Johnson, Calgary Board of Education Chief Superintendent of Schools and Pat Cochrane, Chair of The Calgary Board of Education’s Board of Trustees, spoke about the power of public education to shape tomorrow’s citizens and thanked the CBE Distinguished Alumni for being great role models for students who are our future leaders. A video showing a day in the life of Calgary Board of Education students reinforced that learning at the Calgary Board of Education is as unique as every student and that staff are committed to inspiring the hearts and minds of students.

Peter Valentine graciously accepted his late wife’s award. His touching words painted a beautiful picture of Peggy, her many accomplishments, inspiring commitment to education and her devotion as a teacher, mother, and community activist. His compassion and love for Peggy were evident to all as he expressed his deep gratitude to his family, friends and the CBE for posthumously recognizing her contributions and celebrating her lifetime of achievement and success.

Guests included past Calgary Board of Education distinguished alumni, future leader scholarship winners, CBE Trustees, MLAs, educators, community leaders, donors, volunteers, friends, sponsors and 40 enthusiastic students ambassadors representing Juno Beach Academy of Canadian Studies, Dr. E. P. Scarlett High School and Western Canada High School.