Those who went above and beyond in the field of education have been recognized at the National Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony held at the Arawak House of Culture on Tuesday.
The award ceremony is held every two years and is hosted by the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development.
There were several segments including Outstanding Primary School teacher (with 12 finalists), Outstanding Secondary School Teacher (with five finalists), Outstanding Principals in Primary school (with six finalists) and Outstanding Principals in Secondary school (with four finalists).
The winners of each segment are as follows:
-Most Promising Teacher of the Year Primary-Cornelia Bellot
-Most Promising Teacher of the Year Secondary-Delly Francis
-Outstanding Teacher of the Year Primary-Kisha Remy
-Outstanding Teacher of the Year Secondary-Samuel Owoeye
-Outstanding Principal of the Year Primary-Gretta Roberts
-Outstanding Principal of the Year Secondary-Celia Nicholas.
Plaques were also presented to outstanding schools in the following areas:
-Culture: Primary- St. Luke’s Primary School and Secondary-Pierre Charles
-Agriculture: Primary-St. Luke’s and Secondary-Isiah Thomas
-Sports: Primary-Wesley and Secondary-Portsmouth
-Innovation: Primary-Goodwill and Secondary-Portsmouth
-Visual and Performing Arts: Primary-Pioneer Prep and Secondary-Pierre Charles
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, President of the Dominica Teachers Association and winner of the Most Outstanding Principal of the Year (Secondary Schools) Celia Nicholas, said that although she does not look for rewards, she is pleased.
“Whenever we work and I always advise individuals, whenever you are performing your duty, whenever you are making a contribution you should never look for rewards because if the rewards do not come, you will get very bitter,” she said. “We are all God’s children and he has given us talents and he has given us work to do and we ought to do it. And of course like a human person when the crowning moments comes we do enjoy it and of course we haven’t got to forget in all the crowning moments our maker. Our Lord who put us on this earth to do something for him.”
She said it gives a sense of satisfaction to help people and she was especially touched when one of her past students who now live abroad came all the way from Marigot to slip her a congratulatory note.
Another Principal, Gretta Roberts of the Roseau Primary School, who won the award for the Most Outstanding Principal of the Year (Primary Schools) said she was “overwhelmed.”
“It is a great honour, honestly, to be recognized. It definitely shows that hard work pays off,” she stated. “It’s something I am always telling my students that when they work hard, success will come, and I am happy to set the example for them today.”
congratulations to all the educators but special congratulations to Mr Samuel owoeye of the Dominica grammar school for receiving the award for the most outstanding secondary school teacher of the year. you really deserve it. you are the best teacher that i know so congrats. this is coming from a 2014 grammar school graduate .
But we know what matters. Castle Bruce Secondary received the award for’ Most Student Friendly Environment and what no mention. That school is the happiest secondary school on the island. Suspension is almost unheard of. Parents look forward to send their children there and children love it there. Is it important to us at all that the schools our children attend make them wholesome. that secondary school has teachers who look out for students and as for the principal Mrs. Alfred she is not only a mother to our children she is also a mother to us those young parents.
CONGRATULATIONS CASTLE BRUCE SECONDARY AND TO YOU TO MISS DELLY FRANCIS. Let us continue to create a little paradise for our children to sit and learn it. Thank you
Congratulations to all! It’s nice to see positive news about the future of young people.
Congratulations to all awardees! Happy Teachers day to all teachers especially those children at the St. Mary’s Primary, St. Martins Primary , St. Mary’s Academy and at the Convent High School!
Congratulations to all the awardees. Good job and all the best for a brighter future.
Congrats educators. Keep up the inspiring work.
Congratulations to all the teachers and principals who were recognized for their outstanding performance and contribution to the field.
Congratulations to an exemplary principal, Mrs. Nicholas, known to her former students as Ma Joe… Glad for your reward…
Hope the plastic placques were accompanied by some money!!
I don’t get it. But why are Tertiary Teachers, that is, lecturers at DSC not included in the National Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony? They often are ingnored when discussions about education in Dominica arises.
Congrats to all the awardees and especially to Miss Pierre of RDPS. Keep on working hard, next time, with more support, you’ll win! May God continue to bless you my dear!
Well done teachers, stay proud our kids are tomorrows people.