May 11-17 is Education Week – an annual opportunity to recognize educational excellence in Nova Scotia public schools. This year’s theme is Empowering Futures: Innovation in Education.  

The following are nomination submissions to help illustrate the positive impact award recipients have on their school communities. Please join us in congratulating this year’s Education Week award recipients for HRCE!

*Nominations may have been edited for length.
 

Teacher/Specialist Award

Alicia Hennessey 
Teacher, Lockview High

Alicia’s passion for environmental sciences is deeply rooted in her connection to Mi’kmaq culture and this is evident in every aspect of her teaching. Alicia partners with organizations like Brilliant Labs, GOMI, and the COVE Marine Innovation Hub to offer innovative and dynamic programming to students. Students tackle real-world environmental challenges and use innovative approaches to resolve them. Alicia expertly integrates fieldwork and lab experiences into her curriculum, often taking students on educational trips to local watersheds, the COVE, and Halifax Fine Arts labs. Her commitment to inclusivity is demonstrated by her dedication to Mi'kmaq education, as well as her piloting of the Netukulimk 12 course. Alicia is an outstanding teacher who is passionate about ensuring all students excel. 

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Rhonda McLean 
School Counsellor, St. Agnes Junior High  

Rhonda McLean is a champion of inclusivity and student empowerment. Through her We’re Not That Kind of School initiative, she and Child and Youth Care Practitioner, Skyler Pettipas, have transformed school culture, equipping students with the confidence and tools to stand up against discrimination, racism, homophobia, and transphobia. They have led workshops for staff and every homeroom, teaching students about the bystander effect, safe intervention, and the power of the phrase, "we’re not that kind of school," to disrupt harmful behaviour and foster inclusivity. Integrated with St. Agnes Speaks, the initiative uses micro-surveys and follow-ups to reinforce these essential skills. Its success has drawn interest from two junior highs and one high school in HRCE. Rhonda’s innovative approach has empowered students and staff to actively create a kinder, safer, and more inclusive school environment. 

Diana Hatchette 
Teacher, John Martin Junior High  

Diana ensures that every child feels valued, supported, and inspired. She successfully secured a $3,500 grant for art education, expanding opportunities for creative expression, but her impact doesn’t stop there — she literally stitches care into our school community, sewing clothes and jackets for students in need, ensuring no child goes without. Her art club is a lifeline for students who need a safe, encouraging space to express themselves. She cultivates creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, helping students build confidence and take ownership of their learning. Her humility and dedication are unmatched, and as a colleague, she has been an incredible mentor, especially for new teachers like me. Diana is not just an outstanding teacher — she is a force of compassion, innovation, and unwavering support. Her impact is immeasurable.  

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PSAANS Award 

Rosie Bona  
Principal, Rockingham Elementary 

Madame Bona, as she is affectionately called by the students, has made a remarkable transition after returning to our school after 18 years. Rosie's quiet yet significant influence has invigorated students, teaching staff, and non-teaching staff, fostering a positive environment at our school. She actively involves students and staff in decision-making processes, teaching older students to become leaders. Her dedication to the success of every student is evident as she greets them every morning, welcoming all students warmly. Throughout the day, Rosie is a visible presence in the school, conducting class visits and assisting at the canteen during recess, where she shares healthy snacks with the students. She also prepares engaging weekly video announcements to celebrate the achievements of both students and staff and keeping everyone informed about school events. Rosie's exemplary leadership truly deserves recognition. 
 

 

Early Childhood Educator Award

Peta-Gay Clarke
Lead Early Childhood Educator, Central Spryfield Elementary  

Peta-Gay has made a significant impact in promoting innovation in early childhood education by creating an engaging and dynamic learning environment. Using interactive play, storytelling, and hands-on activities, she encourages the children in her care to explore their world, sparking their creativity and curiosity. Her approach inspires children to take ownership of their learning and empowers them to contribute meaningfully to both the classroom and the world around them. She builds a strong foundation for creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, helping children grow into confident and engaged learners. She is a great asset to the Central Spryfield family.  

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Non-teaching School/Student Support Award

Kristin Welbourn  
Library Support Specialist, Bay View High 

Kristin has created and supported multiple programs in her school. She facilitated a jack.org program which resulted in a large and effective peer tutoring program and provided students with mentored prep time before exams as well as care packages during exam week. She fostered a relationship with the public library and local seniors' association to form a popular book club with students. Kristin manages social media accounts to engage students in their area of highest interest and engages students with an incredibly varied and equitable reading selection. Kristin finds imaginative ways to engage students in reading through contests and offers an engaging presentation that teaches students how to effectively use the library.  
 

African Nova Scotian/African Ancestry Educator/Student Support Award

Phillip Jackson 
African Nova Scotian Student Support Worker
Duc d’Anville Elementary / Clayton Park Junior High

Phillip has enriched our school community so much! Under his guidance, in our school’s first ever African Heritage Month kick-off evening event, students wrote and performed poetry, sang songs and choreographed dances for a full gymnasium! Whether encouraging a love of science through Imhotep's Legacy to taking kids to the Oval to skate for the very first time, Phillip encourages students to be engaged and active participants in their learning journey. With kindness, patience, wisdom and love, he instills students with confidence, determination and resilience to follow their educational aspirations and reach for their dreams! He is one of the most remarkable, generous-hearted people you will ever meet, and very much deserves recognition for all the lives he has touched and made better! 
 

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Mi’kmaq/Indigenous Educator/Student Support Award

Matthew Hughson 
Mi’kmaw/Indigenous Student Support Worker Sackville High / Leslie Thomas Junior High   

The dedication and passion that Matthew brings to his work is truly exceptional. By advocating for Indigenous education, representation, and equity, he inspires both students and colleagues to create a more inclusive and respectful learning environment. Matthew always presents dynamic ways for his students to thrive via his promotion of culture, language, academics, and heritage. He collaborates with families, elders, colleagues, and community to bridge the gap between education and Indigenous ways of being and knowing through cultural events, workshops and presentations. He enriches the lives of his Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners alike, which makes him irreplaceable to our schools and community.