Congratulations!

image by IITA Image Library, from Flickr

When we were at the Dufferin Youth Festival of the Arts earlier this month, the winners of this year's Award of Excellence in the Arts were announced.  This award celebrates exceptional commitment to the arts in our education community, which includes elementary and secondary schools from public, separate, and French boards; private schools; as well as homeschoolers.

Four awards will be presented this year:  two to teachers, and two to DYFA volunteers.  Mr. Doug McIlwain will be the recipient of one of this year's teacher awards.  Here's a quote from one of the people who nominated him for the award:

The job of music teacher at the secondary school level is a very busy, challenging and time consuming one requiring much patience and dedication. Doug McIlwain has shown these qualities time and time again and he exudes such continuing passion for music and for his role in the lives of the young people with whom he works ... My daughter and I share the utmost respect for Doug McIlwain as a music teacher and a person who demonstrates his love of music on a daily basis. I think he would be an excellent choice for the Award of Excellence in the Arts. (from the DYFA webpage)

Congratulations, Mr. McIlwain!!! On behalf of your vocal and instrumental music students, past and present; their parents; and your many admirers; I'd like to say thank you for your hard work and support for music at ODSS, in Dufferin, and at the DYFA!

The awards ceremony will take place on Wed., May 23, at 4pm, at Princess Margaret School. The other three nominees are: Joyce Turek who teaches at East Garafraxa Public School, and DYFA volunteers Kathy Ayliffe and Pam Claridge.  Congratulations to all award recipients!  We are all richer because of your dedication to the arts.