Awards Gala

O’Canada

Masters of Ceremonies - Nancy Madsen & Kristen McGowan

Message from the Board of Education - Travis Neufeld

Message from Director of Education - Jennifer Williamson

Cocktails

6:00 pm

Supper

7:00 pm

Awards

8:00 pm

Dance

Featuring - One Cent Melon

9:00 - 11:00 pm

Barb Albers - Educational Assistant - Ernie Studer School

Kathy Allen - Bus Driver - Glaslyn

Tiffany Baynes - Educational Assistant - Turtleford School

Trudy Buchner - Bus Driver - Pierceland Central School

Rhonda Cammidge - Educational Assistant - Maidstone High School

Tara Canfield - Wellness Coordinator - Hillmond Central & Paradise Hill School

Erin Carson-Marsh - Teacher - Jonas Samson Middle School

Tara Carter - Vice Principal - Jubilee Elementary School

Courtnee Volk - Teacher - Marshall School

Jennifer Dileone - Family Advocate - Jonas Samson Middle School

Pam Downie - Teacher - Neilburg Composite School

Angie Evans - Educational Assistant - Hillmond Central School

Carleen Fehr - Supervisor of Accounting - Meadow Lake Office

Carson Gray - Maintenance Assistant - Turtleford Shop

Giselle Hanson-Preece - Teacher - Lakeview Elementary School

Kaylee Herzberg - Teacher - Lashburn High School

Carrie Klassen - Educational Assistant - Green Acre School

Kennedy Lundberg - Speech-Language Pathologist - Turtleford Office

Charles Marsh - IT Service Technician - Meadow Lake Office

Trent Marsh - Teacher - Carpenter High School

Sarah Rempel - Library Technician - J.H. Moore Elementary School

Megan Rhinehart - Educational Assistant - Ratushniak Elementary School

Brooke Ross - Teacher - Ratushniak Elementary School

Ashley Sereda - Educational Assistant - Jubilee Elementary School

Melissa Stacey - Educational Assistant - Pierceland Central School

Gayetan Stobee - Bus Driver - Lashburn

Jade Wallace - Teacher - J.H. Moore Elementary School

Emily Walso - Teacher - Neilburg Composite School

Nicole Waugh - Bus Driver - Ernie Studer School

Jenna Wells - Teacher - Hillmond Central School

Trevor Whelan - Facilities Coordinator - Turtleford Office

Kevin Wilson - Educational Assistant - Neilburg Composite School

Jennifer Blais - School Counsellor - Turtleford Office

Shea Boggust - Teacher - Ratushniak Elementary School

Emma Cey - Educational Psychologist & School Counsellor - South Office

Kimberley Ducherer - Bus Driver - Maidstone

Cindy Jullion - Teacher - H. Hardcastle School

Elise Kaltenborn - Teacher - Ratushniak Elementary School

Janice Lay - Bus Driver - Lloydminster

Kristen Luster - Teacher - Carpenter High School

Michelle Martodam - Administrative Assistant - Jonas Samson Middle School

Mallorey Moberly - Teacher - Jubilee Elementary School

Kandice Pylypow - Educational Assistant - Glaslyn Central School

Stephanie Rozka - Head Caretaker - Hillmond Central School

Jennifer Rutherford - Teacher - Marshall School

Jesse Sawka - Teacher - Jubilee Elementary School

Kylah Smith - Bus Driver - Meadow Lake

Tara-Lynn Vance - Educational Assistant - Pierceland Central School

Stacy Weibel - Wellness Coordinator - Gateway Middle School

Dawn Chartrand - Bus Driver - Turtleford

Daniel Cheesman - Vice Principal - Lashburn High School

Katherine Guigon - Teacher - Paradise Hill School

Derek Eftoda - Teacher - Carpenter High School

Seleste Eftoda - Student Services Coordinator - Meadow Lake Office

Melissa Goodfellow - Assistant Caretaker - Lashburn High School

Jodie Jeannotte - Teacher - St. Walburg School

Caitlin Kozloski - Teacher - Carpenter High School

Linda Laursen - Teacher - Pierceland Central School

Meagan Mannix - Teacher - Turtleford School

Brandi McNay - Bus Driver & Ed. Assistant - Lashburn & Marshall School

Jana Ross - Teacher - Gateway Middle School

Melissa Scrivener - Teacher - Carpenter High School

Brad Villeneuve - Maintenance Assistant - Meadow Lake Shop

Melissa Winter - Bus Driver - Hillmond

Karen Young - Administrative Assistant - Paradise Hill School

Berta Beaubien - Bus Driver - Meadow Lake

Meagan Beck - Speech-Language Pathologist - Meadow Lake Office

Ed Bettschen - Contracted Caretaker - Ernie Studer School

Rebecka Bloom - Teacher - Turtleford School

Brande Erickson - Teacher - Neilburg Composite School

Bobbi Greedus - Ed. Assistant & Bus Driver - Lakeview Elementary School

Geoffrey Haacke - Teacher - Pierceland Central School

Shaun Hart - Teacher - Hillmond Central School

Charmaine Hicks - Principal - Glaslyn Central School

Catherine Kirk - Teacher - Pierceland Central School

Terri Leer - Educational Assistant - Paradise Hill School

Douglas Millie - Teacher - Goodsoil Central & Pierceland Central School

Tyson Mutch - Teacher - Gateway Middle School

Adele Muzyka - Teacher - St. Walburg School

Kerry Olson - Administrative Assistant - Maidstone High School

Krista Omusula - Speech-Language Pathologist - Meadow Lake Office

Denis Ouellette - Head Caretaker - Glaslyn Central School

Lisa Perkins - Principal - Neilburg Composite School

Brenda Pollock - Activities Coordinator - Lakeview Elementary School

Jacqueline Preddy - Teacher - St. Walburg School

Kim Stonehouse - Educational Assistant - Ratushniak Elementary School

Scott Thompson - Teacher - Jubilee Elementary School

Tanya Walter - Educational Assistant - Hillmond Central School

Jodine Wiebe - Teacher - Turtleford School

Gene Andersen - Teacher - Lakeview Elementary School

Sheryl Bellegarde - Teacher - Green Acre School

Angela Ellis - Principal - Gateway Middle School

Tamie Moir - Educational Assistant - Neilburg Composite School

Sheri Reinhardt - Teacher - Pierceland Central School

Renee Scherr - Staff Assistant - Lakeview Elementary School

Craig Borschowa - Contracted Caretaker - Carpenter High & Jonas Samson

Jennifer Dorval - Superintendent of Student Services - Turtleford Office

Shirley Gerstenhofer - Executive Administrative Assistant - Meadow Lake Office

Christie Kotzer-Milne - Teacher - Turtleford School

Debbie Sten - Educational Assistant - Lakeview Elementary School

Lori Wiltermuth - Library Technician - Ratushniak Elementary School

Gwen Holloway - Ed. Assistant & Assistant Caretaker - H. Hardcastle School

Margaret Auringer - Bus Driver - Maidstone

Sandra Sutherland - Bus Driver - Maidstone

Brad Arnott - Teacher - Ernie Studer School

Albert Brookes - Maintenance Foreman - Meadow Lake Shop

Eleanor Brookes - Accounting Clerk - Meadow Lake Office

Jean Conlon - Supervisor of Accounting - Meadow Lake Office

Trina Deobald - Teacher - H. Hardcastle School

Richard Hartley - Bus Driver - Turtleford School

Linda Kunkel - Educational Assistant - Carpenter High School

Glenda McAleer - Educational Assistant - J.H. Moore Elementary School

William McAmmond - Bus Driver - Meadow Lake

Curtis Paylor - Teacher - Carpenter High School

Andrea Pearson - Teacher - Carpenter High School

Daryl Pearson - Principal - Jonas Samson Middle School

Allison Powell - Teacher - Paradise Hill School

Kylie Robb - Teacher - Maidstone High School

Jana Thompson - Administrative Assistant - Hillmond Central School

Jill Watson - Bus Driver - Neilburg Composite School

Marie Wolgien - Library Technician - Lashburn High School

Teacher, Ernie Studer School

Maintenance Foreman, Meadow Lake Shop

Donna, along with her husband and two children, moved to Marshall in 1984, where they planted roots and became active members of the community. She began her library career in 1986, working at the Town Library. In 1989, she was hired as the part-time librarian for Marshall School while continuing her work at the Town Library. In 2006, she transitioned to a full-time position at Marshall School and, after 20 years of service, resigned from her role at the Town Library.

Over her 36 years at Marshall School, Donna witnessed many changes. She had the opportunity to teach library classes, which evolved into computer classes and eventually coding classes. She managed a wide range of computer programs including Follett, Mathletics, Accelerated Reader, Lexia, tiny robots, Scratch, and Tinkercad, while also serving as the go-to person for technical issues throughout the school.

Donna has deeply enjoyed her time at Marshall School and now looks forward to retirement, where she plans to focus on perfecting her quilting skills.

Principal, Ernie Studer School

Brad Freyman’s journey in education began in Maidstone, where he attended K-12 before pursuing his Bachelor of Education at the University of Saskatchewan. His teaching career took him to Canoe Lake for two years, followed by seven years at Makwa Sahgaiehcan, and 22 years at Ernie Studer School. Over his 31-year career, Brad served as a school administrator for 28 years—9 as a Vice Principal and 19 as a Principal.

He has taught a bit of everything from Psychology 30 to Kindergarten boys learning proper urinal etiquette, but his heart has always been with Grades 7-12- both Physical Education and Career Education. His fondest memories include building relationships with students and staff, guiding high school students in planning their futures, leading canoe trips in outdoor education, and dedicating countless hours to extracurricular activities—especially coaching, including his own children.

Though he has no definitive plans for retirement, Brad looks forward to spending more time golfing, fishing, hunting, traveling, and chasing after his grandkids. And don’t be surprised if you still see him around the school, subbing, and coaching for a few more years!

Director of Education, Meadow Lake Office

Duane was raised in Allan, SK, and graduated in 1988. He pursued post-secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a Bachelor of Education. His teaching career began in Perdue, Saskatchewan, where he had the opportunity to teach a wide range of classes from Kindergarten through Grade 12. He especially cherished his time coaching volleyball, badminton, track, and outdoor education.

Early in his career, Duane stepped into school leadership as a Principal, eventually moving to St. Walburg to take on the role at a new school that offered many rewarding teaching and coaching opportunities.

The final chapter of his career was spent as the Director of Education for the Northwest School Division, a role he held for 15 years. The transition from Principal to Director was made possible through strong mentorship, a supportive Board, and an exceptional team.

Throughout his career, Duane found fulfillment in coaching, supporting students in achieving their best, and developing a staff wellness program. He feels fortunate to have worked alongside skilled, dedicated professionals who care deeply about students. He credits any success in his career to the unwavering support of colleagues and family—especially his wife, Michelle, who encouraged him to pursue opportunities and embrace new challenges.

In retirement, Duane looks forward to spending more time outdoors, traveling—particularly during the winter—and returning to the classroom as a substitute teacher, happily leaving the meetings behind. He extends his heartfelt thanks for the support he has received throughout his career.

Principal, Goodsoil Central School

Karen Hofer grew up in Meadow Lake. After high school, she attended the University of Saskatchewan, completing her Bachelor of Education. Karen began her teaching career in 1989 at Jonas Samson teaching ELA, physical education, and health.

In 1992, Karen married Russ and relocated to Goodsoil commuting to Meadow Lake for several years. In 1997, Karen taught grade 3 at Jubilee School before joining Goodsoil School in 1999.

In 2007, Karen became Vice Principal and later Principal in 2018. Throughout her career, Karen also dedicated many years to coaching sports such as volleyball, badminton, curling, and track and field.

Karen looks forward to spending time with her two granddaughters, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Teacher, Pierceland Central School

Susan is very proud to have been and raised on the east coast, Saint John, New Brunswick. She attended the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton campus and graduated in 1985. She began her teaching career in Black Lake, SK, teaching grade one for two years. After getting married in 1989, she taught grade one for three years at Ministikwan First Nation, south of Pierceland.

Pierceland Central School was her next stop for 33 years, teaching a variety of combinations of Kindergarten to grade two until her retirement. It has been a wonderful career. Many staff members are like family to her.

A highlight of her career has been meeting so many students and then later reconnecting with them. The 100th Day of School is always a great memory, so ‘Let’s eat cake!’

In her retirement, Susan and her husband will do some travelling and enjoy life to the fullest.

Teacher, H. Hardcastle School

Lorne grew up in Belbutte, Saskatchewan, and attended Medstead Central School from Kindergarten through Grade 12. After graduating in 1990, he went on to complete his Bachelor of Education at the University of Saskatchewan in 1995. During his time at university, he met his future wife, Tracy, and got engaged on the same day he accepted his first teaching position.

Lorne began his teaching career in 1995 with the Turtleford School Division, taking a temporary contract at H. Hardcastle School in Edam. That opportunity turned into a 30-year career—every year spent at H. Hardcastle School. He feels deeply grateful to have both taught and raised his family in Edam.

One of the highlights of his career was helping to coach his oldest son’s volleyball team to a 2A provincial title—a memory he will always cherish.

As he heads into retirement, Lorne looks forward to spending quality time with his wife and children. His plans include traveling, fishing, hunting, golfing, and possibly working part time.

Teacher, Marshall School

Gwen was born in Neilburg. She lives in her great-grandparent’s 107-year-old house in which she was raised. Her early years were spent on the ranch with Arabian horses, imported Charolais and Maine Anjou cattle.

She graduated from the University of Calgary where she rock climbed, kayaked, ran track and played lacrosse. A three-month wilderness course in Clearwater B.C. sealed Gwen’s love for adventure.

She has held teaching positions in Lloydminster, Onion Lake, Neilburg, and Carmacks, Yukon. For the last 19 years, Gwen has taught at Marshall School.

Her career highlights include attending NWSD culture camps for over 10 years, watching students overcome their fears on adventurous class trips, and understanding that kids cannot learn unless they can trust. The most recent highlight was being honoured with the Saskatchewan Inclusive Education Teacher of the Year Award in 2024.

In retirement, Gwen plans to garden, trail ride, get her level one ski instructor certificate, put kids on horses, and travel “off to great places... (Her) mountain is waiting”. (Dr. Seuss)

Principal, H. Hardcastle School

Darren grew up in Turtleford, SK, and pursued post-secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan. Following graduation, he began his teaching career at Peepeekisis Pesakastew School, where he taught for three years. He then accepted a position in Cando, teaching there for two years before moving to Edam, where he has spent the past 26 years of his career.

During his time in Edam, Darren has taught Physical Education, High School English, and a variety of Middle Years courses. He has served the school community in multiple roles, including classroom teacher, Vice Principal, and currently as Principal.

Among the many memorable moments in his career, one that stands out is a Grade 12 outdoor education canoe trip to Grey Owl’s cabin at Kingsmere Lake, which ended with the group being helicoptered out due to challenging weather and canoeing conditions.

As he looks ahead to retirement, Darren plans to finish work on the retirement home he and his family are building at Turtle Lake.

Superintendent of Schools, South Office

Aaron began his 32-year career in education in 1993 with the Lloydminster Catholic School Division as an enthusiastic Physical Education teacher working with over 300 elementary students. He became Vice-Principal of Father Gorman Community School in 1998 and Principal in 2005. In 2010, he joined the Northwest School Division as Superintendent, a role he held for 15 years. His time in leadership flew by, shaped by the challenges of global events like 2020 and the joys of raising four active children.

Originally from Carrot River, Saskatchewan, Aaron moved to Saskatoon after high school to attend the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a Bachelor of Education. While at university, he met his wife, Rebecca. They married in 1994 and raised their family in and around Lloydminster, eventually settling on an acreage.

Family has always been Aaron’s motivation. He and Rebecca have traveled across North America to support their children’s academic and athletic pursuits—memories they hold dear. As he steps away from the education sector, he looks forward to more freedom to be present for his family’s milestones—without needing to consult the school calendar.

Aaron has valued his 15 years with LEADS, forming lasting friendships and learning from incredible colleagues. While he will miss the daily connections, he is ready to pass the baton and embrace the next chapter of his journey.