Red Deer and community, you did it!
You nominated over 20 teachers and Paige Koster Photography have surprised 2 top teachers with purchasing their Amazon Wish List. Special thanks to The Grills family and Florae for contributing to this great event.
Now, it’s your turn to help.
You can view the list of nominated teachers, and click the link to their wish lists and purchase an item or two.
If you don’t see a link, that teacher hasn’t responded to our emails (feel free to reach out to them and let them know they’ve been nominated!)
Here are our Wish List Winners.
These teachers have had their wish list fully purchased as a thank you for all they do! Ps. As a winner you can head over to Florae and she has a little plant surprise for you.
Janine England - Janine is absolutely amazing! My daughter was diagnosed last August with hearing loss and Janine went above and beyond for her this last year. She spent countless hours researching hearing loss, hearing aids, FM systems, the best place for a child to sit, everything you can think! During the covid shut down, Janine was so helpful with her and on days I wasn't able to get her work done or my daughter was just having an off day- Janine would come to our house and do a "socially distant visit" to check up and lift my daughters spirit. She would bring popsicles, homemade cards, positive notes and treats. My daughter is now moving to a different grade and Janine is STILL going above and beyond for her! She is setting up tech requests for her FM system, constantly reminding her new teacher about her hearing loss and explaining it. On top of doing everything for my daughter, she is buying each kid in her class "activity bags" for free time, and making musical instruments for each kid to have for the year out of her own pocket! Janine is one of the kindest people I have ever met and so deserves to get everything on her wish list! Thank you :)
Kris Bill - This teacher works with more challenging students that need more work. Those students that come to school and pick fights with others, that most would see as bullies. She takes those kids and teaches them the better ways to channel those emotions they feel. She’s gone home at the end of the day with bruises from a student hitting her, where she has taken it, calmed the child down, and then talked them through the issue.
During the summer with schools shut down she’s been known to check in with those challenging students, where she knows their home life might not be the best. She is truly the type of teacher that CARES about her students.
All Nominated Teachers & Links to Wish List
Jaimee Boake
Wish List: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/3DZX8Z94301KZ?ref_=wl_share
Nomination by Taryn S: She is the most selfless teacher out there, always taking care of our students as she is our student council coordinator. Please bless this teacher, she is so deserving.
Shannon Cyr
Wish List: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/1495XYC67Q1OF?ref_=wl_share
Nomination by Lauren C: Shannon is the most patient and caring person I know. She works with kids with many different behavioural and learning issues.
Geoff McRorie
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Brittney D: They say people will forget what you wore, forget what you said, but will never forget the way they made you feel. That couldn’t be more true for Mr. McRorie. Although I believe he is more of a school counsellor now, he was my home room teacher in Grade 8 and still holds teacher status. He wouldn’t remember me anymore I’m sure, but I remember him. Grade 8 is a tough year. You’re the ruler of the middle school, but about to be the baby of high school. A year full of changes to come and high emotions. Mr. McRorie made class so fun, that you didn’t even realize how much you were learning along the way. He talked about his wife and two sons often, making our classroom feel like a family, a safe haven from problems at home and problems at school. Middle school was rough for me. And I was starting to realize my best friends might not be the best of friends for me. I remember him holding me back at the door before lunch one day and he told “You know they’re not that cool right? Being smart is cool. Being confident is cool. Being athletic is cool. All the things that make you you, are cool.” And we never really spoke about it again. But I’ve thought about it often, a decade later. I didn’t have parents who looked out for me or even knew my friends. I felt alone and like nobody noticed me one way or another. But he noticed. He was the person I needed at the time. And I think that’s what makes a great teacher. Lasting impacts on a persons life. That short chat we had (and several others) impact the way even now that I value myself, relationships around me, and the way I parent. One of my favourite quotes is “True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are. It requires you to be who you are” and I think that’s what Mr. McRorie embodies.
Bernie Dowhan
Wish List: Mr. Dowhan is all set, and thanks you for his nomination.
Nomination by Angel R: Mr. Dowhan always goes and beyond. From running for city council to help his community, to volunteering for community sports leagues as coach, to helping those who struggle academically learn the way they learn rather than learn the way the teacher teaches. When Covid-19 hit, we really saw Mr. Dowhan's strengths strike! He was able to engage each of his students by getting down on their level even though it was being done virtually. The kids were into TikTok? So he made some videos on tiktok. The kids played video games so he found a way to integrate Aztek learning with videos, an online game, arts, etc. He pays attention to what goes on around him and uses that information to help engage the kids in learning. He also keep the parents informed once a week via email and if the parents want to communicate more by email he welcomes it because it shows that they are engaged in their child's learning as well. I can't say enough great things about Bernie Downhan. A truly fantastic person and teacher.
Shalene Rascher
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Lindsay J: I am nominating Shalene as she has been my kids teacher for the past 3 years at Westpark Elementary. She is an incredible teacher, and an incredible person. She has always been there to help my kids through everything. When Covid hit she was so great meeting with my daughter for reading, even stopping by with care packages and just to say hello. She goes above and beyond for everyone ❤❤❤.
Ashley Seida
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Denay O: She is just an amazing Kindergarten teacher, she loves and adores each and every student she teaches. She worked real hard from Mar until June this year to insure that all of her students were able to continue their year in Kindergarten. She supported and encourage all her students to do their best. My sons class was full of many challenging learners and she was able to keep them engaged and ready to move on to Grade one! Ashley has an amazing spirit and love of teaching her young learners.
Mrs. Wilkie & Mrs. Ellams (they co-taught)
Wish List: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/CMBSV6ZLDSD7?ref_=wl_share
Nomination by Sophia M: Both these teachers were incredibly caring, patient, and kind throughout the year. They truly embodied everything you hope for an elementary teacher and went above and beyond.
Ashley Phillips
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Alyson: Ashley is such an amazing teacher. She made the transition from French immersion to English such a breeze for my little girl. Always going the extra step to help out and be involved with her students. She took on the new role of “Online teaching” during COVID like a champ and made it so enjoyable for my daughter. Our whole family loves Miss. Phillips and I think she deserves this Amazon wish list contest more than anyone. She’s a rockstar and I wish every child could have her for a teacher as some point!
Reanna Grandfield
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Courtney S: Mrs. Grandfield develops relationships with her kiddos like no other! She teaches Grade 1 but has gotten to know and love my daughter like her own child for the past 3 years while my daughter was in PreK1 & 2, as well as Kindergarten. She goes out of her to make my daughter feel loved and seen as a child with special needs. She sees all children as capable and let’s them know it on a daily basis. teacher.
Mallory Lussier
Wish List: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/2ZV69P7WBI6UG/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3?_encoding=UTF8&type=wishlist
Nomination by Maureen M: Mrs. Lussier was a full time teacher/counsellor at Notre Dame high school until June 2020 when her position was cut due to budget constraints because of COVID 19. She had spent many hours assisting students in need from suicide watches at the hospital to counselling through family turmoil as well as teaching life skills to immigrant families. She was able to secure a full time position as a brand new Grade 4/counsellor at St. Elizabeth Seton School and has spent several hours and personal funds to try to brighten up a bare and stark classroom and counselling office in an older facility within Red Deer Catholic system. She is most deserving of the assistance being offered by your business. Kudos to you for such a generous offer.
Shauna Wing Mappin
Wish List:https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/1495XYC67Q1OF?ref_=wl_share
Nomination by Kim E: She's passionate about her job, stressing and asking for help to get supplies into her classroom because there won't be any sharing this year. She knows that there are students who struggle and has an amazon wishlist started. Among large struggles in her personal life, she's a wonderful mom to her toddler son and really could use some extra right now.
Charlotte McElroy
Wish List: Please contact her directly as her needed items are not available via amazon : CMcElroy@psd70.ab.ca
Nomination by Virgina B: Charlotte teaches Early Ed. Her program has been drastically cut by the loss of PUF funding. My son is a graduate of her class. Thanks to her he is walking and talking and defying medical projections. When we all had to switch to online learning she did it skillfully and gracefully (not easy with 3 and 4 year olds). Now she is facing a new challenge with less resources and at high risk to herself (3 and four year olds do not social distance). She teaches with all her heart...and even visited my son in the Stollery. No one deserves thus more....
Paetra Van Kammen
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Miranda: I’m nominating her because he’s amazing and worked so well with my special needs adopted son. He has a heart of gold and is kind loving appropriate creative and patient with all her students.
Shae Fedorak
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Devin S: Shae entered her first year as a teacher moving from the city to a tiny village 2 hours away. Shae puts her heart into everything. Her job is her life. She coaches all the sports, is the athletic director and runs the student union. Shae blew my mind teaching virtually grades 7-9 and continues to blow my mind. She is a dedicated and passionate teacher who makes funky shirts for every occasion and recently out of her pocket made custom masks for all her colleagues and students. She amazes me.
Kasey Graham
Wish List: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/1G9DIMGOW2DOA?ref_=wl_share
Nomination by Kristi G: 2019/2020 was my sisters first year of teaching. She was fortunate enough to get a job right out of school and close to home. Of course she was nervous, teaching grade 7 would be terrifying! There were so many days should would call me crying asking if she was doing an okay job. Then COVID hit, being a new teacher was hard enough but to bring on the new challenges and struggles of trying to teach at home; I truly and honestly commend her. She’s was the students safe haven. She was the one her students could count on, and her not being able to physically comfort them was a struggle for her and her students. She always went over and beyond for all of her students. She even made little personalized braclets and dropped them off at every single students house, she wanted them to know she was there. She is such a strong and inspirational person, and she touches everyone she meets. Not only do I love her because she’s my baby sister, I love her because of the difference she makes. I love you Kasey and I am so proud of the powerful women you are.
Carlyn Lapointe
Wish List: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/CZXHERA81UWZ?ref_=wl_share
Nomination by Courtney: She puts all the students in her class first!! She goes the extra mile for all the kids in her class and spends her own time developing each student. She is the best and deserves this!!
Cassie Siebenga
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Chelsea: Cassie has a bachelor of education and is extremely passionate about all children, over the last few years she turned to running classrooms in daycares as her calling to be able to help other day care coworkers do their best and make sure all the littles have a fantastic day! She is often telling me all the great ideas and fun little purchases she makes for the kids. She is also a mom to 3 boys as well as a wife, Cassie is a true gift to have in my life and all the other lives she touches with her positive attitude and warm personality.
Ms. Reid
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Alicia E: Ms Reid, she is a amazing teacher that always made sure we got the help we needed . She Makes sure the class works well and is fair with everyone. She made sure everyone got the help they need even and where they need it and when she’s got others to help. Many of us loves Ms Reid , she makes us all feel equal And yet we are all important to her.
Victoria Keays
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Amy T: My daughter is diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. She has brain damage that occurred before she was born. She is also Indigenous and was adopted from birth. This little girl faces many challenges but Miss Keays was a shining light in her life last year in kindergarten. She always looked for the positive as reached out for any and all advice and tips to help make our daughter’s days better. Thankfully we will have the pleasure of having her in our life again this year and I couldn’t be happier. She is such a special teacher.
Frank Knaggs
Nomination by Greg P: I am nominating Mr. Knaggs because he showed me I had a passion for something I didn’t know I liked. In grade 9 I had to select a few elective courses and I chose family studies because I enjoyed cooking and sewing. The class was full so I was dumped in the auto shop class. Yuck! I hate being dirty. What he did for myself and the other students in the class was find their strengths and cater to them, developing a unique way of teaching that focused on the kids. He always brought a great sense of humour and instilled in me, “The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask” and “Don’t be too shy to ask a question because if your don’t understand something, there’s a very good chance someone else doesn’t either”. What I discovered was I really did enjoy working with my hands, learning how things work, building/fixing just about anything, and I really didn’t mind getting dirty after all. I found a true passion for motive power and continued with his shop classes until I graduated in OAC (Grade 13). He helped two of my friends uncover their passion as well, one of whom went on to be a helicopter mechanic for the Canadian Coast Guard, the other is now a lead mechanic for Caterpillar. Mr. Knaggs was always known as the teacher with the Corvettes as he owned three at one point; a 1966, 1973 and a 1993. Frank and I remained friends long after I left high school and it broke my heart when I found out he had passed in 2016. Though he’s no longer with us, I feel he is deserving of a nomination nonetheless.
Jasmine Pelham
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Amanda L: She is a hard working teacher. She buys gifts for the kids out of her own money to make them feel special on their birthdays. She’s always looking for new ways to teach the kids.
Alex Dennis
Wish List: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/317GOPPSRN3WX/?ref_=lol_ov_le&filter=default&sort=default&viewType=list&fbclid=IwAR0UL7pdGvhj-d5UG753ro0GgoiGyyMDxR0QFewkdRmVbRng07sLD3LeSf8
Nomination by Lori D: Not only is she an all around great human she is the greatest teacher. Leaving her baby to go back into the classroom is hard but she loves her students so she had to go back. She goes above and beyond purchasing much out of her own pocket and donating so much of her free time. There isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for the 25 kiddos in her class.
Raylene Wimberley
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Tanisyn B: She is my sister and is the most incredible person I know. She is my best friend, an amazing mom, and an extremely inspiring educator! She is constantly making sure everyone around her is taken care of, and she often does this at the expense of her own needs. She deserves the world!
Marie Krushelnicki
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Alyssa C: Mrs. K is an amazing teacher and is so deserving of everything! Every time I would mention to anyone Mrs.k was Olivias teacher they all said “oh I love Mrs.k she is the best” and it’s true! She really is the best! She is kind and caring. She was amazing through our adventures of online learning with COVID and we are sad our in person school year was cut short with her. I hope Mrs. k is really considered for this nomination because we couldn’t have asked for a better teacher for Olivia! Thanks!
Mrs. Martin
Wish List: N/A
Nomination by Saegan: She is at dawe school and I am unsure of her email. She has gone above and beyond for not only my daughter but my full family. She was very support before covid as I just had a baby and once covod hit she was always checking in. She is truly one of the greatest teachers and is there in more wY then a parent could wish.
Melissa Burton
Wish List: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/317GOPPSRN3WX/?ref_=lol_ov_le&filter=default&sort=default&viewType=list&fbclid=IwAR0UL7pdGvhj-d5UG753ro0GgoiGyyMDxR0QFewkdRmVbRng07sLD3LeSf8
Nomination by Christine: Melissa has done so much for my kids in the years we’ve known her. She taught my daughter Kindergarten and grade 2, and my son kinder, grade 1 and grade 2. Both kids are going to grade 4 and 5 this year and even when they didn’t have her as a teacher she was always willing to help the kids out!