FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2003

Dr. Elizabeth Churcher named 2003 Educator of the Year
The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is very pleased to announce that Elizabeth Churcher, principal of Earl Prentice Public School in Marmora, has been named 2003 Educator of the Year. The award is presented each year at the kick-off breakfast for Education Week, an annual event celebrated by school boards and schools across Ontario. It is a time for students, teachers, parents and guardians to celebrate teaching excellence and student achievement. The theme for Education Week 2003 is Improved Student Learning, Improved Student Success.

Dr. Churcher's career in education has been as varied as it is exceptional. She began her career as a classroom teacher at North Hastings Elementary School. During her years in education, Dr. Churcher has worked as a resource co-ordinator at the Board office, and a vice-principal. In addition to serving as chair of numerous committees and writing teams, both locally and provincially, she has instructed teachers through Queen's University and co-authored two science text books.

"I enjoy all aspects of my work in education. It is the interaction with staff and students that I value most. I am in this profession to help people, both students and teachers, to share with them my own love of learning and of life, and each day to gain a deeper understanding of how I can become a more effective educator,” remarks Churcher. “I believe that all students can be successful and I am committed to doing everything I can to support our children in realizing their potential. Children who are loved, cared for, taught and supported in reaching high expectations are our hope for a harmonious future!" she adds.

Setting high standards for both her students and herself, Dr. Churcher has made an enduring contribution to the lives of everyone in her own school community and in the larger community throughout the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. She has been instrumental in implementing programs in early literacy and reading, mathematics and science. Her work on assessment and evaluation has enabled many schools to improve teaching and communication with parents.

Dr. Churcher has also been very active in her professional association, serving as its president from 1980–1981. In recognition of her tireless work and leadership in the pursuit of excellence in education, Dr. Elizabeth Churcher is most deserving of the Sir Mackenzie Bowell Award.

In early March, members of the educational community and general public were invited to submit nominations for any person who has made a valuable contribution to education in the Hastings and Prince Edward counties. The nominee must have been active in education during the current school year.

History of the Sir Mackenzie Bowell Award
This year marks the 37th anniversary of the Sir Mackenzie Bowell Award.

Sir Mackenzie Bowell (1823–1917) was a strong supporter of education and an active promoter of Hastings County. An outstanding Canadian, he was primarily a self-taught man who earned a teaching certificate. In 1854, he was elected to the Belleville Board of Education and served as chairperson of that board from 1856 to 1867. He was also a successful businessman who served as editor and proprietor of The Intelligencer for many years, and helped form the Belleville Board of Trade (now Chamber of Commerce) in 1865. In his
editorials, he stressed education as a key to development and championed the growth of Belleville and Hastings County as a whole.

In addition, Sir Mackenzie Bowell was a man of steadfast character, courage and integrity, placing principle before political party. He held the highest positions in the Orange Lodge and served “on the frontier” with the militia when Irish-Americans threatened invasion in the 1860s. Politically, he distinguished himself as a federal cabinet minister, a senator, and Canada’s fifth prime minister (1894–1896).

For information contact :
• Florence Lindsay, Chair of the Education Week Committee, (613) 962-6400
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer (613) 966-1170 x2354, or 1 800 267-4350 x2354