Each year, the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of education. These awards were announced at the 2008 annual general meeting held in Niagara Falls in June.

The Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) Awards Program recognizes outstanding contributions to public education made by individuals from across Ontario. While it is impossible to honour all those dedicated people who make a difference, the recipients of these awards represent the many who work tirelessly and unselfishly to make our schools and education system better.

Dr. Harry Paikin Award of Merit

The Dr. Harry Paikin Award of Merit for outstanding service as public school trustee was awarded to Dalton Clark, trustee with the District School Board of Niagara. In his nomination, Director of Education Warren Hoshizaki wrote, “Dalton has consistently turned his vision into reality for students. While serving as Board Chair in 2005, he championed an initiative to both track and retain students at risk of leaving school early. For these students who often felt invisible, Dalton’s interest in their potential made all the difference. The program resulted in the successful graduation of hundreds of students, and opening doors to their future that would have otherwise been closed.”

The annual award has been presented since 1987 as a memorial to Dr. Harry Paikin, a trustee for the Board of Education for the City of Hamilton from 1944 until his death in 1985.

Fred L. Bartlett Memorial Award

The Fred L. Bartlett Memorial Award is presented annually for outstanding contribution to education throughout Ontario by an active or retired member of the teaching profession. This year's recipient is Rod Peturson, recently retired Superintendent of Education at the Greater Essex County District School Board.

Jack A. MacDonald Award of Merit

Secondary school students Chelsea Geen, Moira Secondary School, Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, and Dana Vanthof, Englehart High School, DSB Ontario North East were co-recipients of the Jack A. MacDonald Award of Merit. Chelsea and Dana have been recognized for their top-ranking academic achievements, leadership, and inspiring school and community service.

OPSBA Award of Excellence

Four individuals were recognized for their outstanding efforts in public education with the OPSBA Achievement Award.  The awards were given to Kate Tinkler, educational assistant, Crestview Public School, and Michael Young, donator and alumni, Sir Winston Churchill C. & V.I., Lakehead District School Board. The OPSBA Achievement Award was also presented to Barb Sully, Dr. Emily Stowe Public School, and Barbara Hepburn, C.R. Gummow Public School, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.