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Dr. Harry Paikin Award of Merit

​The Dr. Harry Paikin Award of Merit is awarded to an Active or Retired Public School Trustee for outstanding service as a public school trustee. Dr. Harry Paikin served as a trustee for the Board of Education for the City of Hamilton from 1944 until his death in 1985. This award was initiated in Dr. Paikin’s memory in 1987 by his colleagues and friends who appreciated his visions of learning and life. During his 41 years of service on the board, Dr. Paikin was known as a dedicated supporter of learning and is remembered for his love of poetry and oration.

Learning’s achieved through head, hand and heart,
And the greatest of these is heart.
Learning is not to be exploited or hoarded,
It must by all be ably afforded.
Learning’s not meant to feed the fires of strife
Linked only to peace can it build a happy life.

– from Hall of Learning by Dr. Harry Paikin

Terms of Award

All nominees must be active or retired public school trustees.

The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of outstanding service as a public school trustee.

In the event of a tie, the Jury may award to more than one recipient.

Nomination may come from school boards, unions/federations, school councils, education and municipal authorities, or individuals interested in education.

A detailed account of each nominee’s accomplishments as a public school trustee, along with a background profile must accompany each nomination.

Nomination Information Checklist

To create a complete submission package outlining the candidate’s accomplishments, please ensure they meet the above criteria and include the following information.

Criteria

Outstanding service as a public school trustee.

Information Summary (Maximum Two Pages)

An information summary in point form of Record of Service, as a complete profile of the candidate.
Aspects of career, community service, and personal accomplishments may be included here.

Supporting Nominators List (Maximum One Page)

A separate list of Supporting Nominators, where appropriate.

Trustee Accomplishments List (Maximum Two Pages)

A detailed account of the nominee’s accomplishments as a public school trustee.
List and briefly describe all accomplishments that specifically relate to the terms of the award.

Supplementary Information (Maximum Three Pages)

Any additional information which illustrates the influence of the candidate on the field of education. Media clippings, etc may be included. Audio visual material is inadmissible.

Recipients

2024 Arlene Morell Trustee, Thames Valley DSB
2023 Doreen Dewar Trustee, Rainbow DSB
2022 Judith Brown Trustee, Limestone DSB
2021

Colleen Schenk

Ted Martin

Trustee, Avon Maitland DSB

Retired Trustee, Waterloo Region DSB

2019

Gerri Gershon

Jan Johnstone

Toronto DSB

Bluewater DSB

2018 ​Janet I. McDougald Peel DSB
2016 Roy Wilfong​ Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB
2015 Howard Goodman Toronto DSB
2014 Helen M. Brown Limestone DSB​
2013 Peter Adams-Luchowski​ York Region DSB
2011 John Hendry Waterloo Region DSB
2008 Dalton Clark DSB of Niagara​
2007 Beth Cooper Greater Essex County DSB
2006 Lynn Graham Ottawa-Carleton DSB​
2005 Jennifer Waterston​ Upper Grand DSB​
2004

Ethel Gardiner

​Dave Parry

Halton DSB​

Limestone DSB

2003 Bob Willsher Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB​
2002 Doris Monahan​ Trillium Lakelands DSB​
2001 Joyce Bennett​ Thames Valley DSB
2000

​Cheryl Murdoch

Walter Gowing

Trillium Lakelands DSB

Waterloo Region DSB​

1999 Mae Waese​ North York Board of Education
1998 ​Fiona Nelson ​Toronto District School Board
1997 Bill Brock London Board of Education
1996 Elizabeth Witmer Waterloo County Board of Education
1995 ​Roy Edwards Simcoe County Board of Education
1994 ​Edwin Woodbridge Essex County Board of Education
1993 Arthur J. Charbonneau ​Renfrew County Board of Education
1992 Arlene Wright Grey County Board of Education
1991 ​Twyla Hendry Waterloo County Board of Education
1990 Sam J. McLeod ​Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry County Board of Education
1989

May Parkinson

Arnold Townsend

London Board of Education​

Dufferin County Board of Education

1988 Clare Farrow Etobicoke Board of Education
1987 Dr. Taylor Evans Wellington County Board of Education