Jack A. MacDonald Award of Merit

The Jack A. MacDonald Award of Merit is awarded to an elementary or secondary school student attending an Ontario public school within an OPSBA Member Board for a sound academic record and outstanding community service and leadership. The late Jack A. MacDonald touched the lives of hundreds of trustees and teachers in school boards throughout Ontario during his more than 26 years in the field of education. As a school trustee in Brantford, an active member of the Home and School Association, and the Executive Director and Secretary Treasurer of the Ontario Public School Trustees’ Association for 17 years, Jack MacDonald compiled an impressive record of accomplishments and achievements. His care and concern for Ontario education and, specifically, for students prompted his colleagues and friends to institute this award in his memory in 1987. It is a fitting tribute to Jack MacDonald that his award honours an elementary or secondary school student attending an Ontario public school who has earned a sound academic record and has shown outstanding service and leadership in his or her community.

Terms of Award

• All nominees must be elementary or secondary school students currently in attendance at an Ontario public school.
• The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of a sound academic record throughout their school career, accompanied by outstanding community service and leadership.
• Nominations must come from an independent third party, i.e. school boards, trustees, teachers and/or other individuals or community organizations interested in education.
• A detailed academic record and account of each nominee’s pertinent school service and accomplishments, and community service must accompany each nomination.
• An honorarium of $500.00 is given to the individual selected as recipient of the Jack A. MacDonald Award of Merit. The prize will be shared equally in the event of a first place tie.
• In addition, Certificates of Recognition are awarded to up to two runner-up nominees for the Jack A. MacDonald Award of Merit.

Nomination Information Checklist

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

Criteria

Selected on the basis of a sound academic record throughout their career, accompanied by outstanding community service and leadership. All nominees must be elementary or secondary school students currently in attendance at an Ontario public school whose Board is a member of OPSBA.

Academic Record

A detailed official academic record must accompany the nomination form. 

Community Service and Leadership Summary (Maximum One Page)

Include a point form summary of community service and accomplishments.

School Activities List (Maximum One Page)

A summary sheet in point form with a detailed list of involvement in school activities, specifying the nominee’s contribution.

Letters of Support (Maximum Three)

Three letters of support.  This should include a letter of support from the Director of Education, or Chair of the school board, where possible. A letter of support from the head of guidance, teacher/coach, or school principal is also suggested.

If desired, a separate list of supporting nominators, where appropriate, may be included (maximum one page).

Supplementary Information (Maximum Three Pages)

Any additional material such as information relating to personal accomplishments, media clippings, project summaries, etc. may be included. Audio visual material is inadmissible.

Award of Merit Recipients

Certificate of Recognition Winners