World Teachers’ Day contest winners

Three Alberta teachers will be jetting away on vacation after winning the top prizes in the ATA’s World Teachers’ Day video contest.

The contest encouraged teachers, students and the public to submit 60-second videos sharing how they were inspired by an Alberta teacher. 

The contest drew close to 100 nomination videos, which were entered into a draw for one of three gift cards valued at $3,000 each, to be used either for WestJet travel or BestBuy.

Part of the journey

Louise AuYeung, a music teacher at Hillhurst School in Calgary, landed one of the prizes after being nominated by student Evan Cervi. 

“I grew from someone who had no idea how to draw a treble clef to my current self where music composition is one of my hobbies and I am currently finishing up an album of music,” Cervi said in his video submission.

He added that he felt special and seen during AuYeung’s music class.

AuYeung said she plans to use her winnings to take her family on vacation next summer.

“I am so grateful to have been Evan’s teacher for three years and have had the privilege to watch his talent as a music composer blossom,” she said. “His music has touched our entire school and I consider myself lucky to have been part of Evan’s journey.”

Paying it forward

Prize winner Bruce Tyrrell, a communications and technology teacher at Barrhead Composite High School, was nominated by former student Sheldon King, who is now a teacher himself.

“He had a unique ability to bring out the creativity in each of his students, encouraging us to think outside the box and explore our own artistic styles,” King said in his video. “Thanks to his guidance, I discovered not only a love for graphic arts but a love for teaching.”

Tyrrell said he is planning to take his family somewhere warm as a reward for his son’s hard work in university.

“I got quite choked up watching Sheldon’s video,” he said. “I had teachers that helped me well beyond just the lessons and inspired me to enter the profession. To hear that I’ve had the same effect on a former student is truly overwhelming.”

Act of kindness

The other winner is Jennifer Emilsson, a Grade 1/2 teacher at West Dalhousie School in Calgary.

The nomination came from parent Sabrina Stevenson along with her daughter Mila. Stevenson said Emilsson has taught two of her children, both of whom have benefited from her kindness.

Emilsson said she is excited to use her prize for a summer trip to celebrate her daughter’s Grade 12 graduation. She said she was touched that a busy parent took the time to submit a video.

“I know how busy families are with school, extracurricular activities and their own jobs — this is truly one of the nicest things anyone has done for me,” Emilsson said. “It’s the busy moms and dads coordinating everything for their children that deserve to be recognized!”