To honour excellence in first-year teachers, the Board of Trustees has selected Quinn Swensrude from École Camille J. Lerouge School in Red Deer as a Division finalist for the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) 2022 Edwin Parr Award. 

“Our entire École Camille J. Lerouge School community is incredibly proud of Mr. Quinn Swensrude and his nomination for the Edwin Parr first-year teaching award. Quinn has proven himself to be an excellent beginner teacher who is committed to his students each and every day. Teaching and learning in a French Immersion environment throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been full of challenges; however, Quinn has started his career with determination, compassion and a desire to make a difference. He has a passion to give back to our greater community through coaching and makes an effort to connect with all of our students,” said Principal, Sinead Armstrong at École Camille J. Lerouge School. “Felicitations Quinn, we are very proud of you!”

The Edwin Parr Teacher Award was established in 1964 and named in honour of Edwin Parr, former president of the Alberta School Trustees’ Association (now ASBA).

“For close to 60 years, the Edwin Parr Teacher Award has been presented to outstanding first-year teachers. Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools is honoured to recognize Mr. Swensrude’s exceptional ability to meet the needs of all learners, his passion for creating an inclusive learning environment and his commitment to making Christ known to children,” said Board Chair, Kim Pasula at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. 

Trustee and ASBA Zone 4 representative, Cynthia Leyson at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools also talked about the excellence shown by this teacher.

.“Quinn Swensrude exemplifies all the virtues that embody a good teacher: a passion for the material he teaches, dedication to his students' success, and a commitment to building strong relationships between his colleagues, students, and their parents. As a member of the Zone 4 Edwin Parr Committee, I had the privilege of witnessing Quinn's approach to education as a first-year teacher. He captivated the classroom, delivering French Language lessons in fun and enjoyable ways, and students in return treated him with respect and good behavior. I am proud to name him for our Edwin Parr Award nominee for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools and hope to see his success continue for many years to come,” 

**with information provided by Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools