MANITOULIN—Two long-time Manitoulin Island teachers have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to co-curricular activities that benefit students by the Rainbow District School Board (RDSB).
Mike Zegil, a teacher at Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) and Becky Stewart, a teacher at Assiginack Public School (APS) in Manitowaning, have both been recognized with the 2024 Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular program.
“I was very surprised to win this award,” Mr. Zegil told The Expositor. The award is given for contributions you have made, not just in the classroom, but with extra-curricular activities, like sports, musicals, taking students to Costa Rica (bringing solar LED lighting to Indigenous communities) and to Texas for the MSS Robotics team to compete in the World Championships.
“An exemplary educator, Mike Zegil engages students in innovative learning opportunities, including bringing solar LED lighting to Indigenous communities in Costa Rica,” the nomination letter for Mr. Zegil reads. “Patient, enthusiastic and organized, he directs musicals, supports student council, contributes to sports, promotes mindfulness, and serves as master of ceremonies at school events. He also coached basketball and rugby. More recently, he helped the Manitoulin Metal robotics team garner success at the World Championships. Highly respected, he is the go-to for guidance and direction.”
“I think classrooms are fantastic, and the knowledge the students receive from their teachers is vital,” explained Mr. Zegil. “But extra-curricular activities provide insight into working as a team, working outside their comfort zone and having opportunities they may have never had before.”
“I played many sports, was in plays and improv in high school, and these were some of the most wonderful experiences I have ever had,” said Mr. Zegil. “I had teachers that took the time to volunteer to work with us on these activities. How could I not do the same?”
Mr Zegil stressed, “I haven’t had to do any of this alone; the school administration, teachers, students, and volunteers all play a huge role in providing this for the students. I have been fortunate that for anything in which I have volunteered to participate in, many others have also volunteered.”
“Mike also gives back to his community as a volunteer for minor hockey and as a volunteer firefighter (with the Gore Bay Joint Volunteer Fire Department),” the RDSB award noted. “Six school-based Relay for Life events that he co-led raised over $200,000 for cancer. As a school health and safety representative, he contributes to the well-being of all by being a member of the board’s Joint Health and Safety Committee. Congratulations!”
“I was surprised to be nominated for and chosen for this award,” Ms Stewart, a grade three teacher at (APS), told The Expositor. “I don’t do this for awards; I don’t like being the centre of attention.”
“My award is mainly for sports that I help coach or organize,” said Ms. Stewart.
The RDSB award citation for Becky Stewart reads, “Becky Stewart has been a dedicated coach for over 20 years, devoting countless hours to athletics before, during and after school. Becky shifts back and forth each school year to lead various teams, including cross-country running, basketball, volleyball and hockey. In the process, she fosters a love of sports for athletes of all ages across Manitoulin Island.”
“Becky led the first Island Elementary School Hockey tournament, attracting teams and families from Espanola to Manitoulin. Working with the Township of Assiginack, she also successfully advocated for Assiginack Public School to host the Island-wide track and field meet. Students benefit from her positive attitude, great sense of humour, kindness and competitive nature. Proud to represent her school on various sports committees, Becky Stewart opens doors for students, allowing them to get involved and have fun. Congratulations!” the nomination reads.
Ms. Stewart also recently organized a Jump Rope for Heart event at APS, with $2,500 being raised.
“I always liked sports growing up in Manitowaning,” Ms. Stewart said. “And I enjoy spending time with the kids (students). And because I am from Manitowaning, I grew up with most of the students’ parents.”
The awards were part of the RDSB awards night held last week, RDSB “honoured its dedicated employees and community partners with the 2024 Awards for Outstanding Contributions to the Co-Curricular Program, Community Partnership Awards, the Go Green Globe Awards, Awards for Excellence, the Barbara Konarek Memorial Award and the William N. Roman Teacher of the Year, Award. Individuals with 25 years of service were also recognized.
“The board awards represent a rich tradition of honouring excellence in Rainbow schools,” said board chair David Farrow. “We are proud of our award recipients for their individual and collective contributions to Rainbow schools in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin Island. They represent the values that we cherish, model and teach.”
“Award recipients are champions for children and youth,” said Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “Together, they reflect the experience, energy and enthusiasm that make Rainbow Schools great places for teaching and learning. They give of themselves to provide a strong circle of care and, in the process, open doors, enabling students to achieve their full potential.”
