October 15, 2009

The Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education honours outstanding and innovative early childhood educators who excel at fostering the early intellectual and social development of the children entrusted to their care- teachers who help build the foundation children need to meet life’s challenges.

Sherry Lalonde, Early Childhood Educator at the YWCA of St. Thomas-Elgin was honoured by Prime Minister Stephen Harper along with 9 other educators across Canada receiving the Certificate of Excellence.

Joe Preston visited Sherry’s classroom of SK students on Thursday to recognize her in front of her peers and students.  Preston said “we all remember that special teacher who made an impression in our lives; this award recognizes those educators.”  

Lalonde’s supervisor, Lindsay Grondin- Rice, Manager of Community Programming at the YWCA stated, “We have a wonderful asset, full of creativity and enthusiasm and has a genuine interest in early years development.” Lalonde has been with the YWCA for the past 3 years.

A cash award of $5000, shared equally between the winning educator and his or her childcare school or daycare was given with the Certificate of Excellence.