Every year, the Ottawa Catholic School Board recognizes two educators for excellence in Arts education. This year’s recipients are nothing short of outstanding. Congratulations, and thank you to this pair of exceptional educators.
John Corkett, 2020 Susan Davis Creative Arts Award Winner
John Corkett, a Music teacher from St. Pius X High School, is this year’s recipient of the Susan Davis Creative Arts Award. This honour is presented to an OCSB educator for promoting, supporting, and making a significant contribution to the creative arts at an Ottawa Catholic high school in music, visual arts, drama or dance. John embodies excellence as a teacher and mentor of the arts.
“His patience knows no bounds, and his passion for music permeates through the most ‘hardest of shells.’ Many have walked through John’s class and have noted that there is a place in heaven for John for the work that he does, for the spirit in which he does it, and for the souls he reaches.”
– Nominator
Kristen Charles, 2020 Sharon Hiscott Creative Arts Award Winner
Kristen Charles, Elementary Arts Consultant, has received the 2020 Sharon Hiscott Creative Arts Award for her outstanding contribution to elementary arts education at the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Kristen’s followers on social media will not be surprised by this award as her posts reflect her commitment to Catholic education, sparking innovation and creativity throughout our district through cross-curricular initiatives that highlight the value of the arts both in and outside the classroom. She truly is an inspiring leader who promotes lifelong learning and community collaboration by example.
“The co-creation of OCSB’s Arts Month, that is now held every May, is perhaps one of Kristen’s crowning achievements. It allows all OCSB students and staff to build their skills and enjoy being part of a wider Arts community where all are encouraged to take healthy risks and to enjoy the benefits of participating in the Arts.”
– Nominator