St. Michael Fitzroy School has long believed that caring for creation begins with hands-on learning, community connection, and a deep respect for the natural world around us. This year, that commitment was recognised in an extraordinary way. The Ottawa Riverkeeper honoured the school with two major awards, celebrating both the leadership of the community and the passionate educators who guide it.
A Surprise Recognition: The 2025 Youth Leadership Award
In what came as a complete surprise, St. Michael Fitzroy School was selected as the recipient of the 2025 Youth Leadership Award. The award acknowledges the school’s outstanding commitment to protecting the Ottawa River through meaningful watershed education with K–8 students.
The recognition reflects years of deep learning, exploration, and stewardship. From inquiry-based watershed studies to hands-on environmental action, students have developed a strong understanding of—and connection to—the Ottawa River. The Ottawa Riverkeeper highlighted the school’s commitment to continue its shoreline cleanups and inspire the next generation of water protectors.
Honouring the Educators Behind the Work: The River Teacher Award
Alongside the school-wide recognition, the Ottawa Riverkeeper presented the inaugural River Teacher Award to two St. Michael Fitzroy educators: Tanya Vick and Andrew Wilson.
This new award celebrates the teachers whose leadership, vision, and commitment make environmental learning come to life. Tanya and Andrew have helped shape the school’s partnership with the Ottawa Riverkeeper and have guided students in discovering their own role in caring for creation. Their efforts have been instrumental in building the school’s culture of environmental responsibility.
An Ongoing Partnership Rooted in Action
St. Michael’s partnership with the Ottawa Riverkeeper has been building for years, and has been highlighted in past OCSB News articles:
- St. Michael Fitzroy Cleans Up! (Nov 29, 2023) showcased the school’s early shoreline cleanup efforts and the enthusiasm of students discovering their role in caring for creation.
- St. Michael Fitzroy and Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Deep Learning Partnership (May 14, 2024) documented how the partnership was expanding into deeper inquiry, outdoor learning, and leadership development.
The relationship continued throughout the 2024–2025 school year, as the school hosted two community shoreline cleanups along the river.
Growing the Next Generation of Water Leaders
The recognitions from the Ottawa Riverkeeper affirm what the St. Michael Fitzroy community has always believed: when students are empowered to learn deeply and act boldly, they become leaders, today and for the future.
The OCSB congratulates the entire St. Michael Fitzroy School community, as well as Tanya Vick and Andrew Wilson, for these remarkable achievements. Their work reminds us that environmental education is more than a curriculum expectation; it is a calling to protect the gifts God has entrusted to us.
