Recent History – 1999
Dec. 7, 1999
The board of trustees in School District 59 are honouring three well known educators for outstanding service to education in South Peace.
These three educators will have their names associated with three of the district’s educational sites.
The district announced that the name of its technology centre which is located in the Dr. H.J. O’Brien Building in Dawson Creek will be the “Dave Nybakken Technology Centre.”
School Board Chair Yvonne Elden says that Mr. Nybakken had provided outstanding service to the educational community and the students of the district.
“Mr. Nybakken’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in making this school district a leader in the province in educational technology,” she says. “He is widely recognized as an exceptional educator whose contributions will have a lasting impact on the district.”
Nybakken began his education career in the Peace in 1968 and was a teacher, principal, supervisor and director of instruction and assistant superintendent. He retired in October of this year.
John Kendrew will be another person whose name will grace an educational site. The district has announced that its education building on 106th Avenue will be known as the “John Kendrew Education Centre.”
Elden says that Kendrew is respected throughout the district and province for his expertise in special education and programs for special needs students.
“Mr. Kendrew has had a profound impact on the culture and the practices of this school district,” she says.
Kendrew has worked for School District 59 since 1965, he has been a teacher, vice-principal, principal, educational psychologist and special programs coordinator. For 16 years he has help the position of Director of Instruction for Student Support Services. He will retire in December of this year.
The third educator recognized by the district is Pat O’Reilly. He has been involved in education in the South Peace since 1965, serving as a teacher, vice-principal, principal, coordinator of special programs, career programs, district principal and supervising principal of alternate education.
O’Reilly currently holds the position of Director of Instruction, responsible for career, aboriginal and outdoor education.
Elden says that O’Reilly is respected as a dedicated educator and his leadership has had a tremendous impact well beyond the boundaries of the district.
“It is well known that Pat was the major force in the startup and development of the Gwillim Lake Outdoor Education site and that his continued leadership in this area has made Gwillim Lake the premier outdoor education site in the province,” she says
“It is most fitting that the Gwillim facility be named “The Pat O’Reilly Outdoor Education Centre.”