Honoring Teaching Excellence: Humber College Recognizes Outstanding Educators in the 2023 Greatest High School Teacher Contest
Tourism – Travel Services Management student Rein Roxas' essay submission, nominating her high school teacher Therese Hassan, has been selected as one of three winners of Humber's 2023 Greatest High School Teacher Contest. The exceptional teachers were recognized and honoured at an awards ceremony and dinner held at the Barrett Centre for Technology and Innovation on May 30th.
Hosted by James Cullin, Associate Dean of the Longo Faculty of Business, the event centred around paying tribute to the teachers who played a pivotal role in preparing students for their time at Humber and made a lasting impact on their lives. The occasion was marked by moments of inspiration and emotion as students and teachers reunited, reminisced, and caught up. Rein acknowledged that her teacher's influence extended beyond high school, offering her heartfelt reasons for nominating Ms. Hassan: "I remember everything she did for us; she was more than a teacher - she inspired me," Rein said, with a broad smile.
In a welcome address, Humber President Dr. Anne Marie Vaughan shared her heartfelt congratulations and expressed gratitude to the winning teachers for surpassing expectations in inspiring their students, aiding their academic accomplishments, and helping them overcome challenges in both their studies and mental well-being. Therese Hassan, a teacher from St. Martin Secondary School, shared her sentiments about the nomination, stating, "It was very meaningful knowing that the work I am doing has its reach."
Recipients of the Greatest High School Teacher Award were presented with commemorative plaques as a token of appreciation for their achievements. In addition, the teachers were pleasantly surprised to learn that a full scholarship to Humber College, in their name, would be granted to a graduating student of their choice. The Humber students who nominated these remarkable educators were also honoured with recognition certificates and recieved $500 gift certificates for the Humber bookstore.
A special thanks to Jason Pratt, Principal of St. Martin Secondary School, Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO of Humber College, and Alvina Cassiani, Senior Dean of the Longo Faculty of Business, for their support. This contest, in its 16th year, serves as a testament to Humber's commitment to honouring and celebrating teaching excellence. The college remains dedicated to fostering exceptional teaching practices and facilitating student success.
