Science teacher Carl Savage has been named a finalist in the Technology and Innovation Award category in the inaugural Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education.
The Ballenas Secondary School instructor, who teaches physics, astronomy and science research, made headlines along with his students last school year for a cube satellite building project that was later launched 10,000 feet up aboard a rocket made by UBC students at the Spaceport America Cup in New Mexico.
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He later accompanied his students down to New Mexico to witness the launch.
Savage is one of three finalists in the Technology and Innovation Award category (alongside Heather McIntosh from the Central Okanagan, and Sean Robinson from Coquitlam.
The brand new awards seeks to “honour the efforts of those who go above and beyond to make life better for students in British Columbia,” according to a news release from the Ministry of Education.
Launched April 23 this year during B.C.’s Education Week, 188 nominations were received in nine categories.
Those include seven categories recognizing the dedication of teachers; one recognizing principals, vice-principals and administrators; and another celebrating support staff.
Other Vancouver Island finalists include Verna Jones, Emily Recalma and Tanya Adelborg from Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district; and Kirsten Tancon and Jeannine Lindsay from Comox Valley school district.
Finalists are invited to an awards ceremony at Government House in Victoria on World Teachers’ Day on Oct. 5 this year, where Premier John Horgan, Minister of Education Rob Fleming and Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin will be in attendance.
Each winner receives a $3,000 personal bursary for professional learning, and $2,000 to their school community for professional learning.