Oak Park Principal Michelle Lawrence named One of Canada's Outstanding Principals

It is a prestigious national award given to principals who demonstrate innovation and outstanding leadership.

For the fourth year in a row, Pembina Trails has made the list - this year, not once but twice. Acadia Junior High Principal, Troy Scott, and École secondaire Oak Park High School's Michelle Lawrence have been named two of Canada's Outstanding Principals by The Learning Partnership.

"As much as I appreciate this award, the greatest career reward I have ever been given is the opportunity to help children learn, teacher's teach and parent's parent," shared Lawrence."Serving my school communities over the past 30 years has been a joy and privilege that I am extremely grateful for every single day."

Lawrence's first year teaching was spent at Acadia Junior High where she taught grade 8 math and science to Pembina Trails' other Canada's Outstanding Principal recipient, Troy Scott.

Those who work with Lawrence echo sentiments of creating a warm and inviting school community.

"No matter the issue, her door is open and she is willing to listen. It takes a strong leader to guide a large high school of diverse staff and students, and Michelle has risen to the challenge," shared Oak Park teacher Kerri Martin.

Michele Lawrence will have the opportunity to travel to Toronto and connect with other innovative educators. She will also have the chance to experience a five-day executive leadership training program at the Rotman School of Management.

On behalf of our Board of Trustees and Senior Administration team, we would like to congratulate Michelle Lawrence. We are incredibly proud to have you as part of our Pembina Trails community.