Our Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell Literacy Awards may have looked quite different this year, but we are happy to announce that the virtual event was a success! Taking place on Zoom for the first time, the award ceremony was held on November 26th with over 60 participants. Lynda Homer, LCNB Executive Director, was Master of Ceremonies. Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, Dominic Cardy, brought greetings from the province and spoke about the importance of literacy, which is relevant now more than ever in these turbulent times. Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell spoke about the power of literacy and how important these awards are. Finally, Brent Melanson, LCNB President, gave the closing remarks.
As a special highlight for the winners, a video was put together by LCNB with messages recorded by friends and coworkers to congratulate the winners. This video was presented at the end of the ceremony after the winners accepted their awards.
Congratulations to the 2020 winners! Thank you to everyone who participated in the Zoom ceremony! You can watch the ceremony by clicking here.
Early Childhood Literacy – Talk with Me/Parle-moi
Talk with Me/Parle-moi is the only free community-based speech-language pathology services in NB. The program is funded by the government of New Brunswick and works directly with parents and early childhood service providers to strengthen early language and communication development of all young children in NB in both official languages. The award was accepted by Laura Garland for Talk with Me, and Josée Castonguay for Parle-moi.
Outstanding Effort in Indigenous Literacy – Gail Francis
Gail Francis of Negotkuk (Tobique First Nation) is the Autism/Resource Specialist for for Three Nations Education Group Inc. She has recently launched a culturally based Indigenous children’s book, entitled “Moonbeam” which highlights traditional naming practices. Her niece, Tara Audibert, illustrated the book, and helped Gail start her own publishing company, Francis Books.
Published Author – Armand Doucet, Hope, Where Are You?
Armand Doucet is a teacher in Riverview, NB. Armand has co-written a book that he hopes will help children around the globe open up to their parents about the stresses of living with the COVID-19 pandemic. His book, “Hope, Where Are You?” was co-authored by Elisa Guerra, a fellow teacher living in Mexico, and illustrated by her daughter, Ana RoGu, also of Mexico. The book is available free online and proceeds from the print book are being donated to UNICEF.
Individual Outstanding Contribution to Literacy – Kim Stewart & Jill Davidson
Kim is an experienced educator, researcher and assistant professor in the Faculty of Education, University of New Brunswick. Jill Davidson is a Literacy Coordinator for 21 Middle and High Schools across Anglophone West School District in Fredericton, New Brunswick. They are receiving this award not only for their innovative Shelfie-Talk Twitter program but also for their exemplary contribution to professional learning for educators in New Brunswick and beyond.
Individual Outstanding Contribution to Literacy – Bob Savoie
A partner with KPMG, Bob Savoie has been a tireless volunteer for literacy for over 20 years. As a longtime member of the NB PGI team he has helped raise over $1.5 million in his tenure with PGI for literacy programs.