Kingston EA recognized by ALCDSB for environmental consciousness
Janet Kenny, an Educational Assistant (EA) for St. Paul Catholic Elementary School was awarded the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (ALCDSB) 2022 Environmental Stewardship of Creation Award on Tuesday night at the ALCDSB Meeting of the Board.
According to a release from the ALCDSB, Kenny has been in the role of EA at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School for the past 17 years. During this time Kenny has led the Eco School Team in the development and facilitation of school-wide events such as Water Day, Eco Days, Bike to School Day and National Penguin Day and has organized a variety of other eco events and sustainability initiatives.
“The ALCDSB, staff and students at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School and the larger community are enriched by the presence of Janet Kenny. We are pleased to offer Ms. Kenny this Award of Environmental Stewardship of Creation and thank her for her years of dedication and demonstration of excellence in all she does, particularly in the areas of being a steward of God’s creation,” said David DeSantis, Director of Education.
In addition to leading school-wide environmental events and initiatives, the school board said that Kenny applies environmental consciousness in her daily routine, is conservative in her use of resources, and is always looking for ways to lessen her impact on the environment.
“Ms. Kenny, upon her own initiative, engages students, staff and the larger community in environmental projects that are creative and that serve to make our world a better place. She always thinks outside of the box, devising whole school activities that bring the school closer in community,” said St. Paul Catholic Elementary School Principal Lori Bryden.
According to the release, Kenny leads by example; she is known by students for her environmentalism. When students were asked to comment on Ms. Kenny’s influence, they highlighted her helpful nature and everyday eco-hero characteristics.
“Ms. Kenny organizes the eco activities and teaches us how to take care of our environment,” said Grade 4 students Ava and Anna.
“Ms. Kenny always reminds us to not litter and not to print too much to the photocopier, because it isn’t good to use so much paper,” said Grade 4 student Willow.
The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board serves approximately 12,000 students, employs over 1,400 full-time equivalent staff and covers a geographical area of more than 16,000 square kilometers. According to the release, the ALCDSB builds faith-filled learning communities where each member is loved, inspired, and successful.