Ms. Margaret Jean Epoch will receive an Alumni Honour Award for her leadership as a teacher to lead Niton Central School, Niton Junction, Alberta to become the first Canadian elementary school to receive international accreditation with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Associated School Project Network (ASPnet).
The Alumni Honour Award recognizes the significant contributions made over a number of years by University of Alberta alumni to their profession, their community, to society at large, or to the University of Alberta.
The phrase "make the world a better place" is used repeatedly when people talk about Margaret Jean Epoch, '77 BPE, '97 BEd, '02 MEd. As a teacher and archivist at a small K-9 school in Niton Junction, Alta., Epoch makes a big difference in the world. Her list of projects, volunteer activities and awards is lengthy. One of her proudest accomplishments is helping make Niton Central School the first Canadian elementary school to be accepted as a member of the Associated Schools Project Network by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The school proudly flies the United Nations flag. Her local volunteer work with students, staff and community members includes Habitat for Humanity, the Terry Fox Run, Aboriginal Achievement Awards, Wigs for Kids, the local food bank and many more programs. Epoch also volunteers with victim services and helped fundraise for the school's naturalization park. She started a fundraiser to help rebuild a school in India after the 2004 tsunami, and her students sent letters of support to victims after the 9/11 attacks and the shooting of four RCMP officers in Mayerthorpe, Alta.
"I am very honoured to receive the Alumni Honour Award. This award is also for all the people who've crossed paths with me to make the world a better place."
"My Bachelor of Physical Education degree inspired me to integrate the lessons learned into the United Nations ideals of health and wellness. I encourage all current and former Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation students to always play, inspire people to keep active, and then play some more!"
Mrs. Koren Lightning-Earle will receive an Alumni Horizon Award for her legal contributions and leadership in First Nations community relations.
The Alumni Horizon Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of University of Alberta alumni early in their careers.
Koren Lightning-Earle, '00 BA(Rec/Leisure), '04 BA, '07 LLB, is a leader in the local and national Aboriginal community and a role model for her peers and the younger generation. Lightning-Earle, Blue Thunderbird Woman, is Cree from Samson Cree Nation. Her commitment to enhancing the future of First Nations shows in her many roles in her community. She is president of the Indigenous Bar Association, vice-president of Kasohkowew Child Wellness Society, co-chair of the First Nations Women's Economic Security Council and a member of the Federal Court Aboriginal Bar Liaison Committee. She was an elected council member for Samson Cree Nation from 2011-2014 and is co-founder of Hub, a community mobilization program to help reduce crime. She is also a sessional instructor at Maskwacis Cultural College, a post-secondary school within the Four Nations of Maskwacis, Alta. Lightning-Earle is married, has two young daughters, and is the sole practitioner at Thunderbird Law in her home community.
"It is a great honour to receive the Alumni Horizon Award. I have an amazing support system of family and friends that have helped me get to where I am today."
"I often reflect on my time at the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation and remind myself the important of physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Having a career in Law it is difficult to find balance. It has helped me realize how important balance is in my life."
"My advice to all current and former Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation students: Find balance in your life. Find your passion and go get it. Remember to keep your mind, soul and body healthy."