The Learn Lead Inspire award recognizes the students, staff members and volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to our school communities, aligning with the Board’s mission to build a culture of learning, well-being and belonging.
Evelyn Waldron
Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School
Since her first year at Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School, Evelyn Waldron has exemplified Grand Erie's vision to learn, lead and inspire, immersing herself in numerous aspects of the school community, and demonstrating outstanding leadership, creativity and dedication. It is Evelyn's voice that sets a welcoming tone for fellow students each day on the morning announcements, and from there, you might find her advocating for sustainability as a member of the Eco Club and representing student voice through leadership roles on student council, to organizing events such as Grade 8 Day or leading tours for future PJ students. Her contributions to the school community extend to grant writing, planning and running events such as the Specialized Services prom and the Horizons Leadership Conference. A three-year student council member, she created the annual Celebration of the Arts event. Her creativity continues to shine through leading mural projects and designing posters to engage learners, fostering their involvement in making PJ a great place to learn, lead and inspire. Her work ethic and passion are a shining example of student leadership, and it's an honour to present her with the Learn Lead Inspire award.
Sara Darling
Sara Darling recently served as the Grand Erie Parent Involvement Committee (GEPIC) chair, a role she held since 2022. She was previously a member of GEPIC and the Cobblestone Elementary School Council, advocating for and inspiring parent/caregiver involvement in young people's educational journeys as a vital link to success. Part of this work included supporting all school councils in Grand Erie so they could lead strong, effective parent engagement in their communities.
Sara has worked closely with the senior leadership team and trustees to ensure funding opportunities were maximized, to plan relevant and engaging meetings and events that drew on the expertise of the committee's members, and has consistently incorporated the voices of all parents, ensuring they knew their input was valued. Her efforts have brought significant resources, learning opportunities, and supports to parents and families across the region. Through this dedication, Sara has consistently fostered a culture of learning, well-being and belonging.
Lorraine DeJong
Lorraine DeJong is a dedicated and inspiring community leader. For many years, she has sat on Grand Erie’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), representing the local association Lansdowne Children’s Centre. For the past two years, we have been privileged to work alongside Lorraine as she's served as SEAC's chair.
Lorraine exemplifies an inspiring passion for supporting students with diverse needs. She is knowledgeable of and responsive to services, supports and programs within Grand Erie and holds the unwavering belief that all students — particularly those with disabilities and neurodiversity — will succeed with the right support. Lorraine is a champion of fostering positive, reciprocal partnerships, and seeks to build relationships that engage families and schools through her work at Lansdowne Children’s Centre and as SEAC Chair. Lorraine is a shining example of an individual who learns, leads and inspires.
Charlie Yetman
ÉCOLE DUFFERIN
Charlie Yetman exemplifies the spirit of the Learn Lead Inspire vision through her kind-hearted nature and dedication to personal growth. Through her talent for craft and textile arts, she has expanded her leadership capacity and used these disciplines to build up those around her. Charlie shares her skills readily, teaching peers various techniques, and in doing so, inspires others to see their own capabilities and creative potential. Her commitment to her craft has paid off. Recently, Charlie attended a national competition hosted by Quilt Canada, and took home the top prize in the youth category. She looks forward to entering the competition next year and competing in the adult category. She continues to pursue her passions both in and outside school, adding crocheting and knitting to her creative practices. She is the first to offer a helping a hand, listens with an open mind, and consistently pushes herself to be the best learner and leader she can – a true inspiration to her teachers and peers.
Barkev Poladian
ÉCOLE CONFÉDÉRATION
Barkev Poladian, vice-principal at École Confédération, is an authentic leader. As an administrator, he is honest and open, building trust by showing vulnerability. He builds meaningful, authentic connections with team members, seeing each person’s unique needs and aspirations. With students, staff, and families, he prioritizes needs effectively and offers support through a compassionate lens. Barkev motivates others by sharing a
compelling vision for what is possible through creative thinking and problem-solving. He embodies Grand Erie’s Learn Lead Inspire vision by fostering a culture of innovation, creating excitement and energy around shared goals, and inspiring and empowering team members to embrace growth and learning opportunities. As a leader, Barkev models resilience. In the face of adversity, he maintains professionalism, kindness, and optimism, keeping perspective on what is truly important. His compassion and steadfast commitment are an ongoing example of the Board’s mission to build a culture of learning, well-being and belonging.
