Convocation 2024
Recognizing the impact of high school educators
June 26, 2024
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Mark Deeves receiving a Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching during a June convocation ceremony. The award is being presented to Deeves by (from left) Rector Niki Boytchuk-Hale, Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane, and Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Matthew Evans.
Convocation ceremonies at Queen’s University focus on celebrating graduating students, but they also find ways to recognize the contributions of the people who have helped the graduates get where they are today. High school educators often play a large role in inspiring and motivating students to pursue further education, and the Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, presented each year at convocation, highlights the impact this special group has had on those crossing the stage and receiving their degrees.
Graduating students are invited to nominate their past teachers for the award, and five were selected to receive the award during the ceremonies in downtown Kingston last week.
The award was established by Chancellor Emeritus A. Charles Baillie in 2007.
This year’s recipients of the Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching are:
Mark Deeves – St. Mary Catholic School, Brockville, Ontario
Mark Deeves, an English, history, and philosophy teacher, was nominated by Matthew Hudson (ArtSci’24) and Baileigh Mallory (ArtSci’24). The nominators say that Deeves’s classes transcend disciplines and cultivated their skills in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication.
“His ability to inspire students, challenge ideas, and nurture intellectual growth has left an indelible mark on my education and personal development,” says Hudson.
“His dedication to fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and ethical awareness has had a profound impact on my academic and personal growth,” says Mallory.
Anna Faraj receiving a Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, standing with her nominator, Princess Talabi.
Anna Faraj – Gary Allen Learning Centre, Milton, Ontario
Anna Faraj is described by her nominator, Princess Talabi (BNSc’24), as a mentor who celebrates her students’ success, instills confidence, and demonstrates continual positivity, empathy and kindness. Faraj previously taught at West Humber Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke, where Talabi attended high school.
“Ms. Faraj serves as my sail—a source of support and inspiration that propels me forward in both my academic and personal pursuits,” says Talabi. “Her impact on my life is immeasurable, and I am forever grateful to have crossed paths with her.”
Tom Harding receiving a Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching and standing with his nominator, Anna Bryan. Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney (far right) stands on stage to present the award as well.
Tom Harding – West Point Grey Academy, Vancouver, British Columbia
Tom Harding is described by his nominator, Anna Bryan (ArtSci’24), as someone who inspires a love of learning in his students by engaging them in lively classroom discussions and teaching them to analyze information from a wide range of sources.
“Mr. Harding exemplified the transformative power of mentorship through his unwavering dedication, passion for teaching, and commitment to nurturing scientific inquiry in his students,” says Bryan. “I will forever be grateful for his confidence in me as a student and his ability to make me feel like I could achieve anything I set my mind to.”
Tracey Moffatt receiving a Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching and standing with her nominator, Charlotte Reed.
Tracey Moffatt – Char-Lan District High School, Williamstown, Ontario
Tracey Moffatt was nominated by Charlotte Reed (Sc’24), who credits her former teacher with preparing her for university-level physics by emphasizing hands-on learning and creating a supportive and challenging learning environment.
“Mrs. Moffatt’s dedication to education, her innovative teaching methods, and her genuine interest in mathematics and physics have profoundly influenced my academic journey and career aspirations, and have inspired my pursuit of higher education,” says Reed, who will continue her studies as a doctoral student in engineering and physics this fall at the University of Oxford.
Christine Ritsma receiving a Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching and standing with her nominator, Sara Simon.
Christine Ritsma – Stratford District Secondary School, Stratford, Ontario
Christine Ritsma inspired Sara Simon (ArtSci’24) to pursue post-secondary education while she was a student in her European history class. In her nomination, Simon highlighted the innovative and engaging projects Ritsma asks those in her courses to pursue, and the guidance and support she provides students.
“Christine Ritsma has served as both a personal and academic role model for me for the past five years,” says Simon, who will continue at Queen’s this fall as a master’s student in history. “She is the main reason I love the study of history the way I do, both directly helping me, and inspiring me to continue my post-secondary education. Her kindness and compassion have changed the trajectory of my life for the better.”
Learn more about the Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching on the Student Affairs website.
