Left to Right: Trustee Wendy Kelm, Amy Dzus-Clarke, Pamela Christie, Melissa Hanna, Kristy Jackson
Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) is honoured to celebrate four of its own as nominees for the 2025 Passionate Heart Awards. The Awards, sponsored by Family and Community Support Services from the County of Grande Prairie, City of Grande Prairie, and towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley, honour individuals who have devoted their work to enhancing the well-being of their communities.
Congratulations to Melissa Hanna, Educational Assistant at Harry Balfour School (HBS), Pamela Christie, Teacher and Off-Campus Coordinator at Beaverlodge Regional High School (BRHS), Amy Dzus-Clarke, Teacher and Assistant Principal at Beaverlodge Regional High School, and Kristy Jackson, Indigenous Outreach Worker for being nominated in the Exceptional Service category.
Melissa Hanna has dedicated over seven years to supporting students with disabilities as an Educational Assistant at HBS. Her commitment to her students goes beyond her core responsibilities, as she has taken on multiple initiatives to enhance her school community, including single-handedly managing the school’s breakfast program and providing mentorship to new educational assistants.
Pamela Christie has played a vital role in shaping student opportunities at BRHS. She oversees the Registered Apprenticeship, Green Certificate and Work Experience programs, providing students with the opportunity for hands-on learning and real-world skill development. Pamela actively collaborates with colleagues to enhance the school experience, and is deeply involved in the community, providing support to her students both inside and outside the classroom.
Since joining BRHS in 2013, Amy Dzus-Clarke has taken on multiple leadership roles, including Science Department Lead, Mental Health Coordinator, and Indigenous Community Connections Lead. Her dedication to inclusive education, mental health, and reconciliation has left a lasting impact on the school community. One student says, “Dzus is kind and humble … always willing to help with any problem. Despite her responsibilities, she finds time to connect with us, making BRHS a better place for everyone.” Her leadership, dedication, and unwavering support for students truly embody the spirit of service.
Kristy Jackson has over eight years of experience in social services and has made a meaningful impact by providing resource referrals, case management, advocacy, and collaboration with community partners. Her compassion is especially apparent in her work with families facing hardship. Her ability to rally support from multiple organizations highlights her resourcefulness and deep dedication to helping others. Kristy’s selflessness, empathy, and determination were honoured during the 2025 Passionate Heart Awards ceremony as she was named recipient of the Exceptional Service Award.
Congratulations to all this year’s Passionate Heart Awards nominees. Your service and dedication to your school communities is inspiring and we are grateful to have you at PWPSD.
To learn more about the Passionate Heart Awards visit the County of Grande Prairie’s website.