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Mayors' Excellence Awards recognize CBE education partnershipsThe CBE and their partners were honoured on January 27, 2011 with three separate Mayors’ Excellence Awards. These awards are presented annually by the Calgary Educational Partnership Foundation (CEFP), to recognize and celebrate the efforts of business, community and education working together to improve the quality of public education in our community. Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, mayors from surrounding communities, and business people and educators from the Calgary area honoured partnerships that enrich the educational experience for students. Honourees included: Curriculum Support Award - Western Canada High School and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
With the support of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Western Canada High School has been able to significantly enhance its music program. The partnership began in September 2009 and is funded through the “Artists and Education” program through the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Through the regular clinic and workshop experiences, music students work with outstanding musicians from the CPO. They gain a deeper understanding of their instruments and develop skills which they would not otherwise have the opportunity to develop. The partnership creates an exceptional learning opportunity for students that will have life-long impacts on how students learn, play, perceive and appreciate music.
This partnership was recognized for its long-term collaboration and commitment toward the well-being of students at the school, as well as its impact on students’ educational development. The partnership was formed 17 years ago to help students reach their greatest potential. Through this partnership, students have participated in educational opportunities outside the classroom, including leadership conferences and public speaking workshops designed to empower students with new skills and experiences. The collaboration also provides students who have financial limitation with bus passes for transportation to and from school, and supplies transportation for supplemental learning opportunities. The group also supports a breakfast and lunch program for students to receive adequate nutrition prior to and during the school day.
This partnership was honoured with the Open Category award for its Cinderella Gown Project. The Cinderella Gown Project of Calgary is about making dreams come true for young women who have hit the milestone of graduation from high school. The program and the event gives eligible Grade 12 graduating women in the Calgary area the experience of choosing a beautiful gown and accessories so that they are able to attend their graduation banquet with dignity and respect, regardless of financial need. Many of these young women have overcome tremendous obstacles to arrive at this turning point in their lives, and in normal circumstances would receive nothing for their achievement. Last year, the Cinderella Project helped over 250 Cinderellas from over 30 different high schools, in four different school divisions. This project involves over 30 corporate, community and non-for-profit partners.
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