A local teacher is left speechless after being nominated for a provincial award.
Colby Bowers is new to the world of teaching, but it doesn’t show. After just eight months of instructing Physical Education at H.E. Bourgoin (H.E.B.) Middle School, Bowers has made a lasting impression.
Bowers’ principal, Maureen Ference, was first to throw his name in as a nomination for the Alberta School Boards’ Association Edwin Parr Award, and the Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) board of trustees couldn’t agree more.
The award is presented to six teachers from across the province, one from each zone. In order to qualify, a teacher must be within their first year of teaching at the school.
Assistant principal at H.E.B. JoDee Conrad described Bowers as an asset to the school and the students.
“Colby has this energy about him. The students absolutely adore him, and his enthusiasm just shines right through. He’s one of those people that make you feel good just to be around him, and he works so hard to make sure that every single student feels safe and welcome,” she said in a release. “He’s the kind of teacher that all of us should aspire to be.”
Bowers described the nomination as “breathtaking.”
“I was speechless when I found out I was nominated. There are a lot of amazing first-year teachers in our division, and to have my name brought up and to be recognized that way was just amazing,” he added.
In total, there were four teachers suggested for nomination. Bowers, Morgan Metcalfe of Duclos School, Tamara Toole from Art Smith Aviation Academy, and Hailey Babcock from École Plamondon were all recommended by their schools.
“We are thrilled to have such an excellent group of first-year teachers this year,” said NLPS board chair Arlene Hrynyk in a statement. “We look forward to seeing what they do as they continue to grow and impact the lives of our students.”
Before his nomination, Bowers hadn’t heard about the Edwin Parr Award, which made the recognition that much more of a surprise.
“If anything, this nomination solidifies the fact that I’m doing what I’m meant to do, and that I’m on the right path, which is something I believe a lot of people wish they could have,” he expressed.
Teaching hadn’t always been on Bowers’ radar for potential careers. After graduating high school, he took a year off to work in the oilfield, but quickly learned his heart just wasn’t in it.
“I found out that was something I definitely didn’t want to do. I had a really positive role model PhysEd teacher when I went to Bonnyville Centralized High School,” noted Bowers.
Through her guidance, Bowers began entertaining the idea of becoming a teacher.
He started classes at MacEwan University for a bachelor degree in kinesiology and education and hasn’t looked back.
“On the first day, I knew it was something I would be interested in, but it just got better and better,” described Bowers.
Growing up in the area, Bowers knew he wanted to make his way back to his roots.
Bowers grew up on a farm near Ardmore, and described the lifestyle and culture of the community as something he “could never get away from.”
“I wanted to make a positive impact in my hometown, which is what I am trying to do,” he expressed.
Because he works in Physical Education, Bowers spends time with every student that attends H.E.B. He hopes that he has touched the lives of the students, built lasting connections, and has made a positive impact on their lives.
“I teach them all every day. I may have more of an ability to build a relationship with these students because I do get to see them all so frequently,” explained Bowers.
Winning the award would be further confirmation that he is making a difference, however he does recognize there are some fantastic teachers nominated.
“If I ended up being the one to win for our zone, I think that would be the highlight of the career I have only just begun.”
