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NLPS chair receives Dick Baker Legacy Award

Northen Lights Public Schools (NLPS) board chair Arlene Hrynyk was recognized for her values through the Public School Boards' Association Dick Baker Legacy Award.
Arlene Hrynyk
NLPS Board Chair Arlene Hrynyk received the Dick Baker Legacy Award.

BONNYVILLE - If Arlene Hrynyk is anything, she's passionate about education.

The Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) board chair was recognized for her values through the Public School Boards' Association Dick Baker Legacy Award. 

“I am absolutely humbled,” Hrynyk told Lakeland This Week. “It’s always amazing how others see you versus how you see yourself, but I guess they see me as deserving."

Hrynyk is polishing off her sixth term on the local public school board, for a total of 20 years serving the community. 

“If someone were to ask me if I would be here this many years later, I would have said ‘no,’ but here I am,” she laughed. 

Hrynyk was nominated not only by the NLPS board of trustees, but also by Medicine Hat Public Schools. 

In addition to sitting as chair for NLPS, Hrynyk is busy as director of zones two and three for the Alberta School Boards Association and serving on the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan.

“It’s not work to me, it’s a passion, I love fighting for kids, I love fighting for community, and I am probably never going to stop if I am in a position to or not,” she said. 

The Dick Baker Legacy Award is presented to an individual who over their career in public education have "modelled the values of integrity, compassion, respect, mentorship and leadership, leaving a lasting and positive legacy for those who follow."

During the NLPS board meeting on June 9, Trustee Karen Packard said, “I am very proud to say that I am someone who also values you as a mentor, Arlene, and congratulations."

But for Hrynyk, it's not about being recognized for what you do, it's about making a difference. 

“You don’t serve your community to garner awards, you serve and you work hard because it’s what you’ve been entrusted to do,” she expressed. “In my case, kids and public education are always worth fighting for."

She took a moment to thank those who nominated her for the honour. 

“A huge thank you for recognizing the personal values that I have always hoped I was reflecting."

Meagan MacEachern, Bonnyville Nouvelle

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