September 10 1991
Excellence awards for Hymanyk, Onusko
Two Elk Point teachers are among 322 educators from across the province to be recognized with Local Excellence In Teaching Awards for their outstanding contributions to the education of students. Wayne Hymanyk, a Grade 3 Mathematics, Art and Language and Grade 4 to 6 Art teacher at Elk Point Elementary School, and Ron Onusko, Resource Room and Mathematics 14 and 24 teacher at F. G. Miller High School, are two of the three teachers in the County of St. Paul No. 19 to be thus honored. The third is a teacher from Ashmont.
Hymanyk’s popularity as a teacher stems in part from involving his students in making decisions that affect them. He encourages them to make the right choices for themselves, and has set three objectives for each student to live up to. Students are taught to choose to be> quiet and listen, to choose to raise their hand if they want something, and to choose to have respect for others. Because students are faced with choices, rather than rules or regulations, Hymanyk’s strategy works. A fair and sincere man who listens to student concerns objectively and with an open mind, Hymanyk has gained and: maintained the respect and admiration of all students. Hymanyk is an enthusiastic and energetic teacher who strives to make his classroom environment positive and stimulating. Colorful bulletin boards and murals lining the walls display his students’ work and attest to the fact that some of his greatest contribution to the school has been to their art program. One parent said, “before he came to our school, art was just art.”
Ron Onusko is an expert at assessing the needs of students, and planning individual programs accordingly. With the use of audio, visuals, verbal and practical hands-on strategies, he offers his students many opportunities to experience success. An encouraging manner, shared humor and generous compliments go far to foster the development of his students’ self concepts. He is a strong advocate on his students’ behalf and has gained their respect. Practical experience in the skills necessary for running a small business goes to the majority of his students, who are involved in operation of the school’s successful hot food program.
Onusko has taught English, Language Arts and Mathematics at all levels of Junior and Senior High, and is also a skilled English As A Second Language teacher and a volunteer for an adult literacy program. In addition, he has coached hockey and badminton. Colleagues have remarked on his wide range of knowledge and his intelligence. “Ron does make a difference,” one colleague noted.
Education Minister Jim Dinning feels that “Excellent teachers are the heart of our education system. These people devote their creativity, their Vine” and ‘their “professional ‘expertise to ensure that children succeed -- and have fun at the same time. I’m pleased to join with parents and community members in celebrating the terrific job these teachers do for our students.”
The Excellence in Teaching Awards Program was initiated in 1989 by the Council on Alberta Teaching Standards and the Minister of Education. The program is supported by the Alberta School Boards Association, the Alberta Teachers Association, the Alberta Federation of Home and School Associations, the Association of Independent Schools and Colleges, the Conference of Alberta School Superintendents and the Universities Coordinating Council, each of which has a representative on the Selection Committee. Nominations are submitted by parents, teaching colleagues, community members and students.
