Board Chair Awarded Bernadine Yackman Memorial Award

MARATHON, Ontario – The Superior-Greenstone District School Board is thrilled to announce that Board Chair and Trustee Pinky McRae has been awarded the highly esteemed Bernadine Yackman Memorial Award. This honor was presented at the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Toronto, as part of the annual Public Education Symposium.

The Bernadine Yackman Memorial Award is presented annually to an active or retired trustee of an OPSBA member board in recognition of their outstanding contributions to education, with a special focus on service to Northern Ontario. Established in 1985, the award pays tribute to the late Bernadine Yackman, a Sudbury Board of Education Trustee and a dedicated leader in the Northern Ontario School Trustees' Association. It honors individuals whose commitment, leadership, and advocacy have had a profound impact on education at the board, regional, or provincial level.

Pinky McRae's exceptional dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on education in Northern Ontario. As a Trustee and Chair of the Superior-Greenstone District School Board, Pinky has been a tireless advocate for the needs of students in the North, focusing on equity, well-being, and academic success. Over her impressive tenure as Chair and as Trustee since December 2010, she has championed strong governance and guided the board through significant challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the well-being of students and staff.

Director of Education Will Goodman praised Pinky's remarkable contributions, stating, “Pinky's exemplary leadership has guided the Superior-Greenstone District School Board with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and the needs of our students. Her commitment to public education in the North and her ability to forge meaningful partnerships have had a lasting impact. She is a leader and mentor to many, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her extraordinary efforts.”

Pinky's influence extends beyond the local level, with her voice and expertise contributing significantly to provincial education initiatives. She has been a respected presence at OPSBA and other provincial forums, sharing her knowledge with educational leaders across Ontario. Her recent focus on strengthening partnerships with community leaders and advocating for regional priorities further underscores her commitment to public education in Northern Ontario.

The Ontario Public School Boards' Association represents 31 English public school boards across Ontario, collectively serving nearly 1.4 million students. The Superior-Greenstone District School Board is proud to see Pinky McRae's dedication and advocacy celebrated at this provincial level, affirming her as a true champion of public education.

For more information about the OPSBA or the Bernadine Yackman Memorial Award, visit their website at www.opsba.org. 

-30-