Superintendent Mike McMann was celebrated on Saturday, February 25 at a Medal Ceremony that took place in the Town of High Level Council Chambers where he accepted Alberta’s Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Peace River MLA, Dan Williams was on hand to present the Medal in recognition of McMann’s valuable contributions to our region and to the province of Alberta.

Created in commemoration of the Queen’s 70^th Anniversary, this medal is being awarded to 7,000 residents of Alberta who have made significant contributions to their communities and fellow citizens. The Fort Vermilion School Division (FVSD) Board of Trustees would like to congratulate Superintendent McMann on being selected for this prestigious award. Board Chair, Marc Beland said “We are proud of Mike and feel that he is well deserving of this recognition. He has done so much for our schools, our communities, and our children.”

An educator for over 20 years, August 2023 will mark six years as FVSD Superintendent of Schools for McMann. During that time, he has put a significant focus on increasing educational opportunities for students and continues to move the Division forward in literacy, numeracy, and connectivity. Most recently, Mike has been a driving force behind the newly created Hockey Academy, the addition of earth moving and tractor trailer driving simulators, and the beginnings of a mutually beneficial partnership with Northern Lakes College to offer dual credit programming at the high school level.

“It truly is an honor to be recognized with the Platinum Jubilee Medal,” said Superintendent McMann when the announcement was made. “It takes an entire team to succeed, and I share this achievement with the over 600 FVSD employees that have made our success possible. I do not do this work alone and I’m grateful to work with an amazing group of individuals, the best in this province.”

Mike continued, “My core belief is founded on the philosophy of MAKE IT HAPPEN, and this quote from Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. has really driven me my whole life.

‘Greatness is not where we stand, but in what direction we are moving. We must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it – but sail we must, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.’”

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal Ceremony - Feb 25, 2023