I am delighted to let you all know about this wonderful award to honour the ways of amm and continue to recognize those who deserve recognition.
amm’s close friends Kate McHarg and Ann Durant had the wonderful idea to create an award in amm’s memory, which is how the Anne-Marie Merle Service to Children Award came to be. The details of the award are outlined in the following word document. This letter was sent to all the schools in the Living Sky School Division. Charlie will be attending the Service Recognition Ceremony this year, which is being held on Friday, May 28th, 2010. One day before the one year anniversary of amm’s passing. Man, can amm ever plan things well!
I am also happy tor report that there are a number of nominations this year. I will update the site with the successful candidates after the awards ceremony.
Many thanks to Kate and Ann for imagining this award, developing it and carrying it through to completion.
Friday, June 4, 2010
I have received many positive emails since the Service Awards night, by attendees expressing their support for the Anne-Marie Merle Service to Children Award and how well the evening went. Especially how well Charlie spoke.
Here is what was said about each of the four recipients, as well as a list of the other nominees. Already there is talk about nominations for next year! Again, a huge thanks to Kate and Ann, and their commitment to keeping amm in our lives.
Also, the school in Medstead is including this write-up in their newsletter.
As well, an article about the Service Awards was written in the Battlefords’ Powerflyer. It should be noted that Bob Krismer is not Charlie’s son-in-law. Bob is his golf buddy and an accomplished wood-worker. Slight typo!
June 21, 2011
What another great year of the Anne-Marie Merle Service to Children Award. There were three recipients this year, Gisella Bolton, Joelene Borschneck and Kyla Snell.
Sadly our family was unable to attend this year’s award ceremony. Brian Quinn read this on our family’s behalf.
The Merle family, as well as the educational community of the Battlefords, lost a tremendous person and a tremendous educator when Anne-Marie Merle passed away on May 29, 2009. The Merle family is very appreciative of the efforts made by Kate and Ann to ensure that recognition of Anne-Marie’s special talents continues as a part of the presentation of the Anne-Marie Merle Service to Children Award. The Merle family is disappointed that we are unable to attend this year’s ceremony in person, but we have complete trust, as Anne-Marie did, in the special individuals involved with the selection of the award recipient and presentation of the award.
Anne-Marie would be extremely pleased to know that those individuals who have shown extra initiative and effort in helping a child are being rightfully recognized and celebrated. These extra efforts occur regularly, and these extra efforts are not often asked for, or done with the expectation of being recognized. Anne-Marie knew that it is these unofficial extra efforts that can make all the difference in a student’s educational career and can have a wonderful and immeasurable positive impact on a child’s life.
This is a special day of honour and remembrance for the Merle family, and are with you all in spirit tonight.
Thank-you again to Kate and Ann for recognizing that the values that Anne-Marie lived by are important enough to be communicated continuously in the form of this special award.
Sincerely,
Charles Merle
Kirsten Merle
Anthony Merle
What a perfect tribute to amm and what she believed in. No doubt she will make her presence known at the Service Recognition ceremony as well.
I totally agree, Tracey!
Kirsten
This is a wonderful tribute to a great lady, & a dear friend. Anne-Marie, definitely, has her hand, in the future, too.
luv Audrey
I so appreciated the words of tribute given to the three recipients of this award. Each of the women were moved to tears and some were visibly shaking. Their reaction to this honour was evidence of the love and respect we continue to have for Anne Marie. I could see her smile as Charlie made his speech.
Thank you!
Sherron – I am so glad you shared your experience of the evening.
What a super award in remembrance of a wonderful educator and we were very touched when we read the article. Just wondering if you have an example of the pencil so you can show Gramma ‘Lien when she comes to see you in July.
I am pretty sure my dad has more pencils that we can show Grandma!
Kirsten:
I was very excited to read about the recipients of the first-ever Anne-Marie Merle Service to Children awards. Tammy Riel is the daughter of Helene Whiteside, a member of Anne-Marie’s Beta Sigma Phi chapter.
There’s always a connection somewhere, isn’t there!
Rojeanne – thanks for sharing the connection! Love it!
Kirsten