Fort Resolution (Sep 04/06) - Three contributors to education in the South Slave were honoured last week.

The three received the inaugural Excellence in Education Awards from the South Slave Divisional Education Council.

They are Moh Odeen, principal of Deninu school in Fort Resolution; Jan McNeely, a special needs assistant at Hay River's Diamond Jenness Secondary school; and Hay River businessman Brad Mapes, who was honoured for his numerous volunteer efforts.

The winners were announced Aug. 30 at the annual pre-school conference of teachers, principals and council staff held in Hay River.

Odeen, who is entering his fifth year as principal of Deninu school, was pleasantly surprised by the award.

"It's a recognition of everyone in our school," he said. "We have all contributed to making our school a more effective learning environment."

Odeen was honoured for, among other things, helping develop a school-community library, celebrating student achievement with graduation ceremonies, and implementing research projects in language arts and math.

"Moh's intuitive leadership style is one that is based on sensitivity to the goals and needs of the community, while complemented by his open-mindedness and enthusiasm for students reaching their potential," said council superintendent Curtis Brown in announcing the award.

Along with being a special needs assistant, McNeely is president of the Diamond Jenness Parent Advisory Committee.

Brown said McNeely is an example of spirit and inspiration at Diamond Jenness.

"I'm very surprised and touched that my colleagues would honour me," McNeely said.

Mapes, co-owner of Wesclean Northern Sales Ltd., was honoured as a "partner in education" for his financial contributions and volunteer work at Hay River schools.

Over the past year, he has among other things, read to classes, organized a stamp club, coached basketball, tutored students, and purchased sports equipment, uniforms and a set of violins.

"He is an amazing supporter of education," Brown said.

He noted Mapes is also leading an effort to establish a trades training facility in Hay River and organized a delivery of books to New Orleans schools damaged by Hurricane Katrina.