FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 17, 2019

HAMILTON, ON – Local high school teacher Harry Blyleven is being recognised for his work in teaching Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to students in Grades 9 to 12. Blyleven will receive a John Rozema Teaching Excellence Award in the STEM category worth $5,000 to help fund his professional development as a teacher. Under Blyleven’s guidance, students at Hamilton District Christian High School created a smartphone app that allows Westfield Heritage Village visitors to enjoy a narrated walking tour of the museum. The project stretched students’ abilities in computer programming, audio engineering, graphic design, and communication.

“Harry Blyleven worked with students at four grade levels to encourage them to test their boundaries and excel in their studies,” says Ray Pennings, Executive Vice President of think tank Cardus. “His teaching is a reminder that independent Christian schools are often at the forefront of STEM teaching.”

Also winning Rozema Awards this year are:

• Laurie Blue at Niagara Christian Collegiate in the Humanities and Fine Arts category
• Brenda Boks at Beacon Christian School in the Special Education category
• Rachael Weening at Toronto District Christian High School in the Global Perspective category

Rozema Award winners will be honoured at the 2019 Edvance Christian Schools Association conference on October 24.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES
 Daniel Proussalidis
 Cardus – Director of Communications
 613-241-4500 x508
 dproussalidis@cardus.ca

About the Award

The John Rozema Teaching Excellence Award recognises excellence as an ongoing investment into the life of a Christian school community and a positive public contribution to the common good. Open to all independent Christian schools in Ontario, the award is presented in partnership with the Christian School Foundation and EduDeo Ministries.