The Black Gold School Division held its first-ever Recognition Night in Leduc, Alberta on May 26, 2026, launching what leaders say will become a spring tradition to celebrate local educators for their years of service and dedication. Board Chair Devonna Klaassen and Superintendent Michael Borgfjord led the evening ceremony, which honoured 29 employees for service milestones, 60 retirees, and two special award winners.
In the past, the division announced staff milestones and retirements during its fall kick-off event. Moving the celebration to a dedicated spring evening, Klaassen explained, lets the division “ensure the focus of the evening was entirely on the individuals being honoured.”
The service milestones recognized included 15 staff members with 25 years, 8 with 30 years, and 6 with 35 years of service. The division also recognized 36 staff who retired during the 2024-25 school year and 24 who are retiring in 2025-26.
The Superintendent’s Award of Excellence went to Jackie Bryan, an administrative assistant at the Black Gold Outreach School in Leduc. Colleagues describe Bryan as the heart of the school, known for her warm greetings and going above and beyond to create a safe environment for students. Sidney M’Sahel, a music teacher and band and choir director at Leduc Composite High School, received the Board’s Inspiring Success Award of Distinction. M’Sahel is credited with reigniting the school’s music program, organizing band camps and concerts, and inspiring students to aim higher.
Black Gold School Division is the seventh-largest public school division in Alberta, serving about 12,000 students across 32 schools in communities that include Beaumont, Calmar, Devon, Leduc, New Sarepta, Thorsby, and Warburg.
“Tonight feels special,” Klaassen said as she welcomed attendees to the event. With the division’s new commitment to an annual spring ceremony, residents can expect this celebration of local educators to become a regular moment of community pride.
