Every Vote Counts!  

DSBN Teacher Nominated for Me to We Award  

Although probably too modest to say so herself, Stevensville Public School teacher Heather Ferretti’s colleagues say she has limitless energy, exudes kindness and inspires others to make a difference in the world. Heather’s colleagues were certainly inspired by all the good work she does to nominate Heather for a 2013 Me to We Award. 

The Me to We awards honour “caring, compassionate Canadians whose efforts – big or small – are improving the lives of others.” Three finalists have been chosen and Canadians have the opportunity to pick the final winner. Heather is nominated in the educator category. Online voting runs until June 1. The winner will be awarded $5,000 to support the charity of their choice and will be invited to attend We Day in Toronto this September. Votes are cast online at the Huffington Post Canada website.

While living abroad for a year, Heather volunteered at local schools and orphanages in the Philippines and Cambodia. Saddened by the poverty and inequalities faced by many children, Heather became motivated to act. Inspired by her experiences and Free the Children’s commitment to education and sustainable development, Heather entered the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and sought to earn at $8,500 in sponsorships. That number was so significant because for less than $10,000, Free the Children can build a school in a developing country. Heather’s students also got behind this movement for change and helped her to raise well in excess of the $8,500 needed.

In her nomination form, Heather’s teaching colleague Deanna Davies wrote that “those of us who know Heather can clearly see it was her passion and determination that helped ignite a spark for change. Students in our school, especially her classroom of Grade 7’s, continue to be inspired by her example and activism.”

This summer, Heather plans to travel to Africa and hopes to visit the school she helped raise money to build. The school and students wish her the best and will eagerly await her return, stories and photos from her trip.