Two former educators of Niverville Collegiate Institute had an impact on student’s lives which surpassed their teaching careers.

Angela Burtnack-Schinkel is now the principal at Green Valley School in Grunthal, and Dana Dueck has passed away. Nevertheless, the pair was recognized on Thursday for the inspiration and

The late Dana Dueck was honored with a posthumous award on Thursday.encouragement they had given to one of their students.

Lauren Wiebe attended NCI and has since moved on to pursue higher education. Because of her outstanding character, commitment to service, and leadership potential, she received the Loran Scholarship which will allow her to attend a prestigious health sciences program at a university in Stockholm Sweden. As a part of this, she chose to recognize the two teacher’s whom she felt most impacted her high school career.

“It was so easy to relate to Lauren,” comments Burtnack-Schinkel, “Dana and I both had the same interests as she did and, as a student, you naturally gravitate towards teachers who challenge, support, and share interests with you.”

The two teachers were honored with the Loran Scholars Foundation’s Teachers Building Leaders award during NCI’s awards ceremony Thursday morning. Dueck's mother accepted the award on her behalf.

Burtnack-Schinkel says she was grateful to receive the honor, but even more grateful for her friend, Dueck, who was given it posthumously.

“She definitely made a difference in the lives of so many kids,” offers Burtnack-Schinkel. “It is just so good to see that even though she is no longer here, her legacy still lives on.

Burtnack-Schinkel says the whole event serves as a good reminder to teachers across the Hanover School Division.

“Building relationships is pivotal as an educator. Once you have their hearts, you have their minds.”