REGINA – The Horizon School Division Board of Education has received the 2025 Lieutenant Governor’s Board of Education Award for Innovation and Excellence in Education for its submission of “From Field to Future: Inspiring Excellence in Agriculture Education”.
The Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) co-ordinates the Lieutenant Governor’s Award each year. The award was presented by Her Honour the Hon. Bernadette McIntyre during the SSBA’s Annual General Assembly on Monday.
“It was a pleasure to attend the SSBA assembly, and I was honoured to present the Lieutenant Governor’s Board of Education Award to the Horizon School Division Board of Education,” said Her Honour Bernadette McIntyre. “Having grown up on a farm, I am particularly impressed by Horizon’s innovative program, teaching students about agriculture and incorporating Indigenous perspectives. I congratulate Horizon on this well-deserved recognition, and I thank them for their excellence in education.”
In its application for the award, Horizon said of its submission: “This division-wide agriculture education initiative connects students with authentic, hands-on learning rooted in Saskatchewan’s economy, culture, and environment. The goal is to integrate Indigenous ways of knowing and reconciliation through land-based learning while creating clear pathways to future education, careers, and leadership in agriculture.”
“Agriculture is the heartbeat of Horizon’s communities and culture, and it is a privilege to bring that learning to life for our students,” said Linda Mattock, Board Chair. “We are honoured by this recognition, and are profoundly grateful to the Elders, partners, and educators whose commitment ensures our students learn from the land and see bright futures in Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector.”
To view a video about the award recipients, please visit: https://youtu.be/mfUGYoLvfj0
While this has been a long-standing award, this is the first time it is being recognized through the Lieutenant Governor’s office and with the new sponsorship of the Promhouse Financial Group at CIBC Wood Gundy.
At its assembly, the SSBA also recognized:
• Award of Distinction – Janet Kotylak (Prairie Valley)
• Life Member – Jaimie Smith-Windsor
• Honorary Life Member – Harry Lafond
• Degree Program Scholarship sponsored by Aon – Dani Meyer (Chinook)
• Technical/Trades Program Scholarship sponsored by Manulife – Mikeal Bird (Living Sky)