OTTAWA – Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright, was very pleased to attend today’s presentation of the 2007/2008 Prime Minister’s Awards for Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence and Excellence in Early Childhood Education.

“It was wonderful to be able to personally congratulate a recipient from Vegreville-Wainwright,” said Benoit. “Mrs. Angeleen Musyj was one of 16 teachers from across Canada who were chosen to receive the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence.”

Mrs. Musyj teaches at Rendell Park Elementary School, in Lloydminster.

During the presentations Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated, “Today we celebrate the teachers who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of young Canadians.”

The recipients represent Canadian teaching excellence in a wide range of subjects at all grade levels, from preschool through secondary school. All are recognized as having developed innovative ways to teach – including groundbreaking uses of information and communication technologies – to enhance their teaching practices.

This year, 16 teachers will receive the Certificate of Excellence and 51 will receive the Certificate of Achievement. Early childhood educators will also be recognized: 10 will receive the Certificate of Excellence and 18 will receive the Certificate of Achievement.

“We all can remember a particularly inspiring teacher,” states Benoit. “These individuals devote themselves to giving their best to the next generation of Canadians. As the Prime Minister explained, ‘These awards honour the talented and caring teachers in this country whose contribution to the lives of individual Canadians, and to Canada as a whole, is truly priceless.’”

“I congratulate Mrs. Musyj and all the teachers in my riding – your dedication and commitment to our children is invaluable,” concluded Benoit.