Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz said she had no trouble nominating Highroad Academy teacher Julie Lade for one of the Prime Minister's Teaching Excellence Awards recently handed out.
"I had no difficulty in doing so because I had seen her in action many times," said Gaetz.
Lade was also recognized with a certificate of outstanding achievement in Chilliwack council chambers Tuesday, acknowledging the PM award along with 27 other teachers across the country.
"It's so well deserved that's it hard not to comment," said Gaetz.
Lade taught both of the mayor's children.
"My daughter Jenna adored Ms. Lade. It's very seldom that children come home talking about how fabulous a teacher is."
She's the kind of hard-working educator who goes in to work early and leaves late, and makes a difference daily.
"I know that Ms. Lade is very well loved by the students she has now, as well as the students she's had previously."
For many, the devoted teacher made a "significant investment" in their lives.
But Lade is no "pushover," Gaetz continued, and the students learn she has great discipline and skills.
"She takes a personal interest in them."
Lade is an inspiration for many of her fellow teachers, and she follows in her father's footsteps as a teacher.
"Thanks for raising such a wonderful daughter," Gaetz said, addressing Lade's father in the audience, "and inculcating in her a love of teaching."
The mayor added: "I'm so darn proud of you," before inviting Lade down to accept the certificate of recognition she was presenting on council's behalf.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
Twitter.com/chwkjourno