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ABC Awards 2026: Celebrating Excellence Across the Abbotsford School District

February 25, 2026

The Abbotsford School District is proud to present the outstanding staff who received this year’s ABC Awards of Excellence celebration. Together, let's honour excellence in teaching, leadership, service, teamwork, and district-wide impact.

The district also recognized employees reaching 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service, continuing a long‑standing tradition of honouring the people who have sustained and strengthened our schools over decades.

Long-Term Service

45 Years

Joan Erickson

40 Years

Donna Klemets, Diana Mcallister

35 Years

Sonia Barski, Joanne Congo, Stephanie Doan, Chris Kelly, Leasa Lepine, Dyanne O'Donnell, Douglas Smuland

30 Years

Jennifer Aitken, Bonnie Bevan, Mike Bidal, Sabrina Bidal, Brian Billo, Sara Burdell, Greg Byron, Pam Christensen, Bridgette Clarke, Carla Danielsson, Jodie Dueck, Sherry Dunn, Clare Ellison, Eden Green, Carlton Haak, James Hallam, Lorna Henry, Linda Howe, Jennifer Johnson, David Jones, Lara Katan, Pam Oshiro-Bain, Roz Paterson, Alf Penner, Jill Prins, Lorne Rosen, Trista Rothwell, Sherri Schleppe, Bruce Schmor, Sylvia Smith, Shawn Stevens, Norm Taylor, Lisa Valihrach, Michelle Watrin

25 Years

Sheri Ashdown, Rimpal Bamara, Jill Barkess, Michelle Basran, Anita Beauvillier, Bobby Bhambra, Sandra Breslin, Fay Christie, Harjinder Dhaliwal, Dereck Dirom, Jeff Dunton, Coleen Fillion, Chris Harvey, Nancy Klop, Casey Lindquist, Nic Locquiao, Michelle MacIver, Andrew Macphail, Heidi McMaster, Tammy Miettinen, Karen Moffat, Lisa Pagotto, Fran Poirier, Dale Pretty, Karen Pretty, Jennifer Simpson, Karla Stroet, Judy Summers, Charlotte Tommy, Kymberlee Toporowski, Tammy Tran, Martene Turra, Katerina Ulrich, Jennifer Vallance, Michael Whalley, Nicole Woodward

20 Years

Florencio Ancheta Jr., Amy Anderson, Nicole Banks, Tyler Baruta, Laura Lee Billing, David Blades, Roxanne Boucher, Jatinder Brar, Russ Braun, Kelly Bulat, Mariko Carlisle, Nicolas Cochrane, Darlene Cotton, Christine Dahl, Crystal Davids, Sukhpaul Dhaliwal, Sara Dorgan, Kristine Douglas, Ashlee Gage, Rhiannon Gedak, Michelle Gehring, Natalie Grieve, Maurine Gunia, Laura Hambly, Diana Hendy, Kelly Hiebert, Erica Hopkins, Jessica Horst, Karen Hunt, Scott Hunter, Michelle Janzen, Andrea Janzen, Ashley Jones, Sharon Jorger

Teacher Educational Support

Clementine Huff — Exemplary Teaching Practice

English Department Head, Robert Bateman Secondary
Clementine is celebrated for her instructional excellence and thoughtful leadership. She has championed inclusive classrooms and guided meaningful curriculum work in both vertical alignment and Indigenization. Her colleagues describe her as a master at differentiating instruction so every learner feels valued and seen.

Karen Zuniga — Supporting Student Success

Education Assistant, Bakerview
Karen supports vulnerable teens with patience, empathy, and high expectations. Her calm, steady presence builds trust and helps students navigate complex emotional and academic needs. She adapts learning so students can succeed, and her impact is felt by both staff and families.

Paula Kast — Excellence in Educational Equity

Education Assistant, Abbotsford Senior Secondary (LSS)
Paula is recognized for championing equity and advocating fiercely for students who need additional support. She thinks creatively, sets achievable goals, and helps students believe in their own potential. Her care empowers students to build confidence and celebrate their successes.

Leadership

Tammy Miettinen — Leadership in Education

P.E. and Grade 5 Teacher, Dr. T. A. Swift Elementary
Tammy leads with positivity, energy, and a deep commitment to student well-being. She organizes major school events, promotes safety and inclusion, and brings enthusiasm to every interaction. Her leadership helps make Swift a thriving place to learn.

Lauren Mactavish — Leadership in School/Workplace Culture

LLC Teacher, Abbotsford Middle School
Lauren’s leadership touches all corners of AMS. From designing assemblies and school-wide interventions to mentoring through WEB, she is the person everyone turns to when something needs to be done. Her contributions uplift both students and staff.

Lorra Bedard — Leadership in School/Workplace Culture

Teacher, Chief Dan George Middle
Known for her creativity, flexibility, and behind-the-scenes support, Lorra strengthens school culture through intentional acts of care. She advocates for students, leads initiatives, and fosters belonging one handshake and warm welcome at a time.

Sameera Bird — Leadership in Indigenous Education

Indigenous Support Worker, W.J. Mouat
Sameera creates spaces where Indigenous learning is for everyone. Through collaboration and student-centred programming, she brings Indigenous visibility and teachings into classrooms across subjects. Her work enriches the entire school community.

AVS & IT Registration Team — Leadership in Technological Innovation

Abbotsford Virtual School & IT Department
Solange Hyde, Lori McComish, Kim Steffen, Corinna Nairn, Trip Kaur, and Pat Taylor are honoured for designing the district’s new online registration system from the ground up. Their cross-department collaboration improved family experience and modernized operations while maintaining their regular duties.

Teamwork

Allison Brock — Teamwork Award

Teacher, ASIA – North Poplar
Allison is an exceptional mentor whose quiet leadership supports new teachers and strengthens learning across classrooms. She shares resources, strategies, and heartfelt encouragement — helping colleagues grow with confidence.

Margaret Stenersen Elementary — Inclusive Team of the Year

Beth Morran, Anna Persad, Genevieve Malcolm, Deanna Schwab
This team led an Equity Inquiry focused on EDIA, building sustainable practices that strengthen belonging and inclusion. From professional learning series to engaging experiences like the Hogan’s Alley field trip, their work has transformed school culture.

Lisa Grabinsky — Community Impact

Clearbrook Elementary
Lisa builds community through culturally responsive events and meaningful learning experiences. From city-wide art submissions to celebrations like Iftar and Holi, she creates spaces where students see themselves reflected and celebrated. Her work extends far beyond the classroom.

Tony Alexander — Everyday Hero

Bus Driver, Transportation
Tony is recognized for extraordinary care for students. He notices needs, advocates for safety, and builds trust with riders who rely on him every day. His attention to detail and genuine kindness make him a true anchor in students’ daily routines.

Employees of the Year

Erica Tjart — Educator of the Year

Kindergarten/Grade 1 Teacher, Roberta Bondar Elementary
Erica’s generous collaboration and early years expertise ripple across the district. She mentors colleagues, pilots new initiatives, and models best practice. Her forward-thinking approach continuously elevates student learning.

Karen Zuniga — Educational Support Employee of the Year

Education Assistant, Bakerview Centre for Learning
Karen is recognized again at the district level for her exceptional commitment to vulnerable learners. Students seek her out because they know they will be met with empathy, fairness, and encouragement.

Jesse Tymich — Operational Support Employee of the Year

Administrative Assistant, William A. Fraser Middle
Jesse is the heart of the WAF office. She builds community, supports students beyond school hours, and creates a warm, welcoming environment for everyone. Her kindness defines the tone of the school.