A former principal at Coquitlam’s Gleneagle secondary will get a prestigious award next week from the BC Music Educators’ Association.
Gerald Shong, who in June was appointed as an assistant superintendent of School District 43, will receive the accolade on Oct. 24 at the association conference at the River Rock Resort in Richmond.
Spokesperson Jeff Weaver said the Outstanding Administrator award has only been handed out 10 times since 1998; the last time it was presented was in 2007.
Shong was nominated for the award by Gleneagle music director Ed Trovato — who won a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in 2011 — and was supported by parents and fellow teachers.
Trovato told The Tri-City News he taught with Shong at George Pearkes Jr. High in Port Coquitlam and, while Shong rose through the ranks, he continued to boost music education by helping with trips, chaperoning, fundraising and even taking attendance.
“In my 24 years as a teacher, I have worked with some great administrators and certainly Gerald is at the top,” said Trovato, who will give a speech at River Rock before Shong steps on stage to receive the award. “He has always given 110%.”
