Woo-hoo! Anita Gomez!

NEWS RELEASE

HURON-SUPERIOR CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

**************************** SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - A teacher who has overcome challenges in life and helps others do the same is the 2008 recipient of the “It Takes a Village Award."

Anita Gomez, a literacy and basic skills teacher at Holy Angels Learning Centre, is this year’s honouree thanks to nearly 20 years of helping others to help themselves.

“Anita is most deserving of this award for being who she is and positively affecting people's lives every day of the year, said Holy Angels Principal Gloria Yeo.

Anita has overcome the challenges of emigrating from Cuba with little and now shows others that there is no challenge in life that can’t be overcome if you believe in yourself.

Along with her teaching duties, Gomez organizes the kitchen at Holy Angels, spearheads food drives and revives donations of old clothing for those who can’t afford new clothing.

Anita’s dedication to her students extends past the classroom as she assists them with finding legal support, financial assistance, housing, and links with other social service agencies.

“Anita meets the needs of the 'total student' in her daily work every day of the school year. We’re proud to say she is part of our community,” said Superintendent Germain Dalcourt.

Anita also teaches Spanish and has helped immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries learn a new language.

One of her former students is graduating this Friday from Sault College’s nursing program.

The “It Takes a Village Award” is sponsored by Community Living Algoma, SEAC and the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board.

A $400 cash award in Anita’s name goes along with the award for use in educational programs at Holy Angels Learning Centre.

PHOTO CAPTION: Left to right - SEAC member Suzanne Pleau, Dina Guido of Community Living Algoma, Anita Gomez.

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