CINCINNATI— Sir William Van Horne High School, First Student Canada in Calgary and The Rotary Club – Olympic Chapter were honored by the Calgary Educational Partnership Foundation with a 2011 Mayors’ Excellence Award. The team was recognized for their long-term collaboration and commitment toward the well-being of students at the school, as well as their impact on the students’ educational development.
“The objective of our partnership with First Student and The Rotary Club is to combine the strengths and resources of each organization to provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and creativity, increase their personal growth and take advantage of a full range of learning opportunities,” said Gregory Bondy, assistant principal, Sir William Van Horne High School. “This award reflects how instrumental this partnership has been in helping our students to succeed.”
Sir William Van Horne High School, First Student and The Rotary Club formed the partnership 17 years ago to help students at the school reach their greatest potential. Through the collaboration and sponsorship of the partners, students have participated in educational opportunities outside of the classroom including leadership conferences and public speaking workshops designed to empower students with new skills and experiences.
The award also recognizes the partners’ efforts to emphasize the importance of education and giving back to the community. The collaboration provides students who have financial limitations with bus passes for transportation to and from school, and supplies transportation for supplemental learning opportunities. The group also supports a breakfast and lunch program in order for students to receive adequate nutrition prior to and during the school day.
In addition, First Student employees and Rotary Club members act as mentors for students and offer connections to professionals with real world experience. In conjunction with the school, the organizations provide students with scholarships, a turkey dinner before the Christmas holiday and collect donations for students and their families for the Christmas hamper program.
“We are thrilled to receive this award with Sir William Van Horne High School and The Rotary Club,” said Barb Sanders, First Student charter manager. “Our team members enjoy working directly with the students and seeing how they can truly make a positive impact on their education process.”
About First Student
First Student, Inc., a part of Cincinnati-based FirstGroup America, is the leader in safe, reliable, sustainable transportation and is the largest provider of student transportation services in North America. FirstGroup America was recently awarded the National Safety Council’s 2009 Green Cross for Safety Medal in recognition of its commitment to safety and outstanding safety record. First Student safely transports approximately six million students with a fleet of approximately 60,000 yellow school buses in North America. For more information, please visit www.firststudentinc.com or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/FirstGrpAmerica.
