Precious Blood Teacher Nominated For Distinguished Educator Award

Earlier this fall, Michelle Brandle, principal at Precious Blood School in Jasper, nominated art teacher Bill Whorrall for the National Catholic Educational Association Distinguished Teacher award.

In her nominating letter, she wrote, “Mr. Whorrall is a true example of an exceptional educator dedicated to Catholic education. He possesses a deep faith and commitment to each student’s academic and spiritual development.

She added, “He often reflects with the students about the wonders of God’s creation and instills in them an appreciation for God’s gifts.”

In his application for the national award, he wrote, “I have had the opportunity to teach in both public and parochial schools. I found that there is nowhere else I’d rather be than teaching in a Catholic school. I am able to teach art through understanding and honoring God’s creation.

“I am able to discuss my faith with the students and help them recognize their faith.”

He said that each year he offers a theme “such as African art, Hispanic art, Japanese art. This year it is Aboriginal Australian art. I bring in guest speakers, objects, music. I do this not only to acquaint them with a different culture but to show them how art does not happen in just an art room, that it happens in an entire culture.”

This year, students at Precious Blood are connected with an Aboriginal school, and doing collaborative art projects through the mail. That means that “a grade five art student in Jasper is working on the same piece of paper as a grade five student in Australia.” The students are also exchanging photos and writing one to another.”

Whorrall did not receive the award, but Brandle recently held an assembly to honor his nomination.