Northland celebrates Emily Griffin and Pearl Lorentzen at ASBA Zone 1 Fall Awards
Posted on September 19
Left to right: Andrew Belsheim (Anzac School Principal), Emily Griffin (Anzac School Teacher), Pearl Lorentzen (Lakeside Leader Editor), Cal Johnson (Superintendent of Schools/CEO)
Northland School Division (NSD) is proud to celebrate Anzac School teacher Emily Griffin and Lakeside Leader newspaper editor Pearl Lorentzen, who were recognized at the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Zone 1 Fall Awards Ceremony.
NSD nominated Emily for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award, which honours first-year teachers who show exceptional dedication and commitment to education. At Anzac School, she creates a welcoming classroom where students feel safe, respected and ready to learn. Emily uses tools like the ViewSonic board, videos and visuals to keep students engaged and to support their understanding. Her classroom is calm and respectful, and she gives students the encouragement they need to succeed. Beyond the classroom, Emily participates in school and community events, building strong connections with students and families.
Pearl was Northland School Division’s nominee for the Friends of Education Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that make a special contribution to education in Alberta. Since joining the Lakeside Leader, she has dedicated herself to telling the stories of northern Alberta, including communities served by Northland such as Wabasca-Desmarais, Chipewyan Lake and Calling Lake. She has covered Board meetings, the grand opening of the new Mistassiniy School, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta’s visit to Mistassiniy, and the division’s work in language, culture and its new Education Plan.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to congratulate Emily and Pearl for being recognized at the ASBA Zone 1 Fall Awards,” said Board Chair Tanya Fayant. “Their dedication and commitment make a difference for Northland students and for education in the communities we serve.”
“Emily’s efforts go a long way in helping Northland students thrive, while Pearl’s storytelling shares Northland achievements with the wider community,” said Superintendent of Schools/CEO Cal Johnson. “Together, they highlight the strength of education when schools and communities work hand in hand.”
The ASBA Zone 1 Fall Awards took place in Grande Prairie on September 17, 2025.
