Stephanie O’Brien has been a champion of Catholic education in Airdrie for more than 30 years.
Since graduating from the University of Calgary in 1991, O’Brien has been teaching at Our Lady Queen of Peace. Her mission has been to foster faith in those around her and help develop the gifts and talents of others.
“Catholic education is just an opportunity to live our faith and really just to recognize the gifts that we have been given and are called to share,” says O’Brien.
“For me, I feel I have been given the gift of guiding children to grow in their faith. It has been my joy over the years to be a teacher in Airdrie. It is important for me to leave behind lasting memories that are positive and good.”
O’Brien assisted in the original design of the school’s banner. Over the years, she has organized Christmas hampers and annual drives for the Airdrie Food Bank with her class. She has also been an emergency responder, first-aid representative and a mentor to new teachers.
“Stephanie always puts the student first, filling her tool kit by researching new strategies and facilitating these with her students. She is an inspiration and recognizes opportunities within each person,” says nominator and colleague, Cindy Gale.
“She is special because of her commitment to leading others to God. Many people are blessed to have her as a colleague, their teacher or a friend.”