Richard Froese
South Peace News
Ecole Heritage men’s volleyball coach Patrick Simon has been honoured with a prestigious award from the Alberta School Sports Association.
He was selected the winner of the Set the Bar Award for fall 2024 and is a model of leadership and sportsmanship, says a Conseil scolaire du Nord-Ouest news release dated Jan. 22.
The award highlights an individual’s efforts to promote and enriching vision of school sports as a means of fostering personal and civic development.
It underscores the recipient’s commitment to instilling values such as respect and resilience in the face of adversity, positivity and inclusion, while inspiring student athletes to become responsible and compassionate citizens.
ASAA sportsmanship commissioner Kerri Meadows shares her praise for Simon.
“Patrick, it is my understanding that you not only demonstrated tremendous sportsmanship throughout the entire North West zone volleyball tournament, but also showed outstanding leadership amid adversity,” Meadows says.
“You went above and beyond for your team members and represented your school and your zone to the highest standards.
“You model positive values and conduct yourself in a very empathetic and authentic manner.
“You are encouraging and uplifting and because of that, I believe wholeheartedly that you have made your players better and the school a better place because of it.”
“Patrick, again, a big thank you for building a strong culture of sportsmanship and for fair play.”
With extensive experience coaching various sports, Simon is a cornerstone of the school’s athletic community.
The award is presented for senior high sportsmanship, says Heritage principal and athletic director Nicole Walisser.
Simon was first recognized by the North West Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association and then the ASAA, she notes.
“We want to thank Mr. Simon for everything he does for our athletes,” Walisser says.
“His passion, dedication and patience have made a profound impact.
“Thanks to him, our students not only improve technically but also learn invaluable lessons about perseverance, discipline and teamwork.
“His ability to motivate young people – even through creative means like singing – is admirable.
“His dedication and energy, both on and off the court, deeply enrich our school.”
CSNO and Ecole Heritage both extent heartfelt thanks and warmest congratulations to Simon for his outstanding dedication and positive influence on young athletes.