Tom Henihan
Spotlight
Along with celebrating the achievements of 1,385 students at Northern Lakes College Convocation on June 3, the college also honoured Lilian Beland, presenting her with the 2016 “Friend of Northern Lakes College Award.”
The award is in recognition of Beland’s leadership and extensive contribution to the Smoky River Community Education Committee, Council of Community Education Committees and Northern Lakes College.
Lilian Beland has been instrumental in the education of thousands of students. In her 37-year career, Beland has been a teacher in the communities of Falher, Fort Kent, and for 25 years held the position of assistant principle, at Georges P Vanier School in Donnelly.
While raising four children and teaching fulltime, Beland also participated in a number of community organizations as a volunteer. Her commitment to education continued after her retirement from teaching, demonstrating that her involvement in education went beyond just a career, that it is a passion, a vocation in the true meaning of the word.
Beland continues as an active member of her community, most notably in her affiliation with Northern Lakes College and her 27 years as a member of the Smoky River Community Educational Committee of which she is presently Chair. She is also a longstanding member of the Council of Community Education Committees.
Lilian Beland is already the recipient of a number of awards including Community Service Award for “Volunteer of the Year” in the Town of McLennan and the Diamond Jubilee Medal for Community Service.