Ernest Manning High School and Assistant Principal Tiffany Coles were recently honoured with National Inclusive Education Awards.

The award is an initiative organized by Inclusion Canada and Inclusion Alberta that aims to celebrate and recognize individuals and institutions that are actively working to create inclusive learning environments for all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds.

Shiva Shahrestani, parent of Ernest Manning student Shuan A. nominated the school and the assistant principal for the award.

“From the very beginning of our three-year journey in high school, Ernest Manning High School has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating an environment where every child feels valued and supported,” wrote Shahrestani.

“A special mention must be made of the assistant principal Tiffany Coles, who has gone above and beyond to support our son. She has never bailed on him,” said Shahrestani. “She normalizes his behavior and offers tools to her staff to help Shuan be successful, demonstrating her unwavering dedication and compassion.”

The award was accepted by Principal Mike Wilson at a ceremony with educators from across Alberta in Edmonton on April 11.

“As an organization that values and supports the full inclusion of children in regular education classrooms, we thank you all for your commitment to your students who have been fortunate to be fully included in their regular classrooms,” said Inclusive Alberta.