Queen’s graduates thank the teachers who inspired them

Convocation ceremonies mark the culmination of the years of hard work graduates put into their studies. They are also a chance for graduates to acknowledge those who have helped them along the way, including the high school teachers who encouraged them to pursue further education. That’s why Queen’s University presents the Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching each year at convocation, as the award recognizes the positive influence educators have had on those crossing the stage and receiving their degrees.

Graduating students are invited to nominate their past teachers for the award, and five were selected to receive the award during the ceremonies in downtown Kingston last week.

The award was established by Chancellor Emeritus A. Charles Baillie in 2007.

This year’s recipients of the Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching are:

Paul Nalli – Toronto Catholic District School Board, Toronto, Ontario

Paul Nalli is a Principal with the Toronto Catholic District School Board and also currently serves as an Education Officer in the Anti-Racism Directorate within the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. He was nominated for the award by Alisa Robinson (ArtSci’25), who credits him as a pivotal ally and advocate during and after her time at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School in Milton, ON. Robinson says Nalli became a mentor to her through his role in the school’s Representation Matters club, which fosters a space for QTBIPoC students to gather and discuss change efforts within their school community.

“Although my learning from Mr. Nalli did not come directly from his classroom, his mentorship and supervision during my time in secondary school (and beyond) have shaped my understanding in ways that no course alone could,” says Robinson.

Baillie Award recipient Amber Wadsworth at convocation

Baillie Award recipient Amber Wadsworth with nominator Briar McCaw at spring convocation. From left: Rector Boytchuk-Hale, Chancellor Rogers, Wadsworth, McCaw, Principal Deane, and Interim Vice-Provost Fitzgerald.

Amber Wadsworth – Parkside Collegiate Institute, St. Thomas, Ontario

Amber Wadsworth is a geography teacher, swim coach, and guidance counsellor who was nominated by Briar McCaw (BHSc’25). McCaw describes her as someone who sees her students’ potential and encourages them to grow.

“Choosing Queen’s felt like a full-circle moment,” says McCaw. “It wasn’t just the academics that drew me in, it was the mindset Ms. Wadsworth helped me develop. The belief that the most meaningful paths are often the ones that stretch us the most. Because of her, I stepped into the next chapter not with fear, but with confidence, courage, and an unshakable sense of purpose.”

Baillie Award recipient Jennifer Petkovic at convocation

Baillie Award recipient Jennifer Petkovic with nominator Kevin Liang at spring convocation 2025. From left: Rector Boytchuk-Hale, Chancellor Rogers, Principal Deane, Petkovic, Liang, and Interim Vice-Provost Fitzgerald.

Jennifer Petkovic – Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School, Markham, Ontario

A computer technology and technology design teacher, Jennifer Petkovic demonstrates genuine care for her students, according to her nominator, Kevin Liang (Sc’25), who took her courses and was also mentored by her during his involvement with the school’s robotics club.

“To be honest, I don’t think Ms. Petkovic ever stopped teaching me,” says Liang. “When I would think about the difficulties I faced and the fear of taking on another challenge, I thought of her. I may have been alone at times, but I never really felt lonely. I had someone like her who would go above and beyond for me, so I was never afraid to do the same for others. I know now, better than ever, that the most outstanding educators are those who teach lessons that last a lifetime.”

Baillie Award recipient Jennifer Vivian at convocation

Baillie Award recipient Jennifer Vivian with nominator Sophia Herrington at spring convocation 2025. From left: Rector Boytchuk-Hale, Chancellor Rogers, Principal Deane, Vivian, Herrington, and Interim Vice-Provost Fitzgerald.

Jennifer Vivian – Westdale Secondary School, Hamilton, Ontario

Jennifer Vivian teaches art, and her nominator Sophia Herrington (BFA’25) credits her former teacher with leading her to consider fine arts as an academic and career path.

“Mrs. Vivian didn’t just teach me how to make art, she taught me art could be my future,” says Herrington. “Her unwavering support, encouragement, and dedication to her students changed my perspective on what I could achieve, and I truly believe I would not be where I am today without her. It is because of Mrs. Vivian that I pursued Fine Arts at Queen’s. She has shaped me into the artist and person I am today, and I am forever grateful for the impact she has had on my life.”

Baillie Award recipient Amberlea Daigneau at convocation

Baillie Award recipient Amberlea Daigneau with nominator Blake Gill at spring convocation 2025. From left: Rector Boytchuk-Hale, Chancellor Rogers, Principal Deane, Daigneau, Gill, and Interim Vice-Provost Fitzgerald.

Amberlea Daigneau – Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School, Guelph, Ontario

Amberlea Daigneau gave her nominator Blake Gill (ArtSci’25) the lowest grade of his high school career when she taught him in her grade 9 English class. But she also inspired him to expect more of himself and ultimately, he says, set him on the path to pursue Concurrent Education at Queen’s and study to become a teacher himself.

“Ms. Daigneau is in everyone’s corner, encouraging students to embrace their talents – whether in Math, English, Theatre, Plumbing, Mechanical Work, and more,” says Gill. “It is no wonder that multitudes of students flock to her room for comfort and guidance (she also taught me the word ‘multitudes’). Amberlea Daigneau is the teacher of a lifetime.”

Learn more about the Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching on the Student Affairs website.

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