Ryan Ramage – 2024 Sherry Summersides Award Recipient

This award recognizes a deserving, non-teaching employee of KPR, and the criteria includes a demonstrated dedication to education through their work and/or their voluntary involvement in our school communities.  

Ryan is an important member of the BuckhornPS community in countless ways.He was nominated by colleague Stephanie Cavanagh, on behalf of all school staff who shared the many ways that Ryan brings health, happiness and learning to the students and families of Buckhorn Public School. 

In their words: “Ryan not only treats people with kindness, respect and dignity, but he models that behaviour for students and his quick smile and positivity are extended to every person who walks through the doors of Buckhorn PS.  He takes exceptional care of our building because he is proud of the school and because it is important to him to create a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff.”  

Last year, Ryan took on a high school Co-op student who is determined to become a custodian for KPR in the future.  He acted as a mentor for the student, coaching him to success in the role.  This student shared that he was appreciative of the guidance and friendship Ryan provided and intends to follow in his footsteps and perhaps one day, become the custodian at Buckhorn Public School!   

While getting to know another student, Ryan saw an opportunity toencourage and support their interest in the doorknobs, hinges and locks throughout the school. Ryan built a sensory board that allowed the child to safely explore his interests and manipulate a variety of doorknobs and fasteners.    

He has a deep appreciation and understanding for the diverse nature of learners in the school and is always patient, giving the kids the time they need to communicate the message they are trying to convey.  He knows every child by name and proudly posts the many pictures and notes that kids create for him on his office door.    

Stephanie shared this quote from one of her Grade 6 students: “Having Mr. Ramage at school is like having a dad at school.”   

The school held a special assembly to celebrate Ryanwith school staff dressing in the same uniform as Mr. Ramage for the day!