Kelly Hanson chosen as award recipient for her work in advancing social justice in her classroom, school, and community.
Kelly Hanson with Faculty of Education professor, and donor, Dr. Vicki Green
The Faculty of Education Awards Committee announced Kelly Hanson as the winner of the third annual Vicki Green Graduate Award on June 5, 2014.
Graduate student Kelly Hanson’s research was chosen on the basis of how it will encourage an interdisciplinary understanding of social justice for children, youth, and teachers. Her research explores social justice pedagogy, specifically how to establish new theoretical framework on social justice teaching.
Hanson’s passion for social justice extends beyond her research and into the classroom, district, and community. Among many accomplishments, Hanson established the Social Justice Club in her school district and she created the Amicia Network dedicated to promoting positive relationships between girls on and off line.
Associate Professor Vicki Green is pleased to see her award go to Hanson.
Green created the award in 2012 by endowing $50,000 to UBC’s Okanagan campus. The annual scholarship was created for a Faculty of Education graduate student conducting research in social, cultural, political, environmental, or economic sustainability.
“The endowment was inspired by my passion for the outdoors and was created to advance an integrated understanding of our place in nature,” Vicki Green says. “I want it to go to students who understand what it means to get in touch with that wild place in your soul. For me, when I fly fish, I come to that place. And when you are in that place, you are your most creative self.”
In additional to the financial award, Hanson receives a fly rod, reel, and line from UBC’s Development and Alumni Engagement Office, and a guided outdoor fly fishing adventure package, courtesy of Trout Waters Fly & Tackle and Douglas Lake Ranch; and, a one year subscription to Fly Fusion Magazine, courtesy of the magazine.
Green comments that it is the community partners who make the award so special.
“Joe Gardner, Nick Pace, Savos Koutsantonis, Jennifer Bird and I, are all passionate fly fishers, and realize that a demanding and fulfilling career in teaching is best done by someone who enjoys a balanced and creative life; some one who is a life long learner, “says Green.
“As your successful career continues to unfold Kelly, we encourage you to fly fish.”
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