MNet Congratulates Recipients of Canada's Highest Teaching Award

Ottawa, March 23, 2005 – Media Awareness Network (MNet) today congratulated three media educators who were among the fifteen recipients of Canada's top teaching award, the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence. Carolyn Wilson, Rachel McCabe and Mike Gange received the award, which recognizes the efforts of outstanding teachers who exemplify excellence and innovation in education.

"This award not only recognizes three exceptional teachers, but it also reinforces the power of using media education to engage and inspire students," said Jane Tallim, MNet’s Director, Education Program. "Congratulations Carolyn, Rachel and Mike."

The awards were presented at a ceremony in Ottawa on March 22, 2005.

Carolyn Wilson, the President of Ontario's Association for Media Literacy was recognized for helping students better understand world trends and issues through media studies and global education and for her tireless work in promoting media literacy in Canada and around the world.

Montreal-based media educator Rachel McCabe was commended for her innovative and creative use of multimedia to help students explore and better understand popular media and its influence.

Mike Gange, President of the Association for a Media Literate New Brunswick was honoured for his use of journalism and media studies to help students develop critical thinking and writing skills – including his mentorship in helping students produce an online magazine, The Day, which was recognized by CNN as "one of the finest examples of student journalism."

- 30 -

For additional information, contact:
Julien Lavoie Director of Communications, Media Awareness Network
Telephone: 613-224-7721

About Media Awareness Network — Media Awareness Network (MNet) is a non-profit Canadian organization whose mission is to support and encourage media and Internet education, and its widest possible integration into Canadian schools, homes and communities. Our aim is to help children and youth to develop an informed and critical understanding of the nature of the media, the techniques used in creating media products, and the media’s role and influence within society. MNet’s programs are funded primarily by our public and private sector sponsors and partners, who include: Bell Canada • Shaw Communications Inc. • CHUM Television • Microsoft Canada • Rogers Yahoo! Hi-Speed Internet • TELUS • CTV Inc. • Canadian Recording Industry Association • AOL Canada Inc. • National Film Board of Canada • BCE Inc. • CanWest Global • Alberta Learning • Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse • Canadian Heritage • Canadian Library Association • Canadian Teachers' Federation • CANARIE, Inc. • Commission scolaire des Affluents • De Marque, inc. • Health Canada • Human Resources and Skills Development Canada • Industry Canada • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) • Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Film Classification • Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada • University of Montreal