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Lynn Abbey recognized with Patti McCleister Memorial Award

A smiling Lynn Abbey is wearing a bright pink sweater

Caption: Principal of Delhi District Secondary School honoured with the Patti McCleister Memorial Award for her commitment to staff and student leadership.

There is no doubt that Lynn Abbey is a leader at heart.

Described by many as a caring and compassionate advocate for staff and students, Abbey has evolved into the administrator she is today through exemplary leadership in the areas of engagement, environment and achievement.

In addition to being Principal at Delhi District Secondary School, Abbey is also active in other areas of leadership including the Aspiring Leaders Program, Global Day of Dignity Student Conference and the Leadership and Development Committee. She also never hesitates to provide mentorship and coaching to many of her colleagues.

“Lynn wears her heart on her sleeve and she would stop at nothing to do what is best for those in her school community and beyond. She is kind and finds the good in everyone,” said Susan Noort, Principal at Valley Heights.

The Patti McCleister Memorial Award is given on an annual basis to the Grand Erie employee who best embodies Patti’s passion and has shown great leadership and effort within their role. Last year, two Grand Erie staff were recognized: Doreen Mels and Ruth Mills.

Lynn Abbey receives her award and poses with board staff and Patti McCleister's family members

“I am incredibly honoured to be the recipient of this award in Patti’s memory,” said Abbey.

“Patti and I worked together on many projects and I know what a wonderful collaborator she was on all sorts of great initiatives here in Grand Erie. I used to tease her, saying she was like Mary Poppins: practically perfect in every way.”

Abbey shared that she is proud to be an educator and to have had many great opportunities to work with fantastic students and colleagues over the years.

“Working with the staff and students of Grand Erie is very rewarding to me, and I am grateful to be both a teacher and learner in this organization.”

Lynn Abbey was recognized with Patti McCleister Memorial Award on September 28, 2015 (From left to right: Carol Ann Sloat, Chair, Lynn Abbey, Ted McCleister, Patti’s husband, Erin Richards, Patti’s daughter, and Brenda Blancher, Director of Education)