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Megan McManes was valedictorian among 204 Faculty of Education graduates, and winner of the Education and Early Years program gold medal winner.

Faculty valedictorian living her dream

Graduate clinches Education, Early Years gold medals

June 2, 2016 — 

Education Faculty valedictorian Megan McManes is living her dream.

Growing up in a household of educators, she longed to continue the proud family tradition. Her mother, Ingrid, is an early years teacher, and her father, Grant, oversees physical education programing as Healthy Living coordinator of Louis Riel School Division.

“I’ve had a lot of exposure to the field of teaching growing up,” she says during a post-convocation reception at the Faculty of Education on Wednesday. “I have always wanted to teach. I’ve never wanted to do anything else.”

Her focus and dedication is paying off. In addition to being voted valedictorian by her peers, McManes was awarded the gold medal for education and also the medal for the Early Years Program.

“(The university experience) was really a confirmation that this is something I am good at, this is something I love doing and this is something I can be happy doing for the length of my career.”

Because of the unique post-graduate degree opportunities at University of Manitoba, McManes says the choice to attend school here was an easy one. And once she was here, more opportunities opened for her to take on a student leadership role as vice-stick internal on student council.

“Getting to work with my colleagues and taking on that organizational and planning role is something that I really love to do … and it has shown me that even beyond the classroom, there is really so much to be involved in, and it has given me a passion for professional development.“

McManes was one of 204 students graduating BEd., PBDE, M.Ed. or PhD programs at Investors Group Athletic Centre on Wednesday.

“On many fronts, it’s been a stellar year,” said Dean David Mandzuk. “This year’s graduating class has been unbelievable. It’s so rewarding to see such a broad cross-section of students from the beginning of their careers to experienced practitioners. You can see the leadership roles they take on as they progress over time.”

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