2017 Educator of the Year Lori Mazey
SPONSORED BY CROWN ISLE RESORT
Lori Mazey has a passion for theatre. But her passion for the arts and drama is surpassed by her commitment to youth.
As the drama teacher at GP Vanier Secondary, Lori inspires her students to do their personal best and has transformed the high school experience for hundreds for young people.
That is why Lori Mazey is receiving the top honour in the Local Hero educator of the year category.
She has a degree in Theatre, a Masters in education, and is an Associate of Trinity College in London for Speech Arts.
Teaching at Vanier isn’t just a job for Lori. She is also the Improv coach, and gives countless non-paid hours to the young people involved in that program.
She has been incredibly successful, leading the youth twice to the Canadian Improv Games National Championship.
Mazey has an “incredible gift” for making everyone feel included, said her nominator. “She makes all youth (the stars and the wallflowers) feel seen and engaged.”
In the summer, Lori leads young people as the director of CYMC’s musical theatre program.
Her leadership is a huge draw and the program fills up quickly.
“I am inspired every day by the determination, creativity, courage, kindness, teamwork, intelligence, support, and joy shown by my students,” said Lori.
“I could not be more proud than when I see them working together and developing skills not only in theatre, improv, and dance, but also in teamwork, compassion, listening, problem solving and all sorts of other important life skills.
“I love that I get to work with students who are just beginning to learn about so many things, as well as those who have found a true passion and are driven to become the best they can be.
“I love working with them to create magic all the time! It is an exhausting job but a tremendously rewarding one,” she said.
