Thursday, May 21, 2009
SCHOOL BOARD ANNOUNCES NAMES OF THREE NEW SCHOOLS
Johnny Bright School - Heritage Valley, 1327 Rutherford Road NW. Click here to visit the school website.
Johnny Bright was a beloved and esteemed educator. He was a highly respected athlete competing in football, track and field and basketball and was the first black player to win the Schenley Award as the CFL's most valuable player. He was subsequently named to the CFL Hall of Fame in 1970, and is also a member of the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, the Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame, and the Edmonton Eskimos Wall of Fame. Johnny earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education at Drake University in 1952, putting his degree to use as a teacher, coach, and school administrator, both during and after his professional football career. He was the principal of D.S. MacKenzie Junior High School and Hillcrest Junior High School.
In 1984, a year after Johnny passed away, the Edmonton Journal presented the first annual John Bright Memorial Award to recognize exceptional high school students who excelled in the three integral areas of Johnny's life: academics, athletics and citizenship; this award continues to be bestowed every year on two Grade 12 students - one male and one female - who have excelled academically and athletically, and who have demonstrated their leadership qualities by volunteering in the community. Johnny was not just a great football player; he was also a dedicated teacher, coach, school administrator and an ideal citizen of the City of Edmonton who made a significant impact on generations of students.
Edmonton Public Schools is helping to shape the future in every one of our classrooms. We’re focused on ensuring each student learns to their full potential and develops the ability, passion and imagination to pursue their dreams and contribute to their community.
Edmonton Public Schools
Centre for Education
1 Kingsway NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 4G9