A Byrne Creek Secondary School teacher has been named Burnaby’s outstanding citizen of the year.
Laida Falsetto was awarded the Kushiro Cup at a ceremony on Friday, May 3 at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.
“Laida is a mentor, leader and champion for children at Byrne Creek Secondary School, where she has taught since 2006,” a city report says. “She believes by mentoring kids, they can be and achieve anything.”
Falsetto helps her students apply for scholarships, facilitates leadership programs and has helped refugee students settle and integrate into the community, the city says.
“Laida’s passion for helping students extends beyond the classroom and into the community.”
The teacher has also led her students to pack and deliver 80 Christmas hampers, supporting families over the winter break.
“In addition, Laida has partnered with the Burnaby Firefighter Charitable Society, participating in events such as pancake breakfasts, year end carnival and snack drives, as well as joined the iAK Foundation Canada, partaking in activities which spread kindness throughout the community.”
