EDUCATION NEWS
Changing of the Guard:
New Principal for MANS BY MYKEN McDOWELL
G
ail Wilton began teaching at Mamawi Atosketan Native School (MANS) in 2004, becoming principal in 2010. For 17 years, she fostered a supportive, family-like learning environment and came to love the dedicated, collegial, and compassionate school staff. She initiated the addition of high school classes and accreditation with the NAD and oversaw the opening of the new high school buildings. What may particularly stand out for MANS students, however, is Gail’s passion for service and education, which made her go out of her way to get to know the kids. When she talks about the students she got to see grow and mature into adulthood, her smile is wide. That part of the job, she notes, as particularly rewarding. When congratulated on her new position as education superintendent at the Alberta Conference, Gail acknowledges that the moment is bittersweet. “It has been a fantastic 17 years,” she says, “I have really, thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to moving into this next phase of service—where I can continue to work with Mamawi and all the other Adventist schools. It is a change that is exciting and a little intimidating at times, but I know I have 40
Alberta Adventist News
Gail Wilton, M.Ed., graduated from La Sierra University’s Master of Education program earlier this year, prior to accepting the position of Director of Education with the Alberta Conference and becoming superintendent of the church’s K-12 schools in Alberta.
Mike Willing, MANS’ new principal, is pursuing a master’s degree in education policy. Mike moved from vice principal of MANS’ high school, a position he’s held since 2015, to the principalship of MANS on August 1.
a great team at the Alberta Conference office to work with and a great group of educators.” Gail emphasizes, “I am not saying goodbye… I am going to spend as much time as I possibly can in all the schools.”
sion, and challenges. There are some areas of growth that are both exciting and challenging.” One of the areas for growth is the Industrial Arts/CVS program, which will be headed by MANS veteran teacher Arden Kay. The Construction class is wildly popular with students; it filled up quickly this spring, attracting as many girls as it did guys. “We have staff and students here that have a lot of enthusiasm for it,” Mike explains. “We also have ten acres of some of the most fertile land in Alberta. We should do something with it. A greenhouse, garden, goats,
The Coming Year Though Gail will always be a part of the MANS community, Mike Willing, who’s acted as vice-principal of the high school since 2015, is now principal. His title changed on August 1, but his first day as principal felt, he says, “exactly the same as being vice-principal. We have the same staff, vi-
SEPTEMBER 2021
