Inspirational educator and mentor named Citizen of the Year
Secondary college teacher, John Pearce, will be bestowed the honour of Eaglehawk Citizen of the Year for 2022 recognising a 50-year teaching career in and outside the classroom.
Mr Pearce has made a significantly valuable contribution to the personal and professional development of Eaglehawk’s youth across five decades during times of immense change.
Joining Eaglehawk Secondary College in 1972, Mr Pearce notched up 12 years in the classroom followed by another 30 years as Student Welfare Coordinator and the last eight years as Transition Support Worker for newly enrolled students.
“John is well known for his highly unique and valuable engagement skills with students and their families and has a special knack for relating to challenging students and motivating them,” said Geoff Gallagher, Director of Community Services, Rotary Club of Eaglehawk.
“For 50 years John Pearce’s name has been synonymous with Eaglehawk as has his reputation as not only an excellent teacher but a trusted mentor to thousands of students. John has been at the leading edge of significant change and challenges in education and society and the Eaglehawk community is indebted to him for his influence and care of three generations of families."
“On behalf of the Eaglehawk community and the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk, I congratulate John for receiving the honour of Citizen of the Year and thank him for his dedication to his community,” Mr Gallagher said.
Mr Pearce also combined the sport of volleyball to assist in student development having been behind the formation of the Eaglehawk Volleyball Club in 1978 and being elected inaugural club president.
In the early 1980s, Eaglehawk Volleyball Club had more than 200 members and 36 local junior and senior teams.
For many years Mr Pearce has volunteered as compere for the Carols by Candlelight at Canterbury Gardens and for the Dahlia and Arts Festival street parade.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Australia Day celebrations at Canterbury Park have been cancelled, and a presentation ceremony will take place at a later date.