By Colleen Flanagan, Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows News
A Maple Ridge chef and educator was one of 20 teachers from across the country to receive a 2026 Prime Minister’s Award Certificate of Achievement.
Chef Trevor Randle, who teaches culinary arts to students in Grades 9-12 at Maple Ridge Secondary School (MRSS), was honoured with the award that recognizes exceptional teachers and early childhood educators whose dedication, innovation, and leadership have made a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadian children and students.
The awards celebrate educators who go above and beyond to create engaging learning experiences, foster curiosity and confidence, and make a lasting impact on the children and students they serve.
Randle, who started teaching at the school in 2005, said he is the first teaching chef to ever receive this award, which, he said, demonstrates how important culinary and food security education has become nationwide.
Secondary school teaching kitchens offer more than just teaching students how to cook. They provide a consistent space for every student to feel successful, safe, and challenged, said Randle, who was nominated for the award by his friends and colleagues at Thomas Haney Secondary.
Randle tries to create a learning experience that is immersive, student centered, energetic, professional and inclusive.