240+ Surrey Schools employees honoured for 25 and 50 years of service!

Surrey Traditional School LST Eva Misner was one of two employees recognized at this year's Long Service Awards for 50 years with Surrey Schools. The annual event celebrates district employees who've reached 25 and 50 years with the district. (Photo by Jacob Zinn)

More than 240 district employees are celebrating 25 years of service with Surrey Schools this year – and two employees are celebrating 50 years!

The Surrey Board of Education hosts a Long Service Recognition evening annually to honour employees who have reached 25 years with the district. This year, we have 244 employees who have reached the quarter-century mark, as well as two who have worked in the district for five decades.

“Every year, we are inspired by the dedication of our staff who have poured their hearts and souls into their time with the district,” said Gary Tymoschuk, Chair of the Surrey Board of Education. “The growing number of employees who have reached this milestone is a testament to their character and commitment to public education, and the values they bring to supporting student learning across our schools.”

A reception was held Tuesday at the Resource Education Centre and featured messages from Tymoschuk, Supt. Mark Pearmain, Surrey Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association president-elect Graham Magnusson, CUPE 728 president Tammy Murphy and Student Voice representative Kathy Lenh. The event also featured music by NERO, a senior jazz combo from École Salish Secondary.

Pat Forrester is one of the two employees celebrating 50 years with the district. The elementary counsellor has worked at more than 20 schools across Surrey and White Rock over her career, including approximately 25 years in the halls of École Crescent Park Elementary.

“I’m very lucky that I found a role that I’ve really enjoyed all these years,” said Forrester, who was quick to note the district is home to thousands of outstanding long-time employees. “There are a lot of people who have worked a lot of years in Surrey and done a lot of wonderful things. I’m just one of many.”

As a gift in recognition of their time with the district, employees received a gift card for a local restaurant.

Congratulations to all of our Long Service Award recipients, and thank you for your many inspiring years of dedication and commitment to the district!

See a gallery of photos from the 2025 Long Service Awards below!