Celebrate
the Past
Virtual Hall of Fame
Described by one of his nominators for this Award of Honour as a “friendly giant”, Wayne Somerville is indeed that in the eyes of the countless friends and professional colleagues who benefit from his wise counsel and strong convictions about the many issues that face our profession today.
Born in Staynor, Ontario, Wayne has devoted most of his working life to the service of others. It is this human quality that is most often referred to by those who have come under his influence throughout his professional career. With degrees in Economics, English, and Health and Physical Education, Wayne began his teaching at the elementary school level and was soon appointed Consultant/Supervisor of Elementary Physical and Health Education for the Waterloo County Board of Education in Kitchener, Ontario. He served in this capacity for 14 years and subsequently became coordinator of Physical and Health Education for Grades K-13, the position he has held for the past 17 years.
Wayne has left an indelible mark on the health and physical education programmes in the schools in Ontario, his primary concern throughout his entire professional career being for THE CHILD.
Wayne Somerville is known to be an inspirational leader. He has an uncanny ability to see potential in others and motivate them to aspire to their professional and personal best. Possessed of a great sense of humour, his infectious laugh creates a warm and friendly environment which is conductive to amicable resolution of contentious issues. He has served as president of the Ontario Association for the Supervision of Physical and Health Education; president of the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association; and president of CAHPER. He is well regarded within the membership of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and his presentations at their annual conferences are highly values. Wayne is currently on the Conference Programme Committee of OASPHE and is a member of the Board of Trustees of CAHPER.
It was during Wayne’s presidency of CAHPER in 1985-86 that the national Quality, Daily Physical Education programme was launched. This is seen by many as being one of CAHPER’s most effective and far-reaching initiatives in our time, drawing together the teachers of physical education across this country as effective agents of change in lifestyle for Canadians.
Although this is Wayne’s retirement year, he has given little evidence of it in his daily workload. He has been busy activating special leadership groups to analyze needs and develop plans of action for aids and drug educations programmes in Waterloo County schools.
Throughout his lengthy professional career, with its hectic and demanding workload, Wayne has continued to place his family front and centre in his life and has been encouraged and motivated by their support. They can be proud to join with Wayne’s professional peers in acknowledging him as recipient of the R. Tait McKenzie Award of Honour.
1989 R. Tait McKenzie Honour Award recipient Halifax, Nova Scotia
Accolades 1985-1986 CAHPERD President 1989 R. Tait McKenzie Honour Award recipient
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