Killarney-Turtle Mountain Arts Council's Art Administrator, Giselle Beaupre, has dedicated her entire adult life to teaching students, or facilitating educational programs where students of many ages can learn more about their world. And she was honored this week for her years of dedicated service to her community by being awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Beaupre began her teaching career in 1989 in Killarney School and would encourage and inspire students over the next 30 years in both the classrooms and in administration at the K-12 school in Killarney. In 2019 Beaupre retired and joined the Board of Directors of the Killarney-Turtle Mountain Arts Council. In 2023 she stepped into the role of Art Administrator at the Heritage Home for the Arts in Killarney.
"I was fortunate to work at Killarney School for my entire career, as a teacher and then as an administrator," she explains. "I started out teaching French/Second Language but one of my 'side shows' was student leadership. So, we were able to host and attend many provincial and national conferences with kids here from Killarney, many who have gone on who deserve this medal as well!"
"So, I stayed there for about 30 years and then when I retired, I segued into some term positions and stayed at the school doing this, that and the other. But at the same time, I came on board here at the Arts Council which then segued into this position."
Over the course of Monday and Tuesday evenings, thirty recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal from across Westman were given this most prestigious award by Brandon-Souris MP, Larry Maguire. Beaupre received her award at the A.N.A.F Legion in Brandon on Monday evening, surrounded by her family and colleague at Killarney School, Gwen McTavish.
"I feel humbled, and this is all so surreal because there are so many people in this community who are so deserving of this kind of a thing," shares Beaupre. "I was nominated by a colleague of mine, Gwen McTavish. Some of the nominators were anonymous but Gwen is a good friend and has been a colleague for a long time. I just feel so very grateful."
Beaupre says she hadn't expected to be nominated and then to receive this kind of recognition for her years of service to her community. To her fellow community members who give of themselves she says thank you and shares how appreciative she is of their service.
"When you least expect it, you get to feel the goosebumps that I'm feeling right now, and you don't do it for these goosebumps. You do it for all the other reasons and you don't expect this. And again, it just humbles you," she says.
"But communities like ours wouldn't be the gems that they are if it weren't for all the people who are doing all the things behind the scenes. And this for me right now is overwhelming, but there are so many other people who could be in my shoes right now," she adds. "Those who could have been sitting in my chair last night and who could have received that medal. The people who were sitting at the tables with us, plus our families."
Please listen to more with Giselle Beaupre below!
"I know that nomination letter ... on those down days, just like notes I received from parents that are still sitting in my nightstand since 1989 those are the things you draw from when you need a little pick me up or when the world gets tough ... [Gwen] lifted me and I told her Thank you very much, I will pay it forward. For sure, for sure," adds Beaupre.
Related Article: Royal Recognition: Outstanding Westman leaders receive King Charles III Medals
(Photos submitted by Giselle Beaupre)