Whalen is from Warkworth
Editor’s Note: All the candidates for school board trustee have been invited to provide an 800-word media release and photo.
This is her statement:
“My name is Cherie Whalen and I was born and raised in Warkworth. Both sets of my grandparents were local farmers. In fact, Greenly land was sold to the school board where Percy Centennial Public School now sits. I attended PCPS and Campbellford District High School as did my brother and four children.
At a young age, I was a strong advocate within our schools particularly when it came to the education and rights of my developmentally disabled brother.
I graduated from St. Lawrence College as a Child and Youth Worker. I’ve held many jobs throughout the years including a local day camp counselor, program coordinator at Counselling Services of Belleville and District, a CAS worker and an EA/CYW at the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and then a home daycare provider for 12 years as I raised my four children.
I was on contract during those 12 years, facilitating a group for parents of children with ADHD. I moved my family back to Warkworth in 2003 after being away for ten years to help care for my aging grandparents and raise my children in the same village I grew up in. I was then their advocate for their public school education.
I’ve assisted many local parents in developing an IEP- Individual Education Plan for their children. I sat on the PCPS school council for years and was at one time their Chair. I have always had a big heart for children and I look forward to doing whatever I can as their school board trustee to make their time at school the best experience it can be.
The success of today’s children will reflect upon our futures. There is a lot to be done when it comes to post pandemic education; helping those catch up that have fallen into the COVID crack.
We need to better support our students with special needs and mental health issues, while at the same time making our schools a safe place for all.
I have enjoyed this campaign experience and ask for your vote as English Public School Board Trustee.”
School board trustee candidates:
Cherie Whalen – English Public School Board Trustee
Terry Brown – English language school trustee.
Jamie Manton-Byers – English language school trustee.
Jaine Klassen Jeninga – English language school trustee.
Kathleen Tanguay – English separate school trustee.
Douglas Blundell – English separate school trustee.
Kristine Dandavino – French public school trustee.
Serge Paul– French public school trustee.
Marcellin Kwilu Mondo – French separate school trustee. Acclaimed.
