A board member for the Fort McMurray Public School District is being honoured for her commitment to the community.

30-year resident Shannon Noble has been nominated by Girls Inc of Northern Alberta for its 2019 Women of Inspiration series.

Noble works as the Assistant Superintendent of Inclusive Education at the FMPSD and is an integral member of its senior leadership team.

FMPSD Superintendent Doug Nicholls says they appreciate Noble’s efforts in supporting students, staff and parents.

“There were numerous times during the wildfires when Shannon was our District Office staff’s support system as we continued to work in an Edmonton office. Along with her team, she ensured re-entry post wildfires went as smoothly as possible for all,” Nicholls said in a release.

He notes Noble was also critical in bringing many mental health grants, programs and resources to the FMPSD and the committees she supports.

“Shannon is one of the first to arrive and the last to leave. Dedication and diligence define her, and for that we are thankful,” he noted.

Noble is also thoroughly involved in the community, having been on the Hub’s board for a year and she also sits on the Regional Collaborative Service Delivery group, representing the school district.

About two years ago, she started a local Tourette’s syndrome parent support group for FMPSD parents.

“I accessed resources from Tourette Canada,” Noble explained. “The idea is that these families will start a parent support group for everyone on their own just like we helped the Autism group (now the Autism Society of Wood Buffalo). My personal goal is to keep this Tourette’s group going for the next few years.”

Tourette Canada even noticed Nobles’ efforts and gave her an Educator Award during National Volunteer Week last year.

Noble has also been honoured through the Citizen Recognition Program which she shared with the Fort McMurray Catholic School District and the Canadian Red Cross.

She along with those organizations were instrumental in the inception of the Wood Buffalo You Can Ride Program – which helps kids who cannot normally ride a bike – access adapted bikes so they can have an opportunity to ride.

Noble and four other women will be celebrated at the Women of Inspiration Banquet in March 2020.