Pickering College teacher Alex Au Yong has been named one of the first two recipients of the Elizabeth Dowdeswell Award for Advancing Democracy Through Education, recognizing more than three decades of work helping young people engage with Canadian democracy and civic life.
Au Yong received the inaugural award at a ceremony at the Art Gallery of Ontario on September 14. The honour recognizes Ontario educators for innovative teaching approaches and contributions to democratic principles and civic engagement.
Each recipient receives $7,500 to support continuing education or further educational contributions.
Award Recognizes Experiential Approach to Civic Education
Au Yong has spent more than 30 years using experiential learning to introduce students to democratic institutions, elected representatives and issues affecting their communities.
During his 15 years at Pickering College in Newmarket, Ont., where he currently teaches Grade 5, he has organized opportunities for students to interact directly with government institutions and public leaders.
Students have visited Parliament Hill, the Ontario Legislative Assembly and municipal government offices while participating in election town halls, polling initiatives and inquiry projects focused on current events.
They have also conducted live interviews with civic leaders through 102.7 CHOP FM, a CRTC-licensed community radio station based on the Pickering College campus.
“Alex understands something fundamentally important about young people: students develop a commitment to democracy when they feel their voices genuinely matter,” said Dr. Cinde Lock, Head of School at Pickering College. “He moves civic education beyond theory and into lived experience. His students leave his classroom believing they can contribute meaningfully to the world around them.”
Students Connect Classroom Learning With Public Institutions
Among the initiatives highlighted by the school was a visit from Senator Robert Black. Students interviewed Black live on CHOP FM, discussing sustainability, agriculture, volunteerism and the role of the Senate.
Students also toured the Blue & Silver Farm with the senator, connecting discussions about civic leadership with agriculture, community responsibility and other practical issues.
Au Yong has organized further interactions with provincial and federal public leaders. He coordinated a Pickering College visit by Member of Parliament Sandra Cobena and has taken students to Ottawa, where they met Prime Minister Mark Carney and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre.
In 2024, Au Yong participated in the Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy, further developing his knowledge of Canada’s parliamentary system.
Focus Extends Beyond Traditional Civics Lessons
The educator’s approach also emphasizes communication skills and respectful engagement with different viewpoints.
Through the Grade 5 Speaking Club, school assemblies and student-led events, Au Yong encourages students to communicate their ideas confidently while listening to differing perspectives.
“Alex helps young people recognize that democracy depends upon engaged citizens who are willing to listen, participate and contribute positively to their communities,” said Janet Downer, Assistant Director of Academics at Pickering College, who nominated Au Yong alongside Dr. Lock. “I can think of few educators more deserving of this recognition.”
The award also marks a connection to former Ontario lieutenant-governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell. In 2019, Dowdeswell visited Au Yong’s classroom to celebrate students’ “My Key Idea” cumulative projects and participate in the presentation of their keys to Middle School.
Seven years later, Au Yong has received an award bearing her name.
Award Supports Continued Educational Contributions
The recognition forms part of the Lieutenant Governors’ Legacy Awards, through which Ontario is recognizing 14 people for leadership and contributions to communities across the province.
Au Yong said the award also reflects collaboration among educators at Pickering College.
“I am honoured to receive the Elizabeth Dowdeswell Award for Advancing Democracy Through Education. It is a privilege to collaborate with professional colleagues at Pickering College to innovate and enrich our civics curriculum,” said Alex Au Yong. “I take great delight in seeing students engage purposefully with elected leaders and officials at all levels of government to deepen their learning and contribute meaningfully to our communities and beyond the classroom.”
Pickering College’s History in Newmarket
Founded in 1842, Pickering College is an independent day and boarding school serving students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. The Quaker-founded institution has been located in Newmarket since 1909.
The school is also a full member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network and says its educational approach focuses on connecting classroom learning with real-world questions and encouraging students to understand how they can contribute to their communities.
Evan McKenzie is a contributor at Vaughantoday.ca, covering a wide range of topics including local news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, balanced reporting that helps readers stay informed about current events and issues that matter to their communities. His work aims to provide useful information, timely updates, and relevant stories presented in an accessible and reader-friendly way.