A math and science teacher who taught in Sandspit and Queen Charlotte for a few years and now teaches in Osoyoos, Peter Gajda, has won the 2014 McEwen Family Teacher Recognition Award. The award is presented annually by UBC's School of Engineering to highlight the contributions high-school teachers make through mentorship. Winning teachers must be nominated by former students for going above and beyond the teaching curriculum to help their students succeed.Mr. Gajda has taught for more than 21 years and has been in Osoyoos for the past seven. "As a teacher, I have always tried to remember that the young people sitting before me are the future citizens of our world," said Mr. Gajda, who teaches senior biology, junior science, and mathematics. "I have always taken my responsibility as a role model to my students seriously, fostering their development of independence and values with wisdom, foresight, and patience as they become the leaders of their generation."Mr. Gajda receives $5,000 for enrichment activities, programs, or development.