This award recognised a member of the school community who has shown a commitment to the sector over many years.

Nominations for this awards could of included leaders, teachers or members of support staff, with evidence provided of how the lives of pupils have been affected by their work.

The winner of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award was Christine Johnson, a teacher in the early years department at Ysgol Gwynedd that has recently retired. 

Christine was nominated for this award by her headmaster, Dewi Wyn Hughes who described her as "the life and soul of any party."

The Leader: Headmaster Ysgol Gwynedd, Dewi Wyn Hughes and Former teacher Christine JohnsonHeadmaster Ysgol Gwynedd, Dewi Wyn Hughes and Former teacher Christine Johnson (Image: Simon Warburton Photographer)

He added: "She is very dedicated, very committed, I don't recall her ever having taken a day off for as long as I have been at the school, which is testament to her dedication to the role, she's fantastic within the classroom and with the children."

Christine's colleagues shared proud tributes to her and reflected on her incredible work throughout her 40 year career in schools. 

One colleague said: "The kids are the centre of her world really, she is all for the kids."

Christine is renowned in the school for having several different sayings and songs which colleagues say will "live on after her retirement."

The Leader: Gavyn Edwards, Excell Supply, Christine Johnson and Andrea Byrne ITV WalesGavyn Edwards, Excell Supply, Christine Johnson and Andrea Byrne ITV Wales (Image: Simon Warburton Photographer)

Speaking after her win, Christine said: "I never thought I would get this award and I am thrilled to have even been nominated."

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She added: "I hope my songs will live on after me, at the end of the day if you have love for the children then you will do the best for them."

"It is very moving to be recognised and I hope my colleagues, who are as good if not better than me, will be recognised in the future."

The award was presented by Gavyn Edwards, Marketing Manager at Excell Supply, the headline sponsor for the Leader Education Awards.