Quebec music teacher being recognized at Juno Awards

Lynn Harper, a music specialist at Chateauguay Valley Regional High School, is recognized for her impact in the classroom at this year’s Juno Awards.

A Quebec teacher is recognized for her impact in the classroom at this year’s Juno Awards.

Lynn Harper, a music specialist at Chateauguay Valley Regional High School, is a finalist for the MusicCounts Teacher of the Year award. First established in 2005, the honour shines a spotlight on exceptional Canadian music teachers.

“I’m very grateful,” said Harper.

Some of the students she teaches say Harper is an inclusive educator.

“I feel like my favourite thing about Ms. Harper is how much she includes people. She includes people no matter of the colour of their skin, their neurodiversity, their beliefs,” said student Alice Orsini.

“She just has control of the situation while being so easygoing and just comfortable,” added another student, Keith Quinn.

For quieter students, like Kacey Patenaude, Harper helped guide them.

“She got me to step out of my shell and talk to people and actually sing in front of people,” said Patenaude.

Harper says her focus has always been on the students.

“As long as the kids are involved and doing things that are going to, give them a sense of belonging and a sense of self, that, to me, is what’s important,” she said.

Harper says she will be attending the Juno Awards on March 29.

“I’d love to win,” said Harper. “But honestly, being top five in Canada, I would like to say this is pretty awesome.”