When Judy Kesanko retired as a teacher after 22 years, little did she know how busy she would be. In 1997, she took a three-month contract with the Multicultural Heritage Centre to ensure that its field-trip program met the school curriculum. Her position became permanent and she became part of an award-winning team providing innovative agricultural, farm-safety and environmental school programs to hundreds of students.

Judy Kesanko's development and use of educational games and programs has earned her the Award of Excellence in the Education category.

Some of her efforts have been directed at reducing farm injuries and deaths through utilizing safe practices while working, watching or playing.

Judy and colleague Jeanette Smith designed their programs knowing that children learn better when having fun. Knowing that five children are killed on Alberta farms in Alberta each year, they developed several games to teach farm safety in a fun, interactive way. 

City Slickers is one unique program for city children co-ordinated by Mrs. Kesanko. Since 1999, 1,000 Edmonton students each year have taken part, spending a day in the country. They learn about food production, watch a harvest and tour a local working farm.

Mrs. Kesanko's work has brought regional, provincial and national recognition. In 2002, the duo won the Injury Control Champion Award. In 2003, they were awarded the Canadian Agri-Food Award for Excellence at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. The following year, in 2004, they won the Parkland County Award of Excellence in Agriculture.

In 2003, Shirley McClellan, Deputy Premier and Agriculture Minister, congratulated Mrs. Kesanko with these remarks, "In an era when many families often live their lives far removed from their roots and where children don't really know where their food comes from, your wonderful City Slicker program brings so much knowledge and enjoyment to thousands of urban children each year."

Judy Kesanko's contribution to education has not only benefited Spruce Grove students but students throughout Alberta. Spruce Grove recognizes these achievements as well with this Award of Excellence.