At the Regular Public Board meeting on Monday, June 22, 2026, the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education honoured this year’s Board Award of Recognition recipient, Phil Heal.  

The Board Award of Recognition was established in 2024 to recognize individuals who are collaborative, enthusiastic, selfless, generous, and positive risk takers who make school environments better by supporting growth for all learners, promoting emotional, psychological, and physical well-being for learners who have been historically marginalized, and removing barriers and providing accessible and empowering opportunities for students to learn and grow.  

This is only the third time the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education has presented this award. Previous recipients include Frannie Connett and Jim McCarthy, individuals whose legacy of care and impact continues to be felt across our district. 

Phil Heal is a long-serving, deeply respected, and beloved music educator who has made Westsyde Secondary a better place for countless students and staff.  

As Westsyde Secondary Principal Domenic Comita shared in his support letter, “Mr. Heal is more than a music teacher, he is a cornerstone of Westsyde Secondary School. He embodies everything the SD73 Board Award of Recognition stands for: excellence, service, and profound impact. His legacy is one of transformative education and enduring community impact.” 

Phil’s unwavering dedication to student success, personal growth, and inclusive education has made his classroom a safe and inclusive space where students feel comfortable being themselves. He cultivated a band room culture that prioritizes safety and acceptance, and is where many students found purpose, belonging, and inspiration. He has been a steadfast advocate for equity and inclusion. As the facilitator of the Westsyde Gender and Sexuality Alliance since 2008, he’s created safe, affirming spaces for all students, regardless of age, gender identity, race, or background. 

When presenting Phil Heal with the Board Award of Recognition, Board Chair Heather Grieve shared, “What stands out most is Phil’s unwavering commitment to removing barriers. He has quietly and consistently ensured that every student can participate—from giving rides to band practice, to fundraising with parents, to hosting community jazz cafés and bottle drives, to helping with post-secondary applications and recording audition videos—he has ensured that all students have access to the same rich opportunities, regardless of personal circumstances. Phil, thank you for your leadership, your kindness, and your unwavering belief in young people. You have not only developed talented musicians, but you have also helped shape confident, compassionate, and capable human beings.” 

At the award presentation, Phil thanked his parents who convinced him he should be a teacher and reflected on his career, sharing thanks for all the colleagues who supported and inspired him over the years. “I really believe that music teachers are fortunate.” 

Phil recently retired after 32 years of teaching, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to be felt for many years to come, in the lives of your students, in the culture of Westsyde Secondary, and across our entire district. 

Congratulations to 2026 Board Award of Recognition winner Phil Heal! 

Watch the 2026 Board Award of Recognition presentation here.