Romy Cooper and Graeme Cotton, teachers from General Gordon Elementary and Britannia Secondary, were selected as recipients of the 2013 Governor General's History Awards for Excellence in Teaching for their work in supporting and engaging students and teachers in BC Heritage Fairs.

In a ceremony in the ballroom of Rideau Hall, Governor General David Johnston presented His Excellency's Awards for History Education. The Governor General's History Awards are Canada's top honours in the field of history and heritage. They celebrate the very best in Canadian achievements to ensure our national past has a vibrant presence in our society today.

"Heritage Fair is a celebration of learning," says Cooper. "Students who have done independent research projects on topics relating to Canadian history or heritage come together and share their research and findings."

Using interactive and innovative teaching concepts, Cooper and Cotton have revitalized the Heritage Fair at their school and supported the Heritage Fair across the district.

"The beauty of it, is that it allows students to connect with their families," says Cotton. "Students who maybe don't have 'their place' in Canada yet, because their families are so new, [Heritage Fair] allows them to pick something they are curious about and do real research about it."