Pickering College Educator Alex Au Yong Receives Elizabeth Dowdeswell Award for Advancing Democracy Through Education
NEWMARKET, ON, Sept. 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- Pickering College teacher Alex Au Yong has been named one of two recipients of the inaugural Elizabeth Dowdeswell Award for Advancing Democracy Through Education, recognizing his longstanding commitment to helping young people become informed, engaged and thoughtful citizens.
Au Yong received the award at a ceremony at the Art Gallery of Ontario, the morning of September 14. The award recognizes Ontario educators who demonstrate innovative approaches to teaching and make significant contributions to democratic principles and civic engagement. Each recipient receives a $7,500 award to support continuing education and/or further educational contributions.
For more than 30 years, Au Yong has used experiential learning to help students understand that democracy is not simply a system they learn about, but something they can actively participate in.
During his 15 years at Pickering College, where he currently teaches Grade 5, he has created opportunities for students to engage directly with elected officials, community leaders, democratic institutions and issues affecting their communities.
His students have visited Parliament Hill, the Ontario Legislative Assembly and municipal government offices, and participated in election town halls, polling initiatives and inquiry projects connected to current events. Through 102.7 CHOP FM, a CRTC-licensed community radio station hosted on the Pickering College campus, students have also conducted live, student-led interviews with civic leaders.
"Alex understands something fundamentally important about young people: students develop a commitment to democracy when they feel their voices genuinely matter," said Dr. Cinde Lock, Head of School at Pickering College. "He moves civic education beyond theory and into lived experience. His students leave his classroom believing they can contribute meaningfully to the world around them."
One example of this approach was a visit from Senator Robert Black, during which students interviewed the Senator live on CHOP FM and discussed sustainability, volunteerism, agriculture and the role of the Senate. Students also toured the Blue & Silver Farm with Senator Black, connecting civic leadership to real-world issues and community responsibility.
Au Yong has also created opportunities for students to engage directly with provincial and federal public leaders. He coordinated a visit to Pickering College by Member of Parliament Sandra Cobena and has brought students to Ottawa, where they met both Prime Minister Mark Carney and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre. In 2024, he further developed his knowledge of Canadian parliamentary democracy through participation in the Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy.
His commitment to giving students a voice extends beyond civics. Through Grade 5 Speaking Club, assemblies and student-led events, Au Yong helps students develop the confidence to express their ideas, listen to differing perspectives and communicate respectfully.
His award also represents a meaningful full-circle moment. In 2019, then-Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell visited Au Yong's class to celebrate students' "My Key Idea" cumulative projects and participate in the presentation of their keys to Middle School. Seven years later, Au Yong is being recognized with an award bearing her name.
"Alex helps young people recognize that democracy depends upon engaged citizens who are willing to listen, participate and contribute positively to their communities," said Janet Downer, Assistant Director of Academics at Pickering College, who nominated Au Yong alongside Dr. Lock. "I can think of few educators more deserving of this recognition."
Au Yong's approach reflects Pickering College's broader commitment to purpose-driven education, giving students opportunities to connect their learning to real-world questions and understand their capacity to make a difference.
"I am honoured to receive the Elizabeth Dowdeswell Award for Advancing Democracy Through Education. It is a privilege to collaborate with professional colleagues at Pickering College to innovate and enrich our civics curriculum," said Alex Au Yong. "I take great delight in seeing students engage purposefully with elected leaders and officials at all levels of government to deepen their learning and contribute meaningfully to our communities and beyond the classroom."
About Pickering College:
Founded in 1842, Pickering College is Canada's only Quaker-founded independent day and boarding school for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Located in Newmarket, Ontario since 1909, the school's mission is to instil in each individual the ability and responsibility to make the world greater, better, and more beautiful than they discovered it. Pickering College is a full member of UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet).
Background:
Ontario Celebrates Outstanding Citizens at Lieutenant Governor's Legacy Awards
14 people receive awards honouring the work of former Lieutenant Governors https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1008003/ontario-celebrates-outstanding-citizens-at-lieutenant-governors-legacy-awards
The Ontario government is celebrating 14 exceptional Ontarians at the annual Lieutenant Governors' Legacy Awards ceremony in recognition of their leadership and lasting contributions to communities across the province.
SOURCE Pickering College
Pickering College Media Contact: Naomi Cote, Senior Communications Manager, Pickering College, 905-895-1700 ext. 400, [email protected]
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