A Chilliwack teacher has received a prestigious award recognizing her work in the classroom.

Julie Lade from Highroad Academy has been given the Prime Minister’s Certificate of Excellence.

Lade picked up her award in Ottawa, an experience she says was a huge moment.

“Meeting the Prime Minister is definitely a never forget moment for me, and actually I found it pretty emotional. I teach a lot of social studies and teaching about government and politics is something that I’m really passionate about, that when kids leave high school that they understand that their vote is really important and all those things so getting to talk to him for a couple seconds there and shake his hand and have a moment with him was just a huge highlight of my life.”

Lade has developed a citizenship course, where students volunteer in the community, including through Chilliwack Community Services.

She also created an outreach department, getting students involved in community events.