Helping others find community, confidence, and a sense of belonging has been at the heart of Joanna Currie's ’20 (Lady Eaton College) Trent experience. Whether creating spaces for fellow math lovers and makers to explore their passions or supporting opportunities for youth to discover their potential, the new Bachelor of Education graduate was a champion of 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and learning at Trent. 

Recognizing her leadership in building welcoming and empowered communities, Joanna received the inaugural Trent Homophile Association (THA) Prize this spring, established by Dr. Rachael Nicholls '02 (Champlain College) and Dr. Lisa Trefzger '21 (Gzowski College) in honour of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Trent Homophile Association (now known as the Trent Queer Collective). Joanna was also honoured with the School of Education's Primary/Junior Innovation in Teaching Award for her creative and engaging approach to learning in classroom placements.

"Jo brings a vibrant ‘maker mindset’ to her teaching, transforming math into a hands-on, three-dimensional experience while engaging students through creative tools like robotics and design,” said Lisa Noble, a demonstrator in the Trent School of Education and facilitator of the Makerspace Lab. “She also demonstrates strong leadership and collaboration, supporting her peers to succeed and skillfully differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of her learners.” 

Throughout her six years at Trent—four years of Mathematics followed by two years as a Teacher Candidate—Joanna found countless ways to bring people together on and off campus. She organized events with the Trent Pride Club, hosted wellness workshops for local high school students, and volunteered with Big Sing Nogojiwanong-Peterborough. Her commitment to supporting queer and trans youth was highlighted through her devotion to her work as a coordinator of Camp fYrefly, a national retreat to help youth develop leadership and resiliency. 

“Many of my educators and peers within the School of Education have been amazingly supportive, offering diverse perspectives that have broadened my skills and expanded my avenues for community support,” said Joanna. “I could not have done the work I do to support our wonderful queer and trans community without their mentorship.” 

Beginning her career with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board as an elementary teacher, she hopes to foster the same sense of belonging and authentic self-expression that shaped her own educational journey. 

Consider making a gift to Camp fYrefly or the Trent Homophile Association Prize, supported by the generosity of donors.