For nearly 30 years, the Saskatchewan Catholic School Board Association has recognized and honoured the contributions of Catholic school trustees with the Julian Paslawski Meritorius Service Award.
This year, the award went to Light of Christ Catholic School Division's board of education chair, Keith Koberinski.
"It's kind of overwhelming," he said of the award, crediting it to the other members on the board. "I've always had the support of the board."
Koberinski has served on the board of education for five terms, spending nine years as the vice-chair and the past two as chair.
"I love kids and I like what we're doing," said Koberinski. "We've got a good board."
Koberinski first became involved at the suggestion of a neighbour. He had just retired from the highway department of the provincial government in the summer of 1997, when the board elections were being held that fall.
"I didn't realize it was going to be over 10 years," said Koberinski of his experience on the board of education.
Herb Sutton, LOCCSD's director of education, said, "Keith's biggest contribution has been his ability to build relationships with people - particularly in difficult situations.
"He has a very big heart, and a strong faith that go nicely together to help him win over most people."
Koberinski, along with his wife Linda, is an active member of St. Joseph's Church. For over 20 years, he and his wife provided mentoring for couples preparing for marriage. Koberinski is also a member of the church choir, the parish council and the Knights of Columbus.
As a member of the LOCCSD board of education, Koberinski has also pursued other opportunities for involvement, including serving as a provincial representative on the Canadian Catholic School Trustees Association and serving on the executive committee of the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association for six years, including three as president.
"As a board chair, Keith is most concerned about each and every board member," said Sutton. "He wants to be certain that they feel welcome at the board table, and that there is a culture on the board where people feel free to actively participate."
"I always look for the good in people," said Koberinski.
Which is fitting, since when the SCSBA was looking for a recipient for the Julian Paslawski Meritorious Service Award, they saw the good in Koberinski.
