Born in 1934, George Heshka has been the principal of Sisler High School, Manitoba’s largest school, for more than three decades. A visionary, inspirational administrator and educator, under his leadership Sisler High School, one of Canada’s most multicultural schools, was recognized by Maclean’s magazine as the best all-around school in Canada. Located in Winnipeg’s North End, Sisler students continue to excel academically and pursue post-secondary education at a level twice the national average. The many award-winning school initiatives and programs Mr. Heshka established include career internship, youth entrepreneurship, university courses in the high schools and robotics. He instituted all-girl classes in subjects such as auto mechanics, English and math, resulting in marks 10 per cent higher than those achieved in mixed classes. The school continues to be recognized for its sports and visual and performing arts programs as well as its many student-led human rights organizations. Mr. Heshka has also been recognized for his decades of service to the inner city, including his work to preserve inner-city neighbourhoods. In June 2013, he was conferred with an honorary doctor of letters by the University of Winnipeg.
