Vice-principal named YWCA-YMCA Woman of Distinction

A vice-principal at St. John's High School in Winnipeg's North End is the winner of a YWCA-YMCA 2008 Women of Distinction Award for Education and Training.

Chris Penner "has brought a unique culture of compassion to students, parents and grandparents by developing programs that answer their needs."

Penner created a Grandma Support Group at the school because 30 per cent of the students are currently being raised by grandparents.

She also personally visits all the homes of incoming Grade 7 and Grade 8 students.
"More than half the school's students live below the poverty line; she buys clothing and food, co-ordinates donations and was instrumental in the development of the school's free breakfast and lunch programs," says the Y nomination. "If a student gets in trouble with the law, she is there for their court dates, and visits them in custody."