Manly-Warringah Teachers Association stalwarts Pam and John Ward have been honoured with Medals of the Order of Australia (OAM) for their service to the community through a range of organisations.
Their service and achievements are too extensive to list in full: Pam was an infants teacher while John specialised in science ending up as principal of Barrenjoey High, they were made Life Members of Manly-Warringah TA, with John awarded Federation Life Membership.
The Wards were recognised on Australia Day for their long service to Royal Life Saving Society of Australia, the Australian Labor Party, education, sport (tennis, netball, basketball, rugby league), the community and aquatics, with Pam still a trainer with the Department’s learn-to-swim program.
“We both have a love of sport and very often people would say, ‘We nominate John Ward for this and Pam Ward for that’ and we’d be silly enough to say ‘yes’ and we’d end up with a job,” John told the Manly Daily.
“Pam says we showed leadership … but we’re honoured to receive this award.”
“I am sure there are a lot of people out there who are equally worthy,” Pam said.
The Elanora Heights couple were featured in an Education article in December 2019.
For the full rundown on their citation see pages 67 and 69 here.