Humboldt Regional Newcomers Centre held their first Recognition night over the weekend.

The event, which took place at Jubilee Hall in Humboldt, featured a multicultural meal, a dance presentation, and awards.

Deb Sarauer won the award for Educators of the Year.

She talks about the role she played for people moving to the area and learning English as a Second language.

"I think what I want to do is make connections with people, and a big part of what I've tried to do as an educator is it is teaching and it's working on English Language skills, but also understanding about Canadian culture, and be able to feel comfortable, to have someone to come and talk to, some one you can ask questions of."

Sarauer says she is grateful for the award she has received.

"There are a number of very fine educators in the Humboldt area, both in the Public School, the Elementary School there's a lot of teachers and English as a Second Language teachers working with young people, in the High Schools. In Carlton Trail College which does the whole region, and I appreciate the students and the organization that awarded me this honour."

Sarauer, who no longer works as an English-as-a-Second Language teacher, says she hopes to continue to play a role for immigrants coming to the area.

"Now that my role has changed this year, I would like to be able to continue to develop relationships with newcomers that come into the community, or one that have been here for a long time just to be able to be a support for them."

Hear more from Deb Sarauer here:

Other winners from the night include:

Young Community Builder Award: Taylor Block and Cassidy Oesch

Welcoming Workplace Award: Humboldt Tim Hortons

Welcoming Neighbour Award: Agnes Pratchler

Welcoming Community Award: Town of LeRoy

Bridge Builders Award: Summer League Basketball

Educator of the Year Award: Deb Sarauer

Lifetime Achievement Award: Edith Klassen

Humanitarian and Activism Award: Norman Duerr