International Award of Distinction
Wilma began her teaching career in 1944 in a rural school. She taught at Dufferin Public School and Prince Charles Public School in Trenton, and later became the Librarian at Parkdale Public School, Belleville, retiring in 1985.
In 1979, Wilma graduated from Queen’s University, Kingston, Ont, with her Bachelor of Arts, in Religion and Art History.
Wilma is presently teaching night courses in Creative Writing at Loyalist College, Belleville, Ontario.
In 1949 Wilma became interested in the theatre, and joined the Trenton Drama Club, and later, the Belleville Theatre Guild. After assisting in every activity in the theatre for many years, Wilma wrote the play, “Déjà Vu”. This was presented in I993 at the Pinnacle Playhouse, Belleville.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has televised her play, “Time To Be Brave”, a story which stemmed from her early teaching days at the Tyendinaga Indian Reserve in the Quinte area.
Wilma and Jim have always been members of the Quinte Arts Council and its affiliate, the Belleville Art Association, through which Wilma has received numerous awards for her watercolours.
Other cultural associations in which Wilma has been involved include the Trent Port Historical Society and the Local Architectural Conservancy Association.
Wilma belongs to the Quinte Writers Guild, where she has given readings of her books. She has volunteered her services to train students at CJLX radio Station at Loyalist College, Belleville, and has spoken to children at St. Mary's School, Trenton, on writing plays.
In 1993, Wilma was nominated for the Manitoba Young Reader's Award. Wilma was also one of the writers recently honoured by The Belleville Monarchist League of Canada, at their Authors night.
Trenton Public Library always invites Wilma to speak, along with other authors, at its yearly fund-raising dinner. She is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular local authors.
However, Wilma is really best known as a published author of books for children. They include the following: “The Old Coach Road” written in 1987, “The Queen’s Silver” written in 1989, “The Boats Go Up and Down” written in 1991, and finally “What To Do About Babe”, just recently published.
Many of these books were based on historical events in the Quinte area, thus reflecting Wilma’s ability to teach as we11 as entertain young readers.
Always happy to assist her Sorority sisters, Wilma wrote a skit and choreographed a dance, both of which were performed at the Ritual Dinner, in 1986 when she received her Silver Circle Award. In 1995, Wilma wrote a murder mystery play for the evening’s entertainment at the Founder’s Day Dinner.
Wilma has presented many delightful and informative Sorority programs, in which she has demonstrated her skills in quilting, needlework, writing, and painting. Many successful Ways and Means projects have been attributed to Wilma's artistic ideas and designs.
Throughout her years in Sorority, Wilma has been held in high regard as a cultural advisor to her Sorority sisters. She has always shared her talents and creative abilities with them.
We, in Sorority, feel Wilma’s cultural accomplishments have enriched each chapter of Beta Sigma Phi in Trenton, and she is indeed an outstanding and exceptional member of our chapter, Sigma Master, and of our sisterhood in Trenton and Belleville.
Donna O'Neil
Laureate Alpha Zeta.
Trenton, Ontario.
It has been a pleasure to know Wilma Alexander as a friend for over thirty-seven years. Previously, I knew her by reputation, Eros Wilma has contributed a great deal to the entire community.
Wilma was a Sorority sister in the Trenton Ritual of Jewels chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, of which she was a charter member. The entire chapter always looked forward to her programs, for they were always interesting, informative, and thoughtfully prepared and presented. She truly embodied the principles of life, learning, and friendship.
As an elementary school teacher, many young children benefited from her patience, thoroughness, and innovative presentations. A good sense of humour and love of children were added assets. One of her former grade one pupils ended up in the same Sorority chapter.
Along with her husband, Jim, Wilma has contributed a great deal to the theatre in the area. Whether it was acting in a performance, directing, organizing workshops, or assisting in props, lighting, etc., Wilma has done it all.
Recently, she authored a play, based on her early teaching experience in a rural school. The play was presented by the local theatre guild, and was well received.
Multi-talented, Wilma also paints, and the walls of her home display some of her works. There is also evidence of other hobbies, such as quilting.
After retiring from the teaching profession, Wilma began to write children's books. She also is a successful author and has published four books. When schools began asking her to visit, Wilma visited many classrooms explaining and showing what is involved in being an author, assembling a book from plot to publication.
Wilma and Jim are the proud parents of three sons, Christopher, employed in the film industry, Nicholas, an officer in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Timothy, a lawyer. They are grandparents of Brendan, Emily and Kevin.
The Alexanders enjoy travel and have taken many interesting trips to places including Alaska, Newfoundland, Ireland and Poland.
Beta Sigma Phi has a very worthy recipient in awarding Wilma Alexander this highest honour.