Evergreen Staff Spotlight

🌟 Celebrating the People Who Make Our Schools Work 🌟

Meet Antonia Pakinggan-Ilas – Educational Assistant & Library Clerk

For the past four years, Antonia Pakinggan-Ilas has been a caring presence in Winnipeg Beach School, supporting students both as an Educational Assistant and as a Library Clerk. What began as “just a job” quickly grew into a calling, and year after year she reapplied until she earned her permanent role — because for Antonia, it was always about the children.

Her work goes far beyond day-to-day duties. “I’m not only responsible for my job tasks, but for supporting students academically, providing individual support, making them feel important, and setting a good example,” she explains. In the library, Antonia makes storytime interactive: “I don’t just read to them — I make sure everyone participates, they don’t just listen, they interact, and I listen to them too.”

For Antonia, the joy of this work comes from sharing in her students’ journeys. “I am blessed and pleased and lucky to be there to share their laughter, tears, and overcoming challenges,” she says. “Their success and fulfillment are my accomplishments.”

What she loves most about Evergreen is its unwavering support for students. And what she wants the public to know is simple: “We are here to support the students and make sure they get the help they need.”

Thank you, Antonia, for your dedication, your compassion, and the positive example you set every day for Evergreen students.

Interviewed by trustee Amanda Mosher