RICK VALIN
Coach – Class of 2021
Social Studies Professor P. P. H. S 1976-2009
Master’s Degree in Educational Administration - Ottawa University 1980
Rick was born and grew up in Montreal’s west-end community of Notre-Dame-de-Grace. His passion for teaching began in his hometown and expanded as far North as Matagami where he taught until the end of the 1975-1976 academic year. Moving to Shawville in the summer of 76’, Valin’s impact on the community and at P.P.H.S was felt immediately. His love and passion for sports made him a natural fit as a coach and volunteer. During his time as a Panther, Rick was part of multiple teams organized at the school. He coached rugby, football, soccer, basketball, volleyball and curling. Rick was instrumental in the return of football to P.H.S. in 2006.
He always encouraged students to expand their horizons and to get involved in raising awareness about poverty and injustice. He was a driving force behind the 30-hour famine which he carried out for many years. Rick exhibited a life-long commitment to personal growth and brought out the same in his students.
Rick’s impact went well beyond his sense of humour and light heartedness. He is a trailblazer and recipient of the Outstanding Leadership in Athletics Award in 2007-2008. Retiring in 2009, Rick was recipient of the Community Service in Education award handed out by the Regional Association of West Quebecer’s in 2014.
Rick had a tremendous impact on PHS students. His legacy is well-described by a former colleague,
The career of Mr. Rick Valin illustrates the enormous impact a teacher can have on both students and the wider community. Through his dedication in the classroom, his commitment of time to trips and clubs, and his love of coaching Mr. Valin made his mark on Pontiac Protestant High School. His sense of humour, wide knowledge and deep passion for the social sciences challenged his students to not only be better scholars but better citizens of the Pontiac and Canada as a whole. His desire to see the globe exposed students to the world around them and gave travel opportunities that many students might not otherwise experience. His leadership in causes such as the 30 Hour Famine and the Terry Fox Run modeled a sense of compassion and community responsibility in his students. Through his coaching Mr. Valin encouraged his athletes to strive for his or her very best. He was quick to praise and taught joy in victory, grace in defeat, and always, above all else, sportsmanship.
When his children were very young, they were often asked what their father did for a living. Knowing about the ping pong table that existed in the staffroom many years ago, his children would reply, “Oh he plays ping pong at the high school.”