Tributes have been paid to an award winning Leicester teacher, who passed away following a short battle with lung cancer.
Mrs Bernie Walker passed away last Friday, October 6, after working at New College Leicester, for almost 20 years.
In 2022, she was awarded the Key Worker of the Year award at the BBC Radio Leicester Make A Difference Awards for her “relentless” efforts to support students during the pandemic.
“Bernie was the embodiment of our New College values and always put our children first. As many of you may know, she was relentless during the Covid lockdowns, getting up at 3am every day to make sure that all our families entitled to Free School Meals got the food vouchers they deserved,” said a spokesman for the college.
“She also arranged food hampers every Christmas so that our families didn’t go without. These are just a few of the reasons why Mrs Walker was awarded the Key Worker of the Year award at the BBC Radio Leicester Make A Difference Awards 2022.
“We have lost someone very important to our family, someone who helped shape New College into the school it is today, and our New College family won’t be the same without her. The positive impact she made to our school, our children and families is immeasurable,” they added.
Mrs Walker passed away following a short battle with lung cancer.
She joined New College in 2004 and served as head of year for many years.
“We are all shocked by the news and deeply saddened to lose such a pillar of our community. Bernie was an inspiration to us all and continually led the way by setting a positive example to staff, students and our families,” said Jane Brown, Principal at New College Leicester.
“She was a dear friend to us all, someone we could rely on, and we will miss her positive attitude, compassion and sense of humour. She made the difference on challenging days, helping us keep a sense of perspective and push on with her characteristic New Parks spirit.”
“Above all, Bernie cared deeply about her family, her school and her community. Her legacy of care and understanding will live on here at New College – protected by us all.”
Anyone who would like to leave floral tributes to Mrs Walker, is asked to do so at the main gate to the college on Glenfield Road.
