WADENA — A lifetime spent promoting school athletics, mentoring student-athletes and strengthening Saskatchewan's high school sports system has earned Wadena educator Darin Faubert the province's highest recognition in school athletics.
Faubert, of Wadena Composite School, was named one of just two recipients of the 2026 Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA) Merit Award during the SHSAA annual general meeting, held June 19-20 at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert.
The Merit Award is the SHSAA's highest honour, recognizing individuals whose outstanding leadership, service and lifelong commitment have significantly advanced high school athletics in Saskatchewan.
Greg Knot of Medstead Central School, representing Battle West, also received this year's Merit Award.
Faubert has dedicated more than 30 years to coaching, officiating, administration and volunteer service, building opportunities for thousands of student-athletes throughout Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association said that after beginning his teaching career in Ponteix, Faubert spent 32 years at Wadena Composite School, coaching senior boys', senior girls', junior boys' and junior girls' volleyball. His teams made numerous provincial appearances, captured a junior boys district championship and earned a provincial sportsmanship award.
His influence extended well beyond volleyball, SHSAA said. Faubert coached golf for 32 years, helping numerous athletes qualify for provincial championships, and coached badminton for the same length of time, with his athletes winning five provincial medals. He also coached archery for seven years, leading teams to four district championships, boys' softball for 10 years, winning five district titles, and track and field for 15 years.
Away from the bench, Faubert spent 34 years as a volleyball official, working eight provincial volleyball championships and two provincial curling championships.
He also organized 61 outdoor education trips during his career and served in numerous leadership roles within the SHSAA, including district president, executive member and commissioner for volleyball, golf and curling.
He says participation in sport helps young people develop focus, build meaningful relationships, find positive role models and make healthy life choices. His goal has always been to ensure students leave school with a lifelong appreciation for physical activity.
His work with Softball Saskatchewan has included serving as a board member, vice-president, coach, league founder, championship commissioner and clinic facilitator. Along the way, he helped Team Saskatchewan earn a silver medal at the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games.
Michelle Fidelack, a colleague at Wadena Composite School, said Faubert's leadership has transformed the school's athletic culture.
"I have had the pleasure of working with Darin for the past eight years. Upon arriving at Wadena Composite, I noticed that the culture at this school was different. This was because of the leadership and opportunities Darin provides. He truly loves helping our students to become better athletes and it is obvious to me that many students join sports or go on school trips, simply because he is the one leading or coaching."
Three other educators with strong ties to northeastern Saskatchewan were also honoured during the SHSAA annual general meeting with Service Awards, which recognize individuals for outstanding leadership, service and commitment to the philosophy of high school athletics within their respective districts.
Sherry Hayworth of Hudson Bay Community School received the North East Service Award after more than 25 years of coaching volleyball, basketball, cross-country and track and field.
Hayworth has become known for promoting lifelong physical activity by introducing students to outdoor recreation throughout the Hudson Bay area, including canoeing, skiing, swimming, curling, golf and other community-based activities.
Michelle Gulka praised Hayworth's lasting impact on generations of students.
"Mrs. Hayworth has been a mentor, coach, friend and teacher to hundreds of students over the last 25-plus years. She is passionate about health and wellness and encouraging students to pursue activities that will keep them active into their adulthood."
SHSAA executive director Dave Sandomirsky, who presented Hayworth with the award, said he has watched her leadership develop since they attended high school together.
"Sherry returned to Hudson Bay after she completed her education and has had a positive impact on her students, not only academically, but through the extracurricular opportunities that she has provided over the past 25-plus years," he said.
Joel Taphorn, principal of Lake Lenore School, received the Horizon Central Service Award.
Taphorn began his teaching career in Humboldt before moving to Englefeld and later Muenster, where he coached volleyball, soccer, badminton and track and field. Since becoming principal at Lake Lenore in 2024, he has continued coaching junior volleyball, badminton and senior boys basketball.
Beyond coaching, Taphorn has organized four provincial volleyball championships and numerous conference and regional tournaments, and has spent years officiating volleyball and soccer while mentoring younger officials.
Longtime colleague Chad Hofmann said Taphorn's influence extends well beyond competition.
"Joel fosters an environment where every student, regardless of skill level, feels valued and part of a team."
Randy Emmerson, of Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division, received the North Central Service Award.
Throughout his career as a teacher, principal, superintendent and coach, Emmerson has led basketball, volleyball, football and soccer programs while also serving as an official and district executive member.
Colleague Scott Manson said Emmerson's greatest achievement has been the impact he has had on those around him.
"His impact on his athletes and peers goes far beyond winning."
The SHSAA also presented Service Awards to educators from districts across Saskatchewan, recognizing exceptional leadership and dedication to school athletics.
This year's recipients included Ryan Kobelsky, Battle West; Wes Peters, Central Valley; Evan Rostotski, East Central; Scott Bridgeman, Regina; Sam Dawson, North West; Jason Weitzel, Qu'Appelle Valley; Margie Gibson, South East; Riley Zielke, South West; Gary Paproski, West Central; Wendy Benson, Saskatoon; and Brad Moser, South Central.
SHSAA said, “Together, this year's Merit and Service Award recipients represent decades of volunteerism, coaching, officiating and mentorship that have helped shape high school athletics for generations of Saskatchewan students.”
