The Vancouver Historical Society held its annual Incorporation Day lunch at the University Golf Club on April 15th. Along with a great presentation from guest speaker Colin Preston who showed some gems from the CBC archives, the highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the society’s Award of Merit to Charles Hou.

Charles is an educator and writer. Born in North Vancouver in 1940 he earned Bachelor and Master of Education degrees from the University of British Columbia and he is a well known innovator in education.

He taught high school in Burnaby, for thirty-four years, where, in his drive to engage high school students with Canadian history, he regularly incorporated week-long hikes, mock trials, costumed debates, and music video and film production into his courses. He has received a number of teaching awards, including the Hilroy National Award for Great Merit in 1986, and the Governor General’s Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Canadian History in 1996.