(Chinook's Edge School Division)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

roy e. cope award

Two retiring Chinook’s Edge educators to receive award for dedication to students

May 7, 2024 | 10:10 PM

Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) has awarded two within its ranks the Roy E. Cope Award for significant contributions to the educational welfare of students.

This year’s recipients are Associate Superintendent Ray Hoppins and Didsbury High School band teacher Kirk Wassmer, both of whom are retiring this June.

Hoppins, an educator for 32 years, including 30 with CESD, has been in his current role since 2011.

“It was an emotional moment for me when I found out about this recognition,” said Hoppins. “It’s a pretty special thing. Thinking about my time in Chinook’s Edge prompted so many flashbacks of fond memories and positive experiences here. Chinook’s Edge has been and is my home.”

In his past life, Hoppins helped run 4-H camps for youth, after which he decided to be a teacher.

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“Ray created efficient processes for new hires and transferring staff that take care of our people. He developed Aspiring Leaders and Developing Leaders, which has strengthened our up-and-coming and new leaders. Ray is highly respected throughout the province for the way he approaches People Services work,” says Superintendent Kurt Sacher.

“Ray’s system-wide impact is deeply respected within the division, as well, because of the way he works with individual staff members. Ray treats everyone the way he would want a family member to be treated. He helps our people get to healthy places so that they can be their best when working with students.”

Meantime, the division says Wassmer’s special impact on students in Didsbury is hard to quantify.

“When I looked up previous recipients of the award, and considered the impact of these individuals, I was even more stunned. I am humbled to be considered to be in the same league. I’ve always felt I was just doing what a music teacher should be doing,” he says.

“I had some pretty amazing band teachers when I was a kid, and throughout university. I’ve had many role models and appreciated qualities in them that I’ve tried to carry into my own teaching.”

At Didsbury High, about half the student body is enrolled in band, which Principal Scott MacDonald attributes to Wassmer’s approach.

“His love of music and the way he relates to students is remarkable, and that impacts our whole school,” says MacDonald. “The way Kirk encourages and believes in students elevates their relationships with other students and with staff. Kirk’s presence makes our school a better place to be. It is hard to quantify something that special.”

Roy E. Cope was superintendent of schools for the County of Red Deer prior the creation of CESD in 1995.

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