Poplar Ridge soon to welcome third generation of Belich family students

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During the discussion, the family realized that between the 10 original Belich first cousins, and now their children, there hasn’t been a single year at the school without at least one Belich child or grandchild in attendance.

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Dan Belich, father to four former Poplar Ridge students (and grandfather to seven former students, two current students, and at least two more to go), recalled the many Christmas concerts and other events he attended over the years and joked, “I definitely did my part. I just keep going!”

Dan’s son Andy said the family settled in the area in 1920 to establish a family farm, which they still maintain today. Andy attended the school in the 1980’s and currently has a son who’s a student there.

“There are kids that I went to school with, and their children also attend the school. Poplar Ridge is just such a good school!” Andy commented.

Before Poplar Ridge was built, family members attended what used to be River Glen School in Red Deer. By the time Andy was old enough for school, he went to Poplar Ridge.

Andy Belich remembers being a student every time he drives by the school. He said, “I was a part of the group that planted the windbreak trees. My tree is the second tree east of the dumpster. It’s still there.”

That tree has since grown strong and remains firmly rooted in the soil of the Poplar Ridge schoolyard, representing what the division calls a legacy of community, modelling kindness, service and connection.

“The Belich family gives a lot to our school community. If we ever need anything, they are the first to help,” said Cocks. “They serve when no one is looking. They aren’t looking for accolades. They just want to help.”

According to Cocks, the family used to pick up the rented stage, set it up, and drop it off whenever it was needed. The Belichs also helped to purchase a stage for the school recently, and they still help set it up. They also help with donations for families that need it at Christmas time.

There are currently three Belich grandchildren attending the school: Shane, Ivy and Jaycie.

Cocks commented, “They are all such good kids. They’ve seen the modelling of citizenship and service from their parents and grandparents, and they all make positive contributions that strengthen the culture of our school.”

Jaycie shared that she enjoys trying to find her mom in old photos on the school walls. Shane enjoys the sledding hill, just like his dad did, and Ivy thinks it’s “cool” that so much of her family has attended there.