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By rdnewsNOW Staff

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENTS

Chinook’s Edge celebrates multiple King Charles III Coronation Medal winners

Apr 1, 2025 | 3:56 PM

Multiple officials connected to the Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) have received King Charles III Coronation Medals.

The Government of Canada says recipients of these awards have made significant contributions to Canada as a whole or a particular region or community, or have made an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

Once recipient was Jackie Taylor, executive director of the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI) and the Community Learning Campus for CESD.

CESD’s associate superintendent Jason Drent credits Taylor with increasing student participation in dual credit courses; expanding the career pathways offered through dual credit courses; and being influential in the establishment of the CACI.

“Jackie’s role in leading the development of student access to career pathways has been, in a word, life-changing,” said Drent. “Because of her work, more students are graduating from high school, following their dreams, entering post secondary programs, and confidently pursuing their chosen careers.”

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Another recipient was Kirk Wassmer, a retired band teacher who taught at Didsbury High School for 23 years before retiring in June of 2024.

Wassmer was nominated by MP Earl Dreeshen, who said, “Your encouragement and relationship skills inspire and instill a sense of belonging and a love for music. The enrollment of approximately 50 percent of your community high school population in your band classes is testament to your success as an exceptional educator and is highly commendable.”

The retired teacher was “tremendously honoured” to learn he was a recipient. This medal joins his Prime Minister’s Award of Teaching Excellence; Chinook’s Edge Roy E. Cope Award for a significant contribution to the educational welfare of students; and the I. Keith Mann/NAC Orchestra Outstanding Band Director Award, which he received in his final year of teaching.

Chinook’s Edge School Board Trustee Kathy Kemmere was also a medal recipient.

Dreeshen also nominated Kemmere, but in the health category, due to the dedication and passion he said she displayed as a Licensed Practical Nurse as she worked to improve rural hospice palliative care and bereavement support.

“We admire her commitment to serving people in her community, during her time working in health care and also currently as a school board trustee. We are fortunate to have Kathy on the Board, and appreciate her positivity and care for the people around her,” said Holly Bilton, Chinook’s Edge Board Chair.

Kemmere said she recognized early in her career that many people need an advocate in health care, and aims to continue her advocacy and support in her role as a parent, nurse, volunteer, community member and trustee.

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