Seven first-year teachers from Central Alberta have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to education. All seven nominees were honoured at an online even held on Monday, May 31, 2021 where they each received a plaque. 

“Trustees in Central Alberta are so impressed with our exceptional first year teachers,” says Laurette Woodward, ASBA Zone Four Chair and Red Deer Public Schools Vice-Chair. “In a difficult year with unusual challenges, these teachers showed incredible dedication. Their skill, and especially the relationships they’ve built are impressive. Their commitment and passion makes us excited about the future of education, and for the students who will have the privilege of learning from these teachers.” 

This year, Ty Wagner a first-year teacher from Wolf Creek Public Schools was the recipient of Zone Four’s Edwin Parr Award for the 2020-2021 school year. Zone Four is comprised of eight school boards in Central Alberta. Each year, a committee of trustees meets with the nominees individually and recviews the submissions to select a winning candidate. 

“I could not be more honoured to receive this award on behalf of Zone 4,” says Ty Wagar who teaches at Bluffton School. “The nominees from all over our zone are superb teachers, and I feel extremely proud to be recognized within such a dedicated, caring group. The support from Wolf Creek Public Schools, the Board of Trustees, Alda Lovell, Terry Hoganson, my family, and all the staff, students and community at Bluffton School has blown me away. I feel so thankful to work in such an amazing school division with outstanding mentors that have helped all of us teachers grow exponentially in our first year. I cannot wait to continue teaching in Wolf Creek Public Schools and to keep making a difference in the lives of our next generation.” 

Additionally, Wagar will be honoured by ASBA at an event in the fall of 2021 with five other Edwin Parr recipients from other zones in the province. 

The other 2020-2021 nominees include: 

  • Alexyn Nycholat, Forestburg School, Battle River School Division
  • Meaghan Halkyard, Hugh Sutherland School, Chinook’s Edge School Division 
  • Christine Roland, Byemoor, Clearview Public Schools 
  • Meghan Huizing, St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools 
  • Rhana Dad Mohammad, Lindsay Thurber Composite High School, Red Deer Public Schools 
  • Jadeyn Leenstra, Caroline School, Wild Rose School Division
  • Ty Wagar, Bluffton School, Wolf Creek Public Schools 

“Our sincerest and warmest congratulations goes out to Mr. Wagar and to all of the ASBA Zone 4 Edwin Parr nominees”, says Woodward. “We wish each of the nominees all the best in their future careers, and thank them for making an incredible difference in the lives of our students. Also, thank you to administration and mentors for assisting first year teachers in their transition to the profession. We really appreciate your commitment to students and to public education in Alberta.”