Red Deer
Red Deer teacher one of 7 in Canada to receive National Award for Teaching Excellence in Physical Education

Scott Luck has been named as one of just seven recipients across Canada for the National Award for Teaching Excellence in Physical and Health Education presented by Physical and Health Education Canada
Whether it’s leading high-energy gym classes or helping students discover their passion for physical activity, PhysEd Specialist at École Central Middle Scott Luck has always focused on getting kids moving – and now, he’s being recognized for his efforts on a national level.
Scott has been named as one of just seven recipients across Canada for the National Award for Teaching Excellence in Physical and Health Education presented by Physical and Health Education Canada. The award honours exceptional teaching and leadership in promoting wellness and physical literacy in schools.
“I didn’t know that I was being nominated – I was extremely surprised when I was told I was a recipient,” said Scott. “I just go about doing my day-to-day and for others to consider me in that type of category is a big honour.”
While he had not met the other recipients before the awards ceremony, Scott said he was humbled to be in their company.
“To be grouped together with the other recipients is such an honour. They are all amazing individuals who do amazing things,” he said.
Scott’s journey to education wasn’t typical. Initially being accepted into a combined PhysEd and Education degree right out of high school, he was steered away from the field. Years later in his 20s, he returned to his calling and earned his After Degree in Education from the University of Alberta. He landed his first teaching job at the age of 28.
He began his career in Edmonton and quickly came to Red Deer teaching at Hunting Hills High School before joining École Central Middle, where he’s spent the past eight years helping students discover the joy of movement.
“I love being active. I love seeing kids be active, and figure out what they are good at. It’s extremely rewarding,” said Scott.
He believes physical and mental wellness are key to student success. “In order for a student to excel academically, they have to be well. Wellness for me is all about the balance between being physically active, mentally well, and the pursuit of happiness,” he said.
Amanda Wilson, Principal at École Central Middle, said Scott is an exceptional Phys Ed teacher who creates inclusive, high-quality programs that cater to widely diverse student needs.
“He adapts lessons using translation tools, tactile clues, auditory signals, and specialized equipment, ensuring all students, regardless of ability or challenges, can participate and experience success,” she said. “Scott goes above and beyond regularly for his students and for our school in the classroom as well as with extracurricular activities. He is instilling a lifelong love of physical activity, and transforming his students’ lives with his dedication and creativity and we are incredibly fortunate to have him at CMS.”
Health
Red Deer Hospital Lottery 2025 Winners

The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation is thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s Red Deer Hospital Lottery prizes – including the Dream Home, a $100,000.00 cash prize, and Mega Bucks 50.
James Smith of Spruce View has won the $100,000.00 cash prize.
Montey Brehaut of Red Deer has won the Mega Bucks 50 jackpot, taking home $301,702.50.
The grand prize Sorento Custom Homes Dream Home, including furnishings by Urban Barn and worth $1,074,472 – has been awarded to Oscar Gunnlaugson of Sylvan Lake.
The winner announcements took place at noon on June 26 , 2025 – and was streamed live on Facebook from Red Deer Regional Hospital Center.
“We’re excited to celebrate this year’s winners and deeply grateful to everyone who supported the lottery,” said Manon Therriault, CEO of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation. “Funds raised will directly enhance patient care at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.”
This year’s lottery proceeds will fund essential new and replacement equipment, ensuring Red Deer Regional Hospital Center can continue to serve the 500,000 people who rely on it. While plans for the hospital expansion move forward, healthcare doesn’t wait. Patients in our community need access
to life-saving technology today, and supporting Red Deer Hospital Lottery has made that possible.
A full list of winners, including electronics prize recipients, will be posted on July 2 at reddeerhospitallottery.ca.
Winners will also receive instructions on how to claim their prizes by mail.
The keys to the Dream Home will be presented at a special ceremony this summer.
Business
Carnival Cinemas moving downtown: Owner Bill Ramji buys former Uptown Cinemas from RDP

News release from Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP)
Red Deer Polytechnic Sells Welikoklad Event Centre
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has sold the Welikoklad Event Centre in downtown Red Deer to a new owner who has plans to revitalize the facility as a movie theatre. RDP purchased the Welikoklad Event Centre in 2012. For many years, the Centre served as a valuable learning space for students in a variety of programming, including arts and business. The facility also served as a community hub, where RDP hosted a variety of events for different organizations. With the evolution of time, and RDP’s mix of industry-relevant arts and business programs transitioning back to main campus, the Welikoklad Event Centre no longer serves the same purpose for the post- secondary institution as it once did.
“As we’ve reviewed our future strategic plans relating to program growth and facility usage, to best serve our students, industry partners and community members, we are confident we can meet everyone’s needs at our other campuses,” says Jim Brinkhurst, Vice President, Finance and Administration & Chief Financial Officer, Red Deer Polytechnic. “We feel that now is a good time for the institution to sell this facility and we are pleased to see it repurposed for other community uses that will continue to serve Red Deer and downtown well.”
The Welikoklad Event Centre has been purchased by local business owner, Bill Ramji. He owns Carnival Cinemas, currently located in the Capstone neighbourhood. Future development is planned on the current site of this movie theatre and community gathering space. Ramji is excited to revitalize the theatre’s nearly three decades of history in Red Deer at its new location (which will be renovated before opening) in the heart of downtown.
“Carnival Cinemas is proud to announce the acquisition of the Welikoklad Event Centre from Red Deer Polytechnic, marking an exciting new chapter for this venue and the downtown arts community,” says Bill Ramji, Carnival Cinemas owner. “With this acquisition, Carnival Cinemas reaffirms its commitment to bringing the best value in movies to central Alberta while expanding its focus on supporting local theatre and the performing arts. The Welikoklad Event Centre, previously The Uptown Theatre, was a hub for film lovers and creative voices, and Carnival is eager to build on that legacy.”
Ramji continues, “We’re excited to move forward as Carnival Cinemas and Event Centre and our goal is to continue providing high-quality movie experiences, while also working hand-in-hand with local artists, performers, and theatre groups to enrich downtown Red Deer’s cultural landscape. Carnival Cinemas & Event Centre looks forward to collaborating with the arts community and the broader public to ensure the space remains a vibrant and inclusive gathering place for film and theatre alike.”
RDP will continue to have a presence in downtown Red Deer, with their downtown campus located in the Millennium Centre. The downtown RDP campus is home to RDP’s Continuing Education and Corporate Training programs.
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