Grade 6 teacher receives Excellence in Catholic Education Award

Todayville

Published

2 years ago

3 minute read

Adam Locke centre, flanked by RDCRS board members

News release from Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) is pleased to recognize Adam Locke, Grade 6 teacher and Faith Coach at École Mother Teresa Catholic School in Sylvan Lake, who received the 2023 Excellence in Catholic Education Award.

In his role as a Faith Coach, Locke is the liaison between École Mother Teresa School, Our Lady of Assumption Parish and the parish priest, and leads staff professional development based on the Division faith goal within the school improvement plan. He models permeation of faith into lessons and coaches mentor teachers through difficult conversations about faith with students, staff and families. Locke has been a sponsor for students journeying the Sacrament of Confirmation and coordinates school-wide liturgies, celebrations, various social justice projects and is involved with the RDCRS’ Youth Ministry.

Faith is the focus of Locke’s life alongside his family as members of St. Mary’s Parish and is active as a Proclaimer and Eucharistic Minister. He also serves within the ministry of St. Vincent de Paul.

“We are thrilled that Mr. Locke has been chosen as our Division recipient for this award. He has dedicated countless hours to supporting the faith journey of all members of our school community over the years. The passion he has for his faith sparks a fire in those around him to strive to be true followers of Christ. Adam’s humility as a servant of Christ is an example for each of us to model ourselves after. He is thoroughly deserving of this recognition and we are all extremely proud to serve alongside him,” said Principal, Jeff Tuchscherer at École Mother Teresa Catholic School.

Locke’s love for Catholic Education is made visible through each interaction he has with colleagues, students, and families. He is a beacon of light who uses his gifts to serve RDCRS as he embarks daily on a journey of discipleship. He leads and loves for the greater glory of God’s mission to bring people to know, love and serve God.

“Adam’s ability to permeate his faith into each lesson he teaches, as well as many aspects of his life, leaves a lasting effect on those who interact with him and has been pivotal in creating Christ-centered communities within our Division,” said Superintendent, Dr. Kathleen Finnigan at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

Presented annually by the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA), the Excellence in Catholic Education Award recognizes Catholic ‘teachers’ in Alberta who have done an exemplary job in preparing youth to grow into outstanding Catholic citizens.

For more information about the Excellence in Catholic Education Award, please visit

https://www.ccssa.ca/documents/excellence-in-catholic-education-award.

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Education

Our sweetest success yet: Smile Cookie Campaign breaks record

Published on June 11, 2025

Red Deer Public Schools

Just when we thought our smiles couldn’t get any bigger – they did! And we have the Red Deer community to thank for their overwhelming support.

We are so excited to share the total from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign this past spring…and it’s very impressive. In fact, it’s an all-time record, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Over the long-week campaign held April 28-May 4, Red Deerians indulged in a lot of cookies – $80,773 worth! These funds will go directly to helping struggling readers become readers of potential through Reading College, a project of The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools.

Reading College, held each July, provides students with identified reading gaps an incredible summer experience that builds their skills, confidence, and love for reading. Students leave the program with stronger reading and writing abilities, and a solid foundation for success in school and life. Now in its 14th year, 1,000 students have graduated from Reading College.

“We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our community and the partnership with Tim Hortons,” said Kristine Plastow, Board Chair for The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools. “These dollars directly impact kids who need extra support to become confident readers. The difference this program makes is life-changing.”

Tanya Doucette, Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner in Red Deer, said it’s incredible to see what can happen when a community comes together. The simple act of purchasing a cookie by so many amazing guests, makes a huge difference for young students right here in Red Deer.

“This record-breaking year shows how much our guests care. We are so pleased to support Reading College and help give students the tools they need to thrive,” she said.

Red Deer

Red Deer Student honoured with Chief Youth Courage Award

Published on June 10, 2025

Red Deer Public Schools

When you meet Brayden Chenier, a Grade 8 student at GH Dawe School, it’s clear why he’s been chosen to represent youth across Alberta. Brayden is the proud recipient of the Integrated School Support Program Provincial (ISSP) Chief Youth Courage Award, presented by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, in recognition of his resilience, leadership and commitment to his community.

The award celebrates students who demonstrate courage and dedication to becoming a responsible and caring citizen, especially within a diverse school and community, and was presented earlier this spring at the Calgary Police Awards Gala. As part of the honour, Brayden will now serve as a youth ambassador, helping to raise awareness about child and youth crime prevention, education, and intervention programs across the province.

“It’s pretty surreal that I will be all over the province for a year,” said Brayden. “I am looking forward to helping out in the community.”

Brayden has been part of the ISSP program through GH Dawe School since 2023 and has benefited greatly from the support offered.

With the support of the mental health professional, Brayden has been able to successfully navigate a variety of challenges in his life including coming to terms with his disability and navigating a tragic loss in his life.

Born with clubfoot, Brayden has never let his physical disability stand in his way. He is an avid athlete in a number of sports including hockey, basketball, golf, track, volleyball and soccer. His goal is working towards becoming an athlete in the Paralympics.

Brayden was nominated by GH Dawe School Counsellor Amy Johansson, who described him as a compassionate, kind, hardworking, and honest person who is driven and motivated to be his very best at all that he attempts.

She added that within the GH Dawe School community, Brayden is a highly respected citizen by all students and staff. “He is highly committed to sports connected to our school, as well as sports outside of our school community. Brayden works diligently at his academics. And is so very helpful and caring, always. Brayden works to overcome a list of things that he will not allow to hold him back.”

GH Dawe School is part of Alberta’s Integrated School Support Program – a child wellness initiative aimed at improving academic performance and the overall well-being of students. The program supports schools like GH Dawe with services to meet the diverse needs of students and families.

As he takes on his role as a provincial ambassador, Brayden continues to be a role model for his peers and a reminder of the power of perseverance and community support.