St. Lorenzo Ruiz Middle School Joins the Jays Care Foundation’s Challenger Baseball Program

News release from Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

St. Lorenzo Ruiz Middle School is thrilled to announce its selection to participate in the Jays Care Foundation’s Challenger Baseball Program, an initiative designed to bring the joy and benefits of baseball to children, youth, and adults living with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. This marks a significant milestone for the school, emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity and adaptive sports.

An opening ceremony to commemorate the launch of the Challenger Baseball Program at St. Lorenzo Ruiz Middle School’s gymnasium is scheduled for Monday, April 8, from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. The event will feature the raising of a special banner, symbolizing the school’s proud partnership with the Jays Care Foundation and the beginning of an exciting journey for its students.

“We are eagerly anticipating this new chapter for our students at St. Lorenzo, marking the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful partnership with the Jays Care Foundation,” said Joel Peterman, St. Lorenzo Ruiz Middle School Vice-Principal.

Thanks to the generous donation of equipment from the Jays Care Foundation, students in St. Lorenzo’s Foundation/Blended Program will have the opportunity to engage in adaptive baseball and softball. These sports are not just about physical activity; they are a means to teach important life skills such as teamwork, communication, determination, resiliency, inclusion, support, and courage.

Around 10 students from the St. Joseph High School Ball Academy are set to join the program, planning to meet with participants weekly to aid in skill development. Additionally, several members from the SJHS Ball Academy will be present at the opening ceremonies.

The Challenger Baseball Program, a collaborative effort between Jays Care Foundation, Little League Canada, and Baseball Canada, is tailored to empower athletes with disabilities, ensuring they have the chance to play in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Through the program, athletes will learn to become more independent, gain confidence, improve communication skills, and set and achieve personal goals.

During the summer months, volunteer community coaches will lead distinct leagues across Canada, while the school year sees the program being implemented in partnership with schools and various community-based organizations. Participants in the program can expect to receive not only in-person training from Jays Care but also adaptive equipment, and a host of coaching tools to enhance their experience.

The impact of the Challenger Baseball Program is profound. Last year alone, it reached over 9,800 participants across 289 programs, becoming the sole sports programming for 61% of the participants, according to their parents and guardians. It has shown significant benefits in increasing independence, self-esteem, peer relationships, and physical literacy among athletes with disabilities.

St. Lorenzo Ruiz Middle School is honored to be a part of this transformative program and looks forward to the positive changes it will bring to its students and the wider community.

Join us at the opening ceremony to celebrate the beginning of an inclusive, empowering sports journey for our students.

About St. Lorenzo Ruiz Middle School:

St. Lorenzo Ruiz Middle School opened its doors in August 2023 and serves students in grades 6 – 9 in Red Deer’s Kentwood Neighbourhood.

About the Jays Care Foundation:

As the charitable arm of the Toronto Blue Jays, Jays Care Foundation uses baseball to teach life skills and create lasting social change for children and youth across Canada. Through programs like Challenger Baseball, they work to ensure young people have access to sport and development opportunities, regardless of the barriers they may face.

Related Topics:#JaysCareFoundationRedDeer #RedDeerCatholicRegionalSchools #StLorenzoRuizMiddleSchool feature RDCRS

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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.