The King Charles III Coronation Medal has been awarded to Kirk Wassmer. Wassmer retired in June 2024 after 23 years as a band teacher at Didsbury High School.
Member of Parliament Earl Dreeshen nominated Wassmer for the award in the education category and presented it to him several weeks ago.
According to Chinook's Edge, Dreeshen wrote, this medal is in recognition of his innovation and dedication to student success in band and in life. He effectively communicates the skill and insight he has gained through his 35-year career as an educator to inspire and engage our youth to excel in their endeavours.
“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 a testament to your success as an exceptional educator and is highly commendable,” says Dreeshen.
In his last year of teaching, Wassmer received a Prime Minister’s Award of Teaching Excellence, the 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.
“Congratulations to Kirk. This is a well-deserved honour, and we are thrilled that he has been recognized for his valuable contributions,” says Kurt Sacher, Superintendent, Chinook’s Edge School Division.
“Kirk made a tremendous difference for students in his school and for band teachers across our division during his lengthy and impactful time in Chinook’s Edge. He shared his incredible passion for students and music everywhere he went. The music he brought forward added tremendous value to the positive culture of Didsbury High School and to the Didsbury community as a whole. I will always remember him as one of the most exemplary teachers I have ever met,” explained Sacher.
Wassmer was surprised to learn he had been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
“At first, I thought there must be some kind of mistake, but once I realized it was for real, I was tremendously honoured to be recognized with this award. I didn’t get into public education for the accolades, but it is something special when that happens.”
The school division has 12 schools in neighbouring communities, including Olds, Mountain View County, Didsbury, Crossfield and Carstairs. Chinook's Edge has a total of 11,000 students across 40 Central Alberta schools.
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