On May 13, Chinook’s Edge School Board announced it has selected two individuals to receive the Roy E. Cope Award for 2025.
Ted Harvey was the division's Director of Technology until his recent retirement. Kurt Sacher will retire at the end of this month after serving as the school superintendent for 15 years. Both are receiving the prize in recognition of the impact they have had on students.
Roy E. Cope served as the Superintendent of Schools for the County of Red Deer before Chinook’s Edge School Division was established in 1995. The award named in his honour is presented to individuals who the Board believes have made a meaningful impact on the educational well-being of students.
According to Chinook's Edge School Division, Kurt Sacher has been an educator for 39 years in Alberta and British Columbia. After filling roles as teacher, vice principal, principal, and associate superintendent, Sacher came to Chinook’s Edge as Superintendent in 2010.
"It is truly an honour to be recognized by the Board with the Roy E. Cope award,” says Sacher. “After 15 years as Superintendent, I could not be more proud of our people and what our school division has become over time. We have all worked collaboratively to do everything possible to find success for every single child. Our people care deeply about the experience of each student in our division. They have always amazed me, and to have my name associated with this school division will always give me joy."
Ted Harvey went to Chinook’s Edge 21 years ago after a career in agriculture and business. First a LanTech, then working at the technology help desk, then as network coordinator, in 2012 Harvey became the Director of Technology.
“I am honoured to receive the Roy E. Cope Award, especially when I consider being in the company of other recipients like Kurt Sacher and Ray Hoppins,” says Harvey. Hoppins was an Associate Superintendent who retired last year after many years of service. “I’ve had a hugely supportive team behind me, all focused on support for students. We’re all here for that reason, and we work together to positively impact their experience every day. Our biggest wins are when we walk through schools, seeing students using technology successfully.”
According to Chinook's Edge School Division. Didsbury High School students Johan Eriksson and Ryder Mierke both competed in the carpentry event, as did Auston Wright from Hugh Sutherland School (in Carstairs). Logan Swanson from Didsbury High School participated in the welding event. All four students qualified for the opportunity after competing in regional events in March 2025.
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