Community
Grade 3 teacher at Barrie Wilson Elementary nominated by Red Deer Public Schools for Provincial Honour
Grade 3 teacher Randi Cummerford with student at Ecole Barrie Wilson Elementary
From Red Deer Public Schools
Edwin Parr nominee is following the footsteps of her biggest inspirations!
It is often said that teachers have one of the greatest influences on a child’s life.
Randi Cummerford’s passion to pursue a career in education was inspired by the teachers in her life. A Grade 3 teacher at Barrie Wilson Elementary, she is Red Deer Public’s nominee for the prestigious Edwin Parr Teacher Award this year.
Each year the Alberta School Boards Association honours six outstanding first-year teachers with the Edwin Parr Teacher Award. School boards may nominate any first-year K to 12 teacher who has taught in an Alberta school jurisdiction which is a member of the ASBA.
“It’s common for teachers to come from a teaching family, but I don’t. The people who inspired me were teachers in my life, so that is what brought me to the teaching profession. With the great group of kids that I have, it feels like this is where I need to be,” she said. “It’s also awesome to be able to work in Red Deer. I feel very, very lucky to be able to stay here in the community that I grew up in.”
Students in Cummerford’s class were excited to hear the news of her nomination and describe her as sweet, kind and helpful.
“It’s rewarding to see the growth from the students. This is because of the community that we have in the classroom and in our school – our students work with a growth mindset and they are there to help each other. They are growing as a collective, because they are all helping one another and that is what it is all about – to help each other be successful, to push each other and to make mistakes and learn from them.”
Cummerford said there are many aspects about her job that she loves, but there is one that stands out.
“It’s developing those relationships with the kids. They are excited to see me on Monday morning and tell me about their weekend, and I love hearing the things that they do and the awesome work they are doing in the community as well.”
She added she is grateful to be part of a supportive team at Barrie Wilson.
“It’s because of the team at the school – that is how I got to where I am. I feel like it is because of the awesome people in this building that I have made it this far in the nomination.”
Principal Chris Good, who nominated Cummerford, said she is a fantastic addition to the school.
“Randi is a quiet teacher, but she has a big impact not only in her class, but in the school as well,” he said. “She has a challenging classroom, but she works hard to ensure she meets the needs of all kids. She does a lot of innovative things in her classroom and she pushes the boundaries of learning and making sure all the kids are engaged all the time.”
“It was exciting to see the enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated by the group of nominees. It is evident that they are highly focused on finding engaging ways to ensure all students are learning,” said Nicola Golby, Associate Superintendent of Learning Services with Red Deer Public Schools.
L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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