The Peace River School Division is excited to once more congratulate Clear Hills County on being named the recipient of the Division’s 2023 Friends of Education Award.

Clear Hills County was recognized by the Division at the Zone 1 Alberta School Boards Association meeting, held September 20 at Chateau Nova in Peace River.

“Clear Hills County has been our partner in education for over a decade. Their impact at three of our west-end schools has meant our students have access to CTS programming that wouldn’t otherwise be possible because of enrolment numbers,” said Board Chair Crystal Owens during the awards presentation.

Clear Hills County has provided funding for trades training at Worsley Central School, Menno Simons School and Hines Creek Composite, which has enabled students to learn from aestheticians, participate in cooking and home economics, as well as learn from welders and carpenters.

Another generous donation from Clear Hills County helped improve school resources at Menno Simons School. Menno Simons now has a full-size gymnasium, a commercial kitchen, and a shop for CTS programming.

“We can’t thank them enough for their continued support. The PRSD is grateful to have such an invested partner in education,” said Owens.

Clear Hills County Reeve Amber Bean, who attended the award presentation along with Deputy Reeve David Janzen and Coun. Danae Walmsley, expressed gratitude on behalf of the County council.

“On behalf of Clear Hills County’s current council, I would like to take a moment to give tribute to the previous council that founded this program. It has been a success for many years now and it is because of their vision that we are here today,” she said.

Bean continued by saying that the previous council recognized that not all PRSD students would head down the path towards post-secondary education. 

“Some skillsets must be tried to be realized. A common perception is that college or university is the best choice when mapping out a successful life plan, but that type of education is not necessarily the best choice for many. The previous council, and todays, want to encourage pride in working in the trades as the ability for a diverse, lucrative, advantageous, and noble career is a very real possibility,” she said.

Bean said the County was grateful to each person involved in bringing trades training to schools for their willingness to step in where needed.

“We are fortunate to have past and present educators, administrators, and outside-the-box thinkers man this program. We truly appreciate all the hard work that goes into the planning and execution of this program each year.”