Awesome Airdrie Kids

ABIGAIL LOWE, 13

NOMINATOR: CHRIS BOWERS, FORMER HOMEROOM TEACHER AT CW PERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL I’ve been an educator for nearly 20 years, and I’ve rare< ly had the pleasure of encountering an individual like Abigail. She embodies a rare mixture of qualities and characteristics that allow her to excel academically while inspiring her peers via leadership, support, and empathy.

Academically speaking, Abigail is an exemplary student. She pours her heart into her work and is dedicated to achieving her potential in every regard.

Abigail is caring and compassionate. She is always concerned about others and takes a genuine interest in nurturing relationships. She is also conscientious with a good sense of humour.

She is a vital member of the leadership program here at the school and helps to plan leadership events. In addition, she helped organize the Christmas food drive and played an important role in the school’s drama production and local Pride Parade.

Taken collectively, Abigail epitomizes the qualities of an awesome Airdrie kid. She is kind, determined, dedicated, and above all, she cares about her community.

What is something about yourself that people don’t know that you would like them to know?

Something not many people know about me is that I have Metis heritage. When I was around eight or nine, I would go out to Control with my grandpa, we would collect arrow heads, scrapers, and spear heads as well as lots of other minerals, out on the prairie.

AWESOME KIDS

As the new Editor of airdrielife, this was my first Awesome Airdrie Kids experience - and what an awesome experience it was!

It’s not every day you get to meet future astronauts, robotics engineers, ballerinas, actors and country music stars. But I did, October 12 at our Awesome Airdrie Kids photo shoot at Kristy Reimer Photography.

As much as I enjoyed meeting all the kids, ranging in age from seven to 13, it was pure joy to read their nomination submissions. Truly, these are awesome kids, each for their own unique reasons. As a parent, I know how it feels when someone says something nice about your child. To be nominated for something like this … I think the parents I met were at least as excited as the kids.

My favourite part of the Awesome Airdrie Kids program is reading the kids’ replies to the questions I send them. These are in the kids’ own words and there are some really inspiring and well-thought-out responses. Of course, we’re planning a family-friendly celebration for the kids early in the New Year.

Thank you to our sponsors Pureform Kids, Volunteer Airdrie and Graphnix, for helping us make it all happen for these very deserving and truly Awesome Airdrie Kids. As is our custom, each child gets to choose a charity to have $50 donated in their name as part of the Vitreous Glass Pay-It-Forward program.

Jim Zang, Managing Editor

ANNA KELSBERG, 10 NOMINATOR: MITCHELL GEORGE, UNCLE Anna is an incredible artist, and community member. She spends much of her time sup < porting the Knuckle Heads Kids boxing program teaching other kids how to box and helps keep the gym a safe and supportive place. When she’s not at the gym, she’s helping write and act in a children’s television show on Telus Optik TV. With incredibly positive feedback from the producers, it’s awesome to see her amazing personality and hard work pay off. Anna wants to represent her community, and she works so hard to make content and programs for the other kids in Airdrie. When asked if she wanted to volunteer for AirdrieFest, she was so excited to be part of it and help out. She works tirelessly and is an amazing leader at school and in her community.

If you had to choose a career right now, what would you be and why?

I would pick the career of acting because I feel like it brings out new sides of me and new experiences and I get to feel and be different people and meet new people through acting and directing. Also, it is something I really enjoy. I’ve started acting with my uncle on a TV show called The Film Labs and I’ve done a lot of short films with him too!

ASHLYN BOSTICK, 14

NOMINATOR: JESSICA ANDERSON, CLIENT Ashlyn is a lovely young lady who started a pet walking/sitting business a few years ago. We have had Ashlyn walk our two small dogs for the last few years throughout the year and during the summer. She has become like part of our family. She not only cares about our two dogs but our two small daughters too.

Ashlyn has always been punctual, responsible, very kind and hard working! She exemplifies what it means to be an awesome kid in the community. She takes pride in her business and it’s so inspiring to see in a young person.

Our entire family loves Ashlyn and she is most deserving of this award!

What is something about yourself that people don’t know that you would like them to know?

I volunteer at Cobbs Adventure Park, which is an animal rescue park that has kangaroos, wallabies, emus, alpacas, and lots more! When I volunteer, I usually work with the kangaroos and wallabies, doing cleaning and answering questions from visitors. I have dreamed of owning a farm because I love animals so much.

AVA HOLLOWAY, 7 NOMINATOR: STEPHANIE HAWRLYUK, FAMILY FRIEND Little miss Ava has been through a lot in her seven years of life. < At the age of two, her parents separated and six months later her mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. She has seen her mom go through more than a child should, but she hasn’t let that get her down. She continues to thank God everyday and always put Him in the centre of her life. Anywhere she goes, Ava makes a new friend and I always hear her ask “Do you believe in Jesus?” She truly is a little angel and she has helped her mother grow and heal in more ways than I can explain. She is such a social butterfly, always wants to give to strangers and friends and always seems to have kids and grown ups flock towards her bright energy. She won the kindness award at dance class last year because she is always giving and making sure others feels safe and that they have a friend.

Who is awesome in your life and why?

God, because he created this world and Mommy because she is my favourite.

AYSON BAHRIS, 9

NOMINATOR: ANOOSHEH MIRZAAGHA, TEACHER AT WINDSONG HEIGHTS SCHOOL Ayson is a kind-hearted and compassionate person. He is always helping out in the classroom and helps his friends and peers when needed. He goes out of his way to make sure he is including others.

We had a new student join our class in May of 2022 and they were not only new to our school but new to Canada and spoke little English. Ayson showed the student around and included that student in everything. He made sure to play with them, include them in his play with others, and include them in partner and group activities both in and out of the classroom. Ayson communicated with the student as best he could and made sure the student was welcomed and felt included.

Ayson is a pretty awesome kid!

What is something about yourself that people don’t know that you would like them to know?

Not many people know that I play guitar and play soccer. These are my favourite things to do. I really love my family and my dog. I have a little sister that I really love playing with. Because of her, I decided to be a grade 4 SUPERvisor at my school.

CALE ROBERTS, 9 NOMINATOR: MAGGIE DAY, TEACHER AT HERONS CROSSING SCHOOL I am truly grateful to have had Cale Roberts in my classroom. < In Science, I assigned Cale as the Project Manager of a student project called The Global Monster Project and was in awe of his critical thinking skills, and how he interacted with the group. The students were always appreciative of his final decisions because he is so kind and has natural leadership skills. He loves to tell a good joke, Imagine Dragons is his favorite band, he’s a black diamond skier, and participates in parkour. He also joined baseball and was so excited to play. My main reason for nominating Cale is because he is such a positive role model. At such a young age, he holds such a mature awareness within, and he knows that everyone has their own journey in life.

What did you learn from being project manager of the Global Monster Project?

Trying to get a bunch of grade threes to listen to you is very tricky. I would look through the pile of materials and figure out what to use. I thought of jobs that people in the group would need to have and helped them choose which job to take. I learned that as a project manager it is important to assign jobs to everyone so that everyone knows what they need to do.

CALEB TURPIE, 13

NOMINATOR: LUCAS GEORGE, COACH I met Caleb when he registered in our Knuckle Head Kids program. He showed a lot of interest and leadership with our younger athletes. Because we offer free training for kids coming from low-income families, the classes can be busy and he finds enjoyment organizing and creating his own classes.

He approached me to ask if he could be a Junior Coach and learn how to be a boxing coach. Ever since then he has been the assistant coach with our youth coach developing his very own drills, workouts, games and programs. They have all been reviewed by a certified NCCP certified coach and accepted. He shows the leadership skills of and adult at such a young age ... he is impressive.

Who is awesome in your life and why?

Muhammad Ali is an awesome person I look up to because he always tried and tried until he couldn’t fight any more. He always fought to make it through the rough parts of life and was a hero all throughout his beginning years. When he found out he had Parkinson’s disease, he fought one last time and lost but still put up a good fight.

CLAIRE HATCH, 12

NOMINATOR: BRIAN JACKSON, FORMER HOMEROOM TEACHER AT CW PERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL Claire works very hard and puts her best efforts into every task given to her. When she was done her work, she worked with other students around the room, helping them finish their work. On her breaks, she helped some of our students with special needs with whatever they need.

After school, Claire is very busy with her sports activities. During the winter, she plays competitive ringette. In the spring and summer, she plays baseball. Her training and games often cross-over, as she also attends camps to improve her skills.

What is most awesome about Claire is that she is a role model for all around her. She is kind, respectful, polite, hard-working, and dedicated to being the best that she can be, while helping those around her.

If you had to choose a career right now, what would you be and why?

This is an easy question for me, I would be an astronaut. I have always had an interest in space, but grade 6 sparked something inside me that said that’s what I want. And when I want something, I will work for it until I have it. I want to be an astronaut because of space. I have seen so many pictures of space and they are all breathtaking. I want to see that with my own eyes. One day I will. CHET MURLEY, 11 NOMINATOR: MARIE FORMAN, COMMUNITY MEMBER Chet is a tremendous kid! He volunteers his time as a Juvenile Diabetes Research < Foundation ambassador, helping to inspire and encourage other kids with Type 1 Diabetes. He has done public speaking events to talk about living with diabetes as well. This past summer, he worked with his hockey organization, Airdrie Stars, to volunteer as an extra helper on the ice with a younger group of kids. He has such a positive outlook on life and wants to continue to work with younger kids than him and show them that diabetes does not hold you back.

What is your message to young kids living with diabetes?

To keep going for their goals and to always listen to their bodies to keep your blood sugar in range. Don’t let your diabetes be an obstacle.

DECLIN FRAZER, 10 NOMINATOR: JODI OSBORNE, GRANDMOTHER My Grandson Declin is one of the kindest, most kindred spirits out there. You don’t meet < too many 10-year-olds who, when they introduce themselves, shake your hand, and can hold a conversation. When Declin isn’t busy trying to achieve being a professional lacrosse player, he is a helper to his working parents, taking care of his two younger brothers. He has more responsibility than most 10-year-olds, getting them off to school and making sure they are on the bus. He thrives with it though. His kind heart, his humour, his determination, compassion, and maturity make Declin a pretty amazing kid.

What do you think sports can teach us about life?

Well, it can teach you multiple things. What I think it can teach you is teamwork and competitiveness. It teaches us how to be a decent person and not cheat in life. If you get caught cheating, you’ll have to start over.

EASTON LANGENAU, 11

NOMINATOR: LIA LOUSIER, FAMILY FRIEND Easton has faced adversity on many levels (especially for a child), the biggest of which was the murder of his big brother (and hero) Kalix. He has shown fortitude for fighting through grief and striving to honour his brother’s memory. Easton has become an inspiring supporter of the legacy that has been formed in Kalix’s name. He has volunteered to sit at events and promote the legacy. Easton, himself, raised $803.20 for the legacy during a lemonade sale he held.

This family also has close ties to the Alberta Children’s Hospital as both Easton (as a baby), and his sister Peyton (as a toddler), needed their life-saving efforts. Both kids would have had not survived if not for the amazing teams at ACH and Stollery Children’s Hospitals. For every year since then the family has helped with fundraising events for the hospital. This year, Easton was serving blizzards for DQ Miracle Treat Day. He’s always one of the first to jump up to help whenever or wherever it is needed. I cannot think of a more deserving child for this honour.

What can you tell us about your brother’s legacy program?

It is called the Kalix Legacy Foundation. Kalix wanted to provide equipment to kids if they couldn’t afford it. He also wanted to provide money to help kids play sports. The legacy helps out kids in need.

ELLA BIGORAJ, 13

NOMINATOR: LAUREN HAUSZNER, TEACHER NORTHCOTT PRAIRIE SCHOOL Last school year, I had the pleasure of being Ella’s homeroom, English and Social Studies teacher. Ella is a strong leader, < communicator, and advocate for herself. She leads by example and always strives to put her best foot forward, both outside and inside the classroom.

Ella earned our Bison Head Award for maintaining a strong growth mindset all year long. Ella explores opportunities for personal growth in her learning and community environments. Ella is driven to achieve her goals and has developed habits that contribute to her well-being and overall success. This is explicitly demonstrated in her various athletic ventures, including track and field and ringette. Ella plays ringette at a very high level and even played in Europe this summer.

She has a kind heart and has an easygoing and cheerful personality. Throughout the school year, Ella collaborated with a variety of people on numerous projects and events. She is always an active member of the group, welcomes others, and ensures her part of the work is done to the best of her abilities.

What did winning the Bison Head Award mean to you?

Winning the Bison Head Award gave me confidence to be a better student and to continue to ask questions if I don’t understand.

HAYLEY ISABEL SKAUGE, 11

NOMINATOR: EDEN REGIER, MUSIC TEACHER Hayley is a singer, song writer, plays guitar, piano and ukulele. She is passionate about music and incredibly focused and dedicated to it. So far, she has written four original songs and recently demo recorded her first. She preforms usually once a week at an open mics, played some big markets in Bridgeland and Inglewood in Calgary and Airdrie’s Homestead Market. She played at the Thumbs Up Foundation music festival this past summer and just booked a three-hour solo show at Brewsters in Airdrie in November.

Her incredible natural musical talent aside it’s her work ethic, determination, confidence and drive to keep improving that is most inspiring.

To watch a video of Hayley singing one of her original compositions, Camouflage, visit https://youtu.be/W2dM9Kin2UI

Where do the ideas come from for the songs you write?

Some come from personal experience and others I find fun to just use my imagination. I find songs written by personal experience are easier to write, since I have so much emotion and feelings about the story. Often times, I don’t just sit down and write a song, something will usually happen to me that causes emotions that I let out in a song.

JAXON LOWTHER, 13 NOMINATOR: SHERRIE ENNES, FORMER TEACHER AT CW PERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL < Jaxon Lowther is so deserving of the Awesome Kids Award. He approaches everything in life with extreme determination and perseverance. He willingly accepts any challenge that is put before him whether it is in sports or academics. He is an avid mathematician and is using these skills to aid in one of his many entrepreneurial endeavours. Jaxon’s competitive nature shines in his favourite sports- hockey and soccer. He was chosen to play in Hockey Alberta’s 2022 Prospects Cup. Despite being the smallest player on the team, he made up for it with his team spirit and perseverance. He not only an amazing athlete, but he excels in school, achieving the honour roll regularly. Jaxon is very creative and will be very successful in whatever he does.

JONAH MUSWIZU, 8

NOMINATOR: DANIELLE FANDRICK, TEACHER AT HELOISE LORIMER SCHOOL Jonah exemplifies all of the required quality traits to be a successful nomination for the Airdrie Awesome kids award. Since the first day of school, Jonah has been a positive light in our classroom.

He is helpful, funny, and a hard worker with his academics. He is a great listener and is hoping to be a rapper one day. In fact, he told me he is writing his own song to share with me for the end of the year. I am hoping that Jonah can represent the Airdrie Awesome Kids award as he is more than deserving of it.

If you had to choose a career right now, what would you be and why?

A teacher because I like hanging around and helping kids! You can have multiple jobs ... I would also like to be a police officer, and a veterinarian. They all help people and animals.

What do you like more, math or hockey, and why?

That’s a tough question but I think I’d have to say hockey because I get to move around and practice my skills and see my teammates.

MICAH BUCKENHAM, 10 NOMINATOR: JAMES & THE SENSEIS FROM CODENINJAS Micah is a super sweet kid that is enthusiastic about technology and helping people. < He always brightens up the Dojo and is great at helping fellow ninjas when they are having trouble. Some things we see of Micah is his willingness to help out others, during the winter he regularly offers to help shovel not only his sidewalk but also his neighbours’. He is continually looking for ways to help out his younger siblings and friends along with other ninjas. Micah engages in conversations with others (friends, neighbours, adults and kids alike) he takes an interest in how others are and is very attentive to others needs. He is constantly looking for ways to build technology that helps people. One of the things he is working on is a robot prototype to help rescue people from disasters.

How can you translate lessons you learn at Code Ninjas to everyday life?

Code Ninjas has taught me to look back on previous work when I’m having trouble with something. After I built MAX, my robot, at home it gave me lots of ideas andI can look back at how MAX was built to help future robot builds. I also learned how to use my time wisely that helps me both at school and at home.

MILLIE WOOD, 8

NOMINATOR: DANIELLE FANDRICK, GRADE 3 TEACHER AT HELOISE LORIMER SCHOOL I believe that Millie exemplifies all of the character traits that the Airdrie Awesome Kids award. Since day one, Millie has been determined and diligent at completing her work on a timely manner.

She is a perfectionist and even though she is only in grade 3, it is evident that she holds herself to a high standard academically and socially with her peers. She is helpful towards her peers; if she finishes the assignment quicker than others she uses the extra time to help her classmates complete the assigned work. She is positive and shines a light in our grade 3 class!

She is a role model for others and I believe that she would be an amazing nominee for the Airdrie Awesome Kids award. NOMINATOR: CHERYL PALENCHUK, FORMER GRADE 1 TEACHER Millie is an amazing kid with a big heart. She is a quiet leader, always willing to help others. Millie continued to come back to her first-grade classroom weekly to say “Hi” and help me, her former teacher, and my new students. She is a wonderful role model who sparkles with grace and kindness.

RETA SAADA, 7

NOMINATOR: THERESA KENNEDY, FORMER GRADE 2 TEACHER AT SAINT VERONICA SCHOOL Reta truly changes the environment in the classroom and school. She is a kind student who helps others feel welcomed, cared for, and loved. She is a compassionate student who models this characteristic to her fellow classmates with her actions, and as a result other students are more open to understanding. Reta is always staying positive and the other students see this and this has a tremendous positive impact on her fellow classmates.

Reta keeps herself busy, as she is a ballet dancer and she loves to sing. She is a studious young lady. Reta goes above and beyond her expectations as a student. She is always doing extra homework, reading about current events and already thinking about what she wants to be when she grows up: a teacher! Reta attends church every Sunday with her family and loves to share bible stories with the class. She truly portrays faith, compassion and courage in all who meet her! Reta is super kid!

What do you like about ballet dancing?

I feel so happy, special and proud when I am dancing ballet! NEEL MADHAVAN, 12 NOMINATOR: STEPHANIE WILSON, FORMER GRADE 6 TEACHER AT CW PERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL < Neel is an exceptionally hard-working young man who’s work is insightful and thoughtful. He is kind to his peers and is an excellent role model not just in our class but in our school. He is very community minded - his submission for the Mayor For A Day contest (on installing tactile pavement for the visually impaired) was one of the top three finalists chosen for this year, and the Councillors were blown away by his confidence and the thoroughness of the presentation that he gave and animated himself. He also entered the Bus Safety Week poster contest and was chosen as a finalist for that. I’ve been teaching middle school in Airdrie for 10 years and Neel is the first student that I’ve nominated for a city-wide award. That speaks volumes to the fact that he has worked hard to stand out amongst the truly wonderful students that I’ve encountered in my career. Editor’s note: In fact, Neel ended up winning the Mayor For A Day after nominations were submitted.

What is something about yourself that people don’t know that you would like them to know?

I am passionate about simple things, like sketching, drawing, painting and even digital art. I also have a YouTube channel where I create and post animations for mythological stories that my brother narrates! It is called ‘Animyth Tales’. I am a brown II belt in karate, have an affinity for music and play piano and euphonium. I am very passionate about climate change!

RHYS MITCHELL, 11 NOMINATOR: JUDY WALKER, FAMILY FRIEND Rhys Mitchell is an exemplary young man. He marches to his own drum and in < doing so, he continually demonstrates such kindness, compassion and shows his peers what thoughtfulness and kindness looks like. Rhys has two elderly great grandparents (96 and 97) and one has dementia. When he sees them, he greets them with such love and kindness and speaks to his grandmother as if she understands all he tells her. At school he seeks out and supports any child who seems left out, is bullied or is new to the country. His kindness and attentiveness is noted by his peers and his teachers. He is diligent in his studies. He plays on the Airdrie Storm football team where he always tries his best and supports not only his teammates but shows such great sportsmanship. Rhys greets all he knows and new acquaintances with politeness and warmth. All in all, Rhys is a wonderful boy who deserves every recognition for all the positive qualities he has and demonstrates. He is a wonderful child.

What is something about yourself that people don’t know that you would like them to know?

I love puppets and puppetry! I collect puppets and one day I would love to learn more about the performing art from a professional puppeteer.

RIVER GRAHAM, 9

NOMINATOR: LANDON JACKSON, FORMER TEACHER AT HERONS CROSSING SCHOOL River is a kind, caring, and compassionate person. She has taken students under her wing from all walks of life, making connections with each one of them.

In the classroom she took on a leadership role by asking to start a How To Train Your Brain Club. She ran the club on her own and planned the activities for students to participate in. All the students who participated in the club really enjoyed coming every Friday. River did an amazing job facilitating the club, and it was awesome to see her take on a leadership role in the school community.

River shows determination in the classroom. If she was unsure of a topic we were learning, she would reach out for help and support. She shows resiliency by not giving up and is always determined to figure it out.

River is such an awesome kid, who is always kind, caring, and compassionate. She has shown leadership within the school community, and compassion towards her fellow classmates. She fills the buckets of many adults within the building, and I cannot think of a more awesome kid!

If you had to choose a career right now, what would you be and why? A horseback rider because horses are awesome, and an actor because I think it’s fun.

XANDER MILLS, 12 NOMINATORS: VERONICA WILSON AND MELISSA WALKER, FORMER TEACHERS AT ST. VERONICA SCHOOL

We’d like to nominate Xander for an Awesome Airdrie Kid. We were so fortunate to have him in our Grade 6 class last year, as he demonstrated many virtues of a leader and a kind-hearted student.

Xander always puts in his best effort and always has a positive and optimistic attitude. Xander always wants to do his best. Any opportunity he has, Xander always helps others in need.

Xander is consistently friendly with all classmates and shows determination to help his peers. He is always willing to lend a helping hand to his teachers - volunteering to help them around the class. Xander is the best big brother, he is always encouraging and checks on his brother throughout the school day. Anytime you see Xander in the community, he has a smile on his face. His friendly nature is contagious, and he has many friends that enjoy spending time with him.

Overall, Xander exemplifies determination, patience, empathy, perseverance, kindness, and leadership in all aspects of his life.

If you had to choose a career right now, what would you be and why?

A mental health therapist because I have a brother that has autism and I always want to help him if he is having a bad day. I want people to feel safe and that they can come to me to talk to without being judged. life