February is a time for award recognition for Calgary Academy’s outstanding staff and students. The Exemplary Practice and Student Showcase awards help highlight exceptional members of the CA community.
These awards recognize the contributions of staff and students who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and innovation, ultimately supporting our school.
This year’s February awards feature four winners:
- Ms. Karla Powell
- Soren O., Alex M., and Evan S.
Karla Powell
Ms. Karla Powell is the recipient of the Board’s Exemplary Practice Award for February 2025. Her colleagues describe her as an exceptional teacher and leader who can bring people together through innovative practice and inclusivity.
Ms. Powell joined the CA teaching community in 2022. She graduated from the University of Lethbridge and earned a Master of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Calgary. Teaching Grade 5, Ms. Powell exemplifies the REACH principles in all ways. She is deeply committed to building community, inspiring pride, and creating meaningful opportunities for connection (both in and outside the classroom).
A recent standout project led by Ms. Powell showcases this. The Wetlands Puppet showcase explored ecological systems while developing communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills, culminating in a puppet show performance for parents and stakeholders.
Ms. Powell’s practice is rooted in inclusion, and she is a lifelong learner whose positive impact on CA is apparent daily.
Congratulations, Ms. Powell!
Soren O., Alex M., and Evan S.
The recipients of the Board’s Student Showcase Award for February 2025 are Calgary Academy’s three full-time dual credit students: Soren O., Alex M., and Evan S. Their dedication to their trades—welding and carpentry—is not only setting them up for future success but also highlights their commitment to personal growth and skill development.
Dual credit allows high school students to take college-level courses, earning both high school and post-secondary credits simultaneously. All three students are completing a pre-employment certificate: Alex and Soren are in carpentry, and Evan is in welding.
These three students start their school day at 8:30 a.m. at the SAIT campus, where they complete three hours of class for their designated trades. This includes coursework in theory and hands-on learning.
They return to Calgary Academy for the afternoon to complete the high school courses they need to graduate. The level of commitment this requires from all three students is admirable and is a testament to their passion and enthusiasm for their chosen fields.
Evan has mentioned his interest in skilled trades since his first career and academic planning meeting in Grade 10 and advocated for the pre-employment welding program last year.
Alex and Soren are completing the Pre-Employment Carpentry Certificate, which is equally impressive. The skills they are learning—from blueprint reading, sketching, and drawing to working with hand, stationary, and portable tools—will provide them with a strong foundation for their careers in the skilled trades.
Earning these certificates before graduation is an incredible achievement for all three students. It demonstrates their technical abilities, discipline, time management, and dedication to preparing for their future careers.
Congratulations, Soren, Alex, and Evan!