Jodie Guenther has built her life around teaching, mentoring and inspiring others. She is a Grade 1 teacher at Northcott Prairie School, a skating coach with the Calgary Synchronized
Skating Club and sits on the board of the Airdrie Children’s Festival.
Whether she’s guiding her students through their first chapter books or coaching her skating teams to national-level success, Guenther leads with compassion, patience and purpose.
“Jodie has endless things she does for her community,” says nominator Tammy Acker. “She dedicates countless hours to improving the lives of others and truly makes a lasting impact.”
At Northcott Prairie, Guenther has poured her heart into building a sense of belonging. As vice-chair of the school’s parent council, she’s helped organize major initiatives such as the school’s grand opening, an annual read-a-thon that has raised more than $50,000, and the Grade 8 scholarship program. Beyond the classroom, she serves on the Airdrie Children’s Festival board, helping bring joy and learning to thousands of local families.
“For me, giving back is about making our community a better place,” Guenther says. “I want to set a positive example for my students and my own children.”
Through her mentorship, Guenther continues to inspire the next generation to be “kind, caring and compassionate members of society.”
The AAWAs are celebrating their Sweet 16 in 2026. What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Be kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. You don’t have to carry everything alone; asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength.