Ever meet someone and say… “that guy deserves some recognition”? We’ve got 19 of them here all from various walks of life, because someone in their community felt exactly that way.
From high school athletes to retired mentors, we have wonderful group of simply great guys to introduce you to on these pages.
Albert Einstein said, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”
All of these men here are valued for their contributions, their drive, their compassion — in other words, showing up and showing their value. Be inspired.
-Sherry Shaw-Froggatt, publisher
ABE MAWOYO: Guiding Airdrie Youth to Success
From sneakers to scholarship, Abe Mawoyo has been working for the past 17 years to ensure Airdrie youth get what they need to succeed.
As founder of Off The Grid Youth, Mawoyo started the program using his own money to equip youth with the tools they need to prepare them for gainful employment and personal success.
“I knew that teenagers were getting themselves into trouble and I wanted to see what I could do to get them off the streets and keep them focused,” he says.
“They get to experience things they wouldn’t normally because of finances or other restrictions.”
Through organized events like arts and crafts, fashion shows, sports, art exhibits, and more, local kids ages three to 20 build leadership skills, learn teamwork and create connections.
“Some have bought houses at 21 years old, others have enlisted in the army, some have gone on to work with EMS,” Mawoyo says.
“I want our kids to walk away knowing they are loved and to grow up with the ‘each one, teach one’ mentality. If I can reach one kid, I know that kid is going to change 10 people’s lives for the better.”
Nominator Mo Shaukat says Mawoyo is creating a community where creativity, connection and belonging are central.
“He is shaping environments where young people feel safe to grow, explore, and imagine a future for themselves,” Shaukat says.
Kim Sundset also nominated Mawoyo for his work as a mentor.
“He models what it means to be an active, giving member of the community, and he encourages youth to do the same in ways that feel authentic and achievable for them,” she says.
CHAD MOORE: Nurturing Champions On and Off the Ice
Chad Moore is not just training strong hockey players; he’s shaping the next generation of community-minded leaders.
“I admire Chad because he embodies the true spirit of community, dedication and leadership,” says nominator Ally Kunyi-Taylor. She describes how Moore’s upbringing in Airdrie instilled a sense of responsibility, compassion and commitment to those around him.
Kunyi-Taylor adds that Moore “lives and breathes his community,” pointing to his roles as owner and head development coach of Viper Sports Performance Group (VSPG) and head of hockey operations of the Rocky Mountain Venom hockey academy — both allowing him to empower youth through sport, training and character development.
“Rocky Mountain Venom is a non-profit hockey academy with a focus on elite-level opportunity for young athletes to grow and evolve, both on and off the ice,” Moore says.
He adds that the organization has grown from one team to six across boys’ and girls’ programs for ages seven to 15.
Moore started a new chapter in March 2026 when he was named president of the Airdrie Techmation Junior B Hockey Club.
Describing his time at Venom, Moore says he worked to “cultivate the overall organizational culture from the top down.” VSPG is a development program that is accessible to the public. With VSPG, Moore devoted his expertise to kids across all hockey programs throughout southern Alberta.
This is something Moore aims to do in his new position with Techmation Thunder, which will once again see him focusing on enhancing player development and promoting teamwork and leadership.
“What is most important to me is providing an atmosphere for these young athletes to … become the best version of themselves, both on and off the ice,” Moore says.
“Our vision starts and ends with an overall culture based on purpose, commitment, confidence and team comradery where who we are and who we can be is most important.”
CAPT. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR: Command, Character and the Perfect Cup of Coffee
If you want to know the secret to shaping the next generation of leaders, you might start by asking Capt. Christopher Taylor about his coffee. It must be lukewarm, with a very specific ice cube ratio.
It is a small, quirky detail, but, for those who have served under him in the local Air Cadets program, it is a symbol of the precision and authenticity that define this true leader.
Taylor’s Airdrie story began in December 1997, when a transfer in the freight forwarding industry brought him west from Dorval and Mirabel airports. His legacy in our community started at an Army Cadets recruitment meeting for his son. Noticing a lack of military experience among the staff, Taylor — drawing on his two years in the Infantry Reserves — stepped up.
“I decided to stay and help as a volunteer so I could teach the skills I learned in the army, as well as my outdoors knowledge in survival,” says Taylor.
“I have worked with hundreds, if not thousands, of cadets over the years. Helping them grow to become confident and accountable and knowing they are prepared to handle what lies ahead is a fantastic feeling.”
Nearly 21 years later, Taylor is a fixture of local youth development. After nine years as a scout leader and 13 years with the 3016 Airdrie Army Cadets, he transitioned to the 88 Airdrie Air Cadets squadron, where he currently serves as the supply officer.
For nominator Marie Johnson, Taylor was the reason she stayed in the Air Cadets. She describes him as a mentor whose “guidance was firm, but fair.” Johnson says he shows that “leadership is not just about authority, but also about recognizing and developing potential in others.”
Taylor leads by blending humour with insight and teaching that respect is built by treating others as equals.
DALE RATHGEBER: A ‘Recovering Lawyer’ With a Heart of Gold
Whether he’s teeing off at Woodside Golf Course or rocking out with his band, Law and Disorder, Dale Rathgeber is a familiar face in Airdrie. However, his impact on our community is far more than a great swing or a catchy tune. This self-proclaimed “recovering lawyer” has spent nearly four decades building a lasting charitable legacy.
A former varsity football player, Rathgeber moved from Saskatchewan to Airdrie because “it was a growing and thriving community.” Since 1987, he has been a community-minded leader, serving as a past-president of the Airdrie Rotary Club and providing free legal advice to the Airdrie Festival of Lights.
His most staggering achievement lies with the Airdrie & District Community Foundation. As chair since 2017, Rathgeber shepherded a fund of just $10,000 to one presently worth more than $1.4 million.
“The best part has been watching and nurturing the small original idea of our foundation into a prosperous, meaningful part of Airdrie’s charitable sector,” he says.
“Hearing the stories of how our donations have helped the disadvantaged is very rewarding.”
Community Foundation board members voted unanimously to nominate Rathgeber because of his “unwavering commitment to the community,” says Vice-Chair Kelly Boudreau.
Though he is stepping back as chair after nine years, Rathgeber will remain on the board to oversee investments. Whether he is playing hockey, collecting guitars or raising funds, his passion for sports, music and the community is going strong.
“Giving back ought to be part of any retiree’s life, if they have talents and abilities that can be useful to their community,” he adds.
DARREN STEWART: The Ultimate Team Player
Before the starting whistle blows or the first high five lands, Darren Stewart has already made sure every student feels seen, supported and ready to succeed.
At Nose Creek Elementary, Stewart’s impact reaches far beyond the gym walls.
“Darren truly has a heart of gold, and it shines brightly every single day,” says nominator Carley Toye.
“His kindness is not something he shows only in big moments — it is woven into his daily actions.”
Whether it’s carrying heavy loads, boosting a car, opening stubborn lids or stepping in to teach a class at a moment’s notice, Stewart is consistently the first person to step forward whenever someone needs help.
Stewart has lived in Airdrie for almost 12 years and has served as Nose Creek’s physical education teacher since 2020.He says the most rewarding part of his job is watching a student’s eyes light up when they have a moment of profound understanding or achieve a new physical accomplishment.
“To have some little guy jumping for joy and giving you high fives because they just scored their first basket, it’s pretty easy to see the beauty of my job,” he says.
Stewart recently showed his appreciation for his rewarding work by organizing an additional Terry Fox Run to his school’s annual event for the sibling of two students, who was undergoing cancer treatment out of province. Staff and students recreated the entire event in a powerful show of solidarity.
“I think my biggest goal is simply to be known as a person who acted with kindness, honesty and integrity,” Stewart says.
GARY GIESBRECHT: A Shared Song
Gary Giesbrecht has had several jobs in his time, but the heartbeat of his journey has always been found in the four strings of a fiddle.
Giesbrecht grew up on a cattle and grain farm south of Castor, Alta., in the Horseshoe District of Sullivan Lake and moved to Airdrie in 1980. After studying animal science at Olds College, Giesbrecht built a varied career, working as a meat inspector for the federal government, with an agricultural company, and managing a House of Tools store. Not the retiring type, he began driving a school bus for First Student Calgary in 2010 and drove for ten years in Calgary and the last six in Airdrie.
While most retirees are looking to slow down, Giesbrecht is busy amplifying a community. As the driving force behind two local fiddle clubs, he is preserving a genre and proving that music’s true power lies in room full of people playing together.
As nominator Bill Watson puts it, “Music and sharing his love of music give Gary purpose.”
A founding member of the Prairie Mountain Fiddlers in 1987, Giesbrecht helped grow membership from 25 to 178 and now runs the Airdrie Old-Time Fiddlers, which started in 2020. He is also dabbling in teaching.
“I tell people when they start playing, ‘Don’t play at home alone — play with other people. That’s where you find enjoyment. Music is meant to be shared,’” he says.
Giesbrecht admits that the fiddle can be a tricky instrument to play, adding the most challenging part is getting the timing right.
“It’s okay to make mistakes when learning,” he says.
“I always say, ‘The carpenter who tells you he has never made any mistakes is either lying or he’s never made anything.’”
JARED ATKIN: From Centre Stage to Side Flips
In a world that often rewards the loudest voice in the room, Jared Atkin is proving that the most profound legacies are built through deep connection, consistent care and the courage to be fully yourself.
A lifelong resident of Airdrie, Atkin has spent his 25 years weaving a tapestry of support across the city’s creative and athletic landscapes.
“I spent the majority of my life benefiting from programs like competitive parkour and musical theatre that received a lot of their workforce from volunteer efforts,” says Atkin.
“It is important to me to give back so other young athletes and performers can also benefit from my work.”
Whether he is navigating difficult conversations with intention, curiosity and heart, or ensuring shared spaces are thoughtful and well kept, Atkin’s impact is felt most by those standing right beside him.
His brother and nominator, Brody Atkin, notes that his sibling possesses a rare emotional maturity.
“He listens deeply, reflects often and is constantly thinking about how he can communicate better, support others more effectively, and help people feel seen and valued,” says Brody.
This dedication to others extends into his diverse volunteer work. Atkin performs in community musical theatre shows and serves as a volunteer stunt co-ordinator. Locally, he shares his passion for movement by coaching competitive and recreational parkour for Airdrie Edge Gymnastics.
He also released his first single, “Hands,” in March under the stage name Jester Muse.
“I’d love to be part of creating more of a push to support amateur sport and the arts in Airdrie,” he says.
JAYDEN ZEMURA: From Mystery to Mastery
While most 18 year olds are just beginning to find their footing, Jayden Zemura has already navigated life-altering medical mysteries and commanded local political stages.
In 2022, Jayden faced gruelling health challenges that led to months in the Alberta Children’s Hospital — an ordeal that remains undiagnosed to this day. Yet, rather than letting uncertainty define him, Zemura has emerged as a powerhouse of community leadership.
Nominator Abe Mawoyo calls him the “heir apparent” of his youth organization, Off The Grid Youth.
“He is always ready when I call him up to go volunteer,” Mawoyo says, noting that Zemura has grown into a peacemaker and mentor for new members.
“I am very proud of Jayden because he makes it easy for me to lead the group.”
Zemura’s influence extends well beyond volunteer circles. He hosts the podcast OTG where he interviewed mayoral and municipal candidates, demonstrating a level of confidence and life knowledge that far exceeds his age.
“It’s really easy for you to receive, but the power and pride in giving back without the need to receive something in return is a feeling you can’t recreate,” he says.
“The best part of my role with Off The Grid Youth is giving back to the community that has helped me become the man I am.”
Whether he is raising funds with 100 Men Who Give a Damn or speaking publicly without notes, his dependability is unmatched. As for what the future holds, Zemura says he is “looking to branch out and explore new things” and dedicated to “finding growth and fulfilment in different areas and seeing where life can take me.”
JEREMY WINTERTON: Making a Place for Everyone
“Airdrie isn’t just where I live — it’s where I belong.”
For Jeremy Winterton, these words are the blueprint for a life dedicated to service.
Winterton’s commitment to his community is so ingrained that his nominator, Jack Lumley, points to a simple digital detail as proof: “Jeremy’s heart for Airdrie is evidence by something as simple as his email address, ‘lovinairdrie.’”
Since moving to the city 20 years ago to find a “perfect fit” for his family, Winterton has become an indispensable force behind local philanthropy.
Winterton’s work is driven by a personal mantra: “If you are more fortunate than others, build a longer table, not a taller fence.” This philosophy ensures that, as Airdrie evolves, its residents remain supported and connected.
As a founding member of the 948 Charity Support Association and a key strategist for Airdrie’s 100 Men Who Give a Damn, Winterton’s organizational skills have helped funnel hundreds of thousands of dollars toward Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie, the Airdrie Food Bank, and other organizations. Lumley notes that these massive efforts “don’t happen without the active organizational skills of people like Jeremy.”
So why does Winterton dedicate so much of his time and effort to others?
“It’s one thing to hope you’re making a difference — it’s another to witness the gratitude from the organizations and people who benefit,” he says.
“Those moments make the time, energy and challenges worthwhile, and they’ve given me a strong sense of purpose and belonging.”
By prioritizing communication and community growth, Winterton continues to ensure there is always a seat at the table for everyone in Airdrie.
JIREH QUACH: Track, Trust and Trying Again
From struggling to fit in to carving his way to stardom, Jirah Quach is sprinting toward a future he once only dreamed about.
Nominator Abe Mawoyo calls him a trusted leader with a “never-give-up spirit” in his work with Off The Grid Youth. Quach has lived in Airdrie for ten years and joined Off The Grid Youth almost two years ago.
Giving back quickly became personal for the 16 year old.
“I was given a lot when I needed help and guidance, so I feel like it’s my turn to help people in need,” he says.
Mawoyo is impressed by the effort Quach has put into bettering himself.
“He has become a trusted leader in Off The Grid Youth,” he says.
A dedicated track athlete with Calgary International Track Club, Quach trains in Calgary multiple times a week, often so exhausted after practice he can’t even walk. He credits his parents for supporting him and keeping him on a good path, even when he has “messed up.”
“Abe has also been very supportive and pushed me so I can be a better version of myself,” he adds.
“Receiving recognition for Men We Admire is a lot, I can’t lie … this all feels pretty cool.”
Although too humble to call himself a role model for other youth, Quach does have a message for young people in Airdrie: “If you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”
KARL LOUDER: Creating a Legacy of Care
On any given day in Airdrie, you might find Dr. Karl Louder adjusting a patient’s spine, diagramming a growth strategy or drawing up a play for a varsity basketball team. For Louder, building a healthy community isn’t a slogan — it’s a way of life.
Louder has spent 25 years in Airdrie. In May 2025, he purchased the long-standing Lees Chiropractic clinic and boldly reimagined it as Summit Spine Centre.
“His ambitious vision goes beyond business success; he aims to create a model that makes expert spine care accessible to everyone,” says his nominator, Jessica Williamson.
“He is not just building a business; he is building a legacy of care, accessibility and community engagement.”
Louder says he was drawn to a profession with purpose.
“I wanted a career that bridged the gap between my interests in health and my desire to help others,” he says.
That purpose continues to guide Louder today.
“Back pain can be incredibly frustrating and challenging,” he says. “I enjoy helping others make sense of their problems, providing tools to overcome their challenges and seeing them return to the things they love.”
Beyond the clinic walls, Louder coaches Bert Church Varsity Boys Basketball, previously volunteered with Airdrie Football, and serves with the Airdrie Sport Council.
“We’re better when we work together. I’m just trying to play my small part,” he says.
Supported by his wife, Rebecca, and four kids, he hopes to help Airdrie become “healthier, stronger and more connected.”
LOCHLAN CARRE: Leave it All Out on the Field
For most teenagers, Friday nights mean friends, downtime and video games, but not for Lochlan Carre. While others were unwinding, he was in the gym — lifting, grinding, and chasing a goal: to reshape his body and become stronger than he was the day before.
The work paid off when a friend suggested he try out for football. Though teachers described him as “a quiet guy,” Carre embraced the sport in Grade 10 spring camp, making every practice and “working his tail off,” according to his dad and nominator, Matt Carre.
Lachlan mostly rode the bench that first season, then again with the Airdrie Raiders, but “never complained” and “continued to put the work in to get better,” Matt wrote in his nomination.
Says Lachlan: “The best part of football is the friends you make on the team and the memories that I have with them.”
By his senior year, Lachlan set his sights on being captain and did exactly what coaches asked; he became starting middle linebacker and one of the stars of the team. After a tough final loss, he told his dad he had no regrets because he “left it all out on the field.”
Named defensive MVP, he then built his own highlight reel and contacted coaches across the country before committing to Acadia University in Nova Scotia.
“I’ve dedicated so much time into football, because I want to be the best, and I want to win,” Lachlan adds.
“I would like to recognize my mom and dad. They supported me along this entire journey and were a very big help.”
MATT TURNER: Beyond the Books
Matt Turner’s Grade 5 classroom at École Edwards Elementary School is full of students immersed deep in a digital world, but the lessons they’re learning are entirely human. This year, Turner kept education fun by launching a Minecraft-based learning unit that transformed his classroom into a hub of engaged learning.
“Through collaboration, problem solving and shared discovery, Matt created an environment where every student felt included and invested,” says nominator Alanna Berger. She notes that Turner’s commitment goes well beyond the curriculum, creating experiences that “ignite curiosity, build confidence and foster a genuine love of learning.”
As a soccer coach with Airdrie & District Soccer Association, he’s a steady leader who believes sports are a vehicle for personal growth and belonging.
What truly distinguishes Turner is his ability to build trust in all his roles. He is described as “firm, but fair,” holding students and athletes to high expectations while ensuring they feel consistently valued.
“The best part of my role is seeing the growth and improvement from my students,” he says.
“It is really cool to see who they were when they entered my class, and then what they have learned or achieved after finishing the year with me. I love it when a student says, ‘I got it!’ or a soccer player has a massive grin because they completed a pass or stopped another player with a great tackle.”
By leading with heart and an authentic passion for education, Turner is doing more than just teaching — he’s modelling the skills the next generation needs to thrive while making learning exciting.
MERWAN ELSOGHEIR: Building Airdrie’s Future
Rooted in service, Merwan Elsogheir represents the very best of what Airdrie can be. At his core, Elsogheir is a devoted father whose four children drive everything he does.
“I like to know that the community I’m raising kids in is what I want for my children,” he says.
That belief inspires his deep involvement in shaping Airdrie’s schools and neighbourhoods. As president of the fundraising society for Cooper’s Crossing School, Elsogheir has helped bring grants, new programs and playground enhancements to hundreds of families. He has also contributed countless hours to the Cooper’s Crossing Residents’ Association, building connection and pride throughout the community.
Beyond his neighbourhood, Elsogheir serves as one of two citizen members on the City of Airdrie’s Community Infrastructure and Strategic Growth Standing Committee and sits on the BILD Calgary Region board for Airdrie homebuilders. He is also co-chair of the Education Advisory Committee for the Professional Home Builders Institute.
“He knows that opportunity is never guaranteed and that citizenship is more than residency,” says his nominator and wife, Megan Elsogheir.
“It means participating, contributing and honouring those who sacrificed before him.”
Professionally, Elsogheir is senior manager of construction, warranty and customer care for Genesis Builders Group and Land Development, where he’s worked for 12 years.
“I’m so proud to see the growth I’ve been involved in with Airdrie,” he says.
He adds that volunteerism is a family value: “My wife, Megan, has helped turn me into the man I am … volunteerism and giving back is engrained in our family.”
Truly honoured and humbled by this recognition, Elsogheir continues to serve with one goal — to leave Airdrie better than he found it.
MICHAEL CURTIS: Redefining What it Means to be a Hero
“It’s A Great Day To Be A Hero!®”
This is the narrative Michael Curtis lives and works by. As the self-proclaimed “Chief Hero Creation Officer” at The Response Team for the past 12 years, Curtis has built a career on “creating heroes in other people’s organizations.
“Heroes are people who do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, always for the benefit of others, regardless of the personal consequences to themselves,” says the former paramedic.
The Response Team is an emergency-management and business-continuity consulting company that trains people on what to do before, during, and after an emergency or incident occurs.
“This man truly cares for others,” says nominator Christine Korosec.
“He enjoys helping others and loves people. His energy level is through the roof! His mind is a constant whirlwind of, ‘What can he do to make things better?’”
Curtis says the best part of his role, professionally and as a local volunteer, is hearing stories about community heroes. Not just during emergencies, but by taking small everyday actions that help the members of their community.
“I want to make sure every resident knows they can be a hero by doing the little things,” he says. “It doesn’t have to be grandiose. One small act of kindness can make a world of difference.
“I want to create an environment within the city where individual families understand that, if we take care of our homes and the homes beside us during an emergency, then the city is taken care of.”
CONST. OLUWOLE OBASAN: Behind the Badge
“Behind the badge is a husband, a father and a neighbour who genuinely cares about this city.”
With those words, Const. Oluwole Obasan perfectly captures why so many Airdrie residents see him as a Man We Admire.
“He is a good father, a good man, and a dedicated RCMP officer who truly leads by example,” says nominator Dayna McDonald. She adds that Obasan is someone who “takes the time to listen, support and show up, not because he has to, but because he genuinely cares.”
His reassuring presence has helped build trust between law enforcement and the community.
“He is a great father and husband — selfless and welcoming,” says another nominator, Tofunmi Igbokoyi. “My life has certainly been blessed since knowing him.”
Obasan, who has lived in Airdrie for about six years, is currently in his second year as an RCMP constable. He brought his family here after his daughter was involved in an accident in a school zone on her first day of school in Canada. As a result, safety has become deeply personal for his family, and he says Airdrie was the answer to their search for a city that values both safety and community.
Beyond his work, Obasan volunteers with Volunteer Airdrie and Airdrie Citizens on Patrol.
“Community is not built by policies alone,” he says. “It is built by presence, by service, and by people who are willing to show up consistently.”
Obasan says service is a calling for him.
“My commitment to Airdrie is not transactional. It is personal,” he says. “I believe in showing up consistently, leading with integrity and serving with heart.”
ROB BRIETZKE: Keeping Airdrie’s Rodeo Tradition Alive
Behind every great rodeo is a volunteer whose laughter lights up the arena. For Airdrie Pro Rodeo, that person is Rob Brietzke.
“I admire Rob because he represents the very best of what community leadership and genuine character look like in action,” says nominator Marie Johnson.
Johnson describes Brietzke as “incredibly kind, approachable and genuine;” someone whose humour, warmth and positivity make others feel welcome and valued.
For the former president of the Airdrie Rodeo Ranch Association, it all started in 1995 with parking cars and working in the rodeo arena, a role that grew into leading the Airdrie Pro Rodeo from 2006 to 2010 and staying on as past president to support his successor. Even after receiving his past president buckle on Canada Day 2011, he continued to lend his time and experience.
“Volunteering enriches my life by having the opportunity to meet and greet people while assisting organizations to create events that support our community,” Brietzke says.
Brietzke’s volunteer spirit stretches well beyond the rodeo, from the Nose Creek Swim Association to the Airdrie Festival of Lights, and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association.
The best part of volunteering for him is simple: “Seeing people smiling and enjoying themselves is rewarding and fulfilling.”
For Brietzke, being named one of airdrielife’s Men We Admire is humbling. He adds that he is grateful to every volunteer, supporter and family member who helped make the rodeo — and Airdrie — what it is today.
SID VAN DER MEER: From Trial and Error to Trusted Mentor
Sid Van der Meer turned retirement into a launchpad for Airdrie’s dreamers, mentoring entrepreneurs through trial-and-error wisdom he wishes he’d had.
Born in Calgary and an Airdrie resident since 1978, Van der Meer founded Northwest Equipment Ltd. in 2000, building it into one of Western Canada’s largest suppliers of compressed air equipment before selling in 2014. He now manages NWEL Holdings Ltd.
Nominator Jessica Williamson calls him, “a distinguished pillar of Airdrie’s entrepreneurial community,” praising his role since SMARTstart’s 2014 launch. The City of Airdrie’s SMARTstart is a foundational program pairing entrepreneurs with mentors for real-world skills in finance, staffing and markets.
“In retirement, many slow down, but Sid has done the opposite,” says Williamson. “He’s channelled his entrepreneurial spirit into nurturing the next generation.”
He even sponsors one entrepreneur annually and serves as an AdvanceSMART mentor on its selection committee.
“I learned everything I know … from trial and error,” Van der Meer says.
His community spirit goes far beyond this program and spans decades: coaching high school volleyball, leading youth in local organizations, and developing a local 4-H small engine program.
“So many have given to me on my journey, and this is my opportunity to give back,” he says. “The best part is watching people take some of my advice and put it into practice.”
Humbled by this honour, alongside his 2018 Business Leader Award and other accolades, Van der Meer dreams of an Airdrie entrepreneur centre that would one day “help groom our future entrepreneurs under one roof.”
TOM WILLIAMS: Curtain Calls and Compassion
Tom Williams’ day starts long before the bell rings at Bert Church High School, when he’s leading 7:40-a.m. rehearsals for more than 50 drama students.
“I’m not a morning person, but motivating and energizing high school students requires me to fake it every day until the caffeine kicks in!” jokes the drama teacher.
Williams has called Airdrie home since 2013, when he moved here for a career in safety education and later partnered with another local resident to start a safety business. He is formally trained with a Bachelor of Education, and, after a decade in the safety field, it was time for him to get back into the classroom.
Now in his second year heading the drama department, Williams honours the legacy of beloved drama teacher Kevin Goodyear who passed away in 2024.
“Tom has worked hard to maintain Kevin’s dreams of uplifting the drama community and showing students that the stage is a welcoming and wonderful place,” says his nominator, who chose to remain anonymous.
Williams says the best part of his role is seeing the positive impact that participation in a welcoming, inclusive, creative community can have on youth.
“Drama helps prepare students for post-graduation life by teaching so many critical skills, such as collaboration, reliability, working under deadlines and being creative, but, most importantly, drama teaches empathy,” says Williams.
“Actors must become another person, which means thinking differently and seeing the world from another’s perspective.”
He is humbled by the Men We Admire recognition and hopes it shines a light on “the real heroes: my talented and dedicated students, my incredible colleagues at Bert Church High School, and the arts community in Airdrie.”
