Retired Didsbury band teacher received royal honour for educational impact
Kirk Wassmer has received a King Charles III Coronation Medal. Wassmer was the band teacher at Didsbury High School for 23 years and retired in June 2024. Member of Parliament Earl Dreeshen nominated Wassmer for the award, in the education category, and presented it to Wassmer a few weeks ago.
Dreeshen wrote, “This medal is in recognition of your innovation and dedication to student success in band and in life. You effectively communicate the skill and insight you have gained through your 35-year career as an educator to inspire and engage our youth to excel in their endeavors.”
“Your encouragement and relationship skills inspire and instill a sense of belonging and a love for music. The enrollment of approximately 50 percent of your community high school population in your band classes is testament to your success as an exceptional educator and is highly commendable,” says Dreeshen.
“Congratulations to Kirk. This is a well deserved honour and we are thrilled that he has been recognized for his valuable contributions,” says Kurt Sacher, Superintendent, Chinook’s Edge School Division.
Sacher says,“Kirk made a tremendous difference for students in his school, and for band teachers across our division, during his lengthy and impactful time in Chinook’s Edge. He shared his incredible passion for students and music everywhere he went. The music he brought forward added tremendous value to the positive culture of Didsbury High School and to the Didsbury community as a whole. I will always remember him as one of the most exemplary teachers I have ever met.”
In his last year of teaching, Wassmer received a Prime Minister’s Award of Teaching Excellence, the Chinook’s Edge Roy E. Cope Award for a significant contribution to the educational welfare of students, and the I. Keith Mann / NAC Orchestra Outstanding Band Director Award.
When Wassmer found out he had received a King Charles III Coronation Medal, he was surprised. He says, “At first I thought there must be some kind of mistake, but once I realized it was for real, I was tremendously honoured to be recognized with this award. I didn’t get into public education for the accolades, but it is really something special when that happens.”
Wassmer says, “I’m very thankful that I have been able to spend my career sharing something that means so much to me. As I’ve shared music with students, it has become something they feel a connection with and that is gratifying. That we have been able to have such success with it over the years makes it even more special.”