MHADRTA 2022 Volunteer of the Year

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     The 2022 MHADRTA Volunteer of the Year was honoured at our September meeting. We extend our congratulations to Lori Karwandy who was nominated by two fellow MHADRTA members—Bonnie Spruyt and Laurel Schlaht. Lori has been a member of MHADRTA since 2018 following her retirement after a career of more than thirty years in the classroom.

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     Lori started as a teacher intern at George Davison School in 1985. She was hired full time the following year and remained at the school until her retirement in 2018. Lori was the French lead teacher for her school district and became the French facilitator for Medicine Hat College, Prairie Rose School Division, Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education and Medicine Hat Public School District 76. Mme. Karwandy taught Grades 4-6 throughout her career (most subjects) depending on her French teaching schedule.

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     Her nominators—Bonnie and Laurel—spoke of Lori’s willingness to volunteer in a variety of activities. However, Lori was not only a volunteer, but she often became the leader of the group for which she volunteered. She followed this up by encouraging and inviting others to join these groups.

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     Lori is an active golfer and during the golf season can be found on the golf course where she not only plays but organizes different groups who meet weekly to golf. When asked (besides golf) about her hobbies, Lori replied in the following manner: “I play chess, pickleball, ping-pong and attend aquasize classes. I love to read and because I love to share with friends, I started a book club called the Outlenders. We bring our favourite memorable books we’ve recently read and share them with each other. In 2008, I started a French conversation group that is still going strong today. I am part of a French literary group who read a French novel every couple of months and get together for a discussion.”

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     Lori is secretary of her church women’s group, and volunteers for many activities with them.

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     Lori continues to keep in touch with her fellow retirees at George Davison School. She invites them, along with other friends who join them, to meet for weekly coffee and monthly supper dates.

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     As you can see, Lori is a very active person who loves to volunteer. We are blessed to have Lori on our MHADRTA branch executive as 2nd Vice President.

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     Lori enjoys walking and has a dog that holds her accountable for that every day! She concluded her email to me in which I asked about her hobbies with the following: “My Dad, who is 92, is not a hobby, but he certainly keeps me hopping, too!”

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                                                                            Mel Deydey

                                                                            President, MHADRTA