Our Roots in Stavely
Since our founding in 1996, the Stavely Education Foundation has been a steadfast pillar of support for our rural community. We began as a small group of volunteers dedicated to ensuring that every student in Stavely had the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our journey has evolved into a trusted charity, managing donations and bequests to fund our annual scholarship program, which began in 2006. We are proud to continue this legacy of community-driven education, supporting the next generation of leaders in our small-town Alberta community.
Meet Our Board
Louise Nelson
Julaine Guitton
Brian E. Nelson
“My four daughters all went through Stavely School, from kindergarten to grade six. They had wonderful experiences and made memories that have stayed with them. We’re lucky as a community to have such a great school — and donations to and from this Foundation help make that possible.”
“I’m proud to serve as principal at Stavely Elementary and to work alongside the Education Foundation to continue supporting Stavely students.”
“My father, Edwin C. Nelson, was one of the founding members of the Stavely Education Foundation. He wanted me to become part of it, to help make sure it carries on for as long as possible.”
Al Rolfe
Joan Walker
Tara Kitchen
“I’ve been involved with the Stavely Education Foundation since its inception. As a teacher in Stavely, I was concerned about funding cuts that hurt small schools like ours. By helping set up the Foundation, I hoped to encourage students to stay at Stavely School and to do more to support them — especially since rural students often face extra costs as they continue their education.”
“I attended elementary and junior high school in Stavely, and I was fortunate to send my three daughters to Stavely School. Being actively involved in the Parent Advisory Association deepened my connection to the school and community, and being part of the Education Foundation lets me continue to be part of our students’ learning journey. I’m proud of our local school and the role it plays in supporting families and building a solid foundation for our students’ futures.”
“I was born and raised in Stavely and was fortunate to attend Stavely Elementary and A.J. Nowicki School from kindergarten through grade nine. My grandmother was a teacher at Stavely Elementary, so education has always been an important part of my family’s history. Being part of the Education Foundation means a lot to me — I’m excited to support students from our small town as they pursue their post‑secondary dreams. If we can give them even a small boost along the way, we’ve helped make those dreams a little more attainable.”
Kelly Hall
Marie Vander Linden
Sheryl Fath
“Over the years, while our children attended Stavely School, we watched enrollment decline — something happening throughout rural Alberta. As a community member, I worked with other concerned citizens in 1995 to begin forming a society to support our school.”
“As a teacher at Stavely School, I quickly fell in love with the community. The support the school receives from groups like the Foundation helps make Stavely School such a special place. Now that I’m retired, I’m excited to continue being involved through the Stavely Education Foundation — it’s so rewarding to help former students further their learning after graduation.”
I have spent most of my life in Stavely and raised my family here. Both my son and daughter attended school in Stavely from Elementary through grade nine, and I've seen firsthand what a wonderful community this is to grow up in. Being part of the Stavely Education Foundation gives me a meaningful way to keep contributing — and there's nothing quite as satisfying as helping former Stavely students take their next steps after graduation.
We'd like to extend our thanks to Rob Vogt and the Claresholm Local Press for their generosity in supplying many of the photos featured on this website.