Each of the six high schools in Livingstone Range School Division nominates a Grade 12 student for the Dr. Lloyd Cavers Student Leadership Scholarship. From left: Avery Rippin of F.P. Walshe school in Fort Macleod; Rylen Guitton of Willow Creek Composite in Claresholm; Dr. Lloyd Cavers; Morgan Samuel of Crowsnest Consolidated; Meya Radvack of Matthew Halton school in Pincher Creek; Aliyah MacGarva of Livingstone school in Lundbreck; and Erin Longson of J.T. Foster school in Nanton.
A Fort Macleod Grade 12 student who volunteers at F.P. Walshe school and in the community received a prestigious leadership scholarship last week.
Avery Rippin received the $1,000 Dr. Lloyd Cavers Student Leadership Scholarship during a June 8 awards night.
“Trying to capture everything Avery does is very difficult, but it’s amazing,” principal Greg Freer said.
Freer had a long list of activities in which Avery is involved, both in school and in the community, as a service-oriented, caring young leader.
“She takes care of business,” Freer said.
The scholarship was presented June 8 during the Honouring Student Excellence Awards ceremony at the G.R. Davis Administration Building in Fort Macleod.
The other nominees were Erin Longson of J.T. Foster school in Nanton; Rylen Guitton of Willow Creek Composite in Claresholm; Meya Radvack from Matthew Halton school in Pincher Creek; Aliyah MacGarva from Livingstone school in Lundbreck; and Morgan Samuel from Crowsnest Consolidated.
In addition to the Lloyd Cavers Student Leadership Scholarship, the evening featured presentation of the Alberta School Boards Association Honouring Spirit Indigenous Student Awards, the Enmax Environmental Leadership Scholarship and the Livingstone Macleod Bursary.
“It’s one of our favourite nights of the whole year as trustees,” Livingstone Range School Board chair Brad Toone said. “We get to celebrate student excellence.”
Superintendant Sean Beaton reviewed the nominations in advance of the evening and came away impressed.
“I’m always struck by the commitment and the level of dedication that our students bring to their daily lives when they have so many things going on,” Beaton said.
Now in its 26th year, the Lloyd Cavers Scholarship recognizes an outstanding student learner in Livingstone Range School Division.
Each of the six high schools in Livingstone Range nominates a Grade 12 student for the $1,000 scholarship. The five runners-up each receive a $400 scholarship.
Dr. Cavers said he always marvels at the accomplishments and contributions of the nominees.
“I’m just so impressed with what you do, what you’ve contributed, and what you’re going to contribute,” Dr. Cavers said. “We need you desperately, maybe now more than ever.”
“Your courage, your commitment, your willingness to get things done — I’m just so impressed with all of you.”
When Freer came to F.P. Walshe school three years ago he noticed how involved Avery was in school life.
The Grade 12 student volunteers with the school food drive, helped organize assemblies and dances and is active in school sports.
Avery attended a four-day leadership development experience through the Rotary Club.
Avery, who was nominated for Fort Macleod’s 2025 Junior Citizen of the Year Award, is president of the Fort Macleod Junior Elks, helped with the Elks Club’s 100th anniversary celebration earlier this year, and volunteers with Royal Purple events.
Avery volunteers with the STARS charity volleyball tournament, Midnight Madness, the Fort Macleod Library and more.
“She’s involved in just about everything in town,” Freer said.
Avery is a student leader at F.P. Walshe school and across the division as a member of the Livingstone Leaders student council.
“Avery has very high expectations for herself but she carries it very well, always with a smile on her face,” Freer said. “At the end of the day, she gets it done, and she does it genuinely to help people.”
