Two students from Chestermere Lake Middle School are among 18 Rocky View Schools students nominated for the 2026 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award. Sawyer M. and Louis W. were recognized at the September 10, 2026 Board of Trustees meeting in Rocky View Schools, alongside Bow Valley High School student Jannessa Pantherbone-Parsons, who was one of just 12 provincial award recipients.
The Honouring Spirit Award, presented by the Alberta School Boards Association, celebrates First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who show leadership, perseverance and cultural pride. Jannessa, now beginning Grade 12 at Bow Valley High School in Cochrane, received a handcrafted Star Blanket, a certificate and a $2,500 scholarship sponsored by Keyera at a ceremony on April 20, 2026 in Edmonton.
“Proud of her Blackfoot identity, she promotes cultural understanding with grace, kindness and leadership,” reads Jannessa’s award profile. She has led Orange Shirt Day and Red Dress Day initiatives at Bow Valley High School and mentors younger Indigenous students.
The 18 Rocky View Schools nominees were chosen from more than 200 nominations across Alberta. The recognition highlights local Indigenous student leadership. Chestermere Lake Middle School reports that three percent of its students self-identify as Indigenous.
Rocky View Schools trustees formally celebrated Jannessa and all nominees at their September 10 meeting. The division continues to highlight Indigenous student achievement and cultural pride across its 53 schools, which serve over 26,625 students in communities including Chestermere.
