Longtime dedicated educator and community supporter recognized for his quiet commitment to volunteering

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on February 13, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The Medicine Hat and District Retired Teachers Association 2025 Volunteer of the Year was certainly surprised, as he barely considers himself a volunteer at all.

Jim Kaupp is a longtime member of the community, says past president Mel Deydey, though his teaching career has taken him through the province, from Fort McMurray to Gem, before settling with the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education for the rest of his career.

“Volunteering has been in Jim’s blood since the early 1970s, when he volunteered to work with troubled youth during his days in Grande Prairie, taking them on outings and camping trips,” said Deydey. “During his teaching career, there wasn’t one year that passed without Jim serving on one or more school district committees.”

Deydey noted Kaupp’s time with the City Science Fair Committee, coaching Little League, helping the Junior Forest Wardens and pitching in with the Girl Guide Maintenance Committee, among various other opportunities both within the school system and outside it.

“As a Grade 6 teacher, the highlight for every student in their class and in the division was the Grade 6 Elkwater Camp that each school undertook. It was a rite of passage,” said Deydey. “A memorable story was that during the camp, Jim impressed Dianne Durda with his moose calling ability. It was Jim’s aim by using the call to have all kids stay in their cabins after curfew, and it was very effective. The next morning, Jim and Diane would share a laugh at how many kids actually claimed to have seen a moose.”

After retirement, Kaupp turned his energy toward MHADRTA, as well as helping keep his friends and former colleagues connected.

Despite this long list of accomplishments, Kaupp said the award came as a complete surprise.

“I don’t see myself as volunteering. It’s just that stuff comes up and you just do,” said Kaupp.

“I like helping people, I like sharing the gifts that I do have, but I don’t get up in the morning and say, you know, I want to volunteer today,” said Kaupp. “It’s just a fact. If I was describing myself, volunteering would be on the bottom of the list.”

Kaupp says he feels others in the association may be more deserving of the award for all they do, but he is honoured to receive the recognition for the work that he has put in over the years.

“Jim is truly most enduring and worthy of the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award, and we are honoured to recognize him,” said Deydey.

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