ÉCCHS Wall of Fame
The 2025 Inductees pose with their plaques next to the ÉCCHS Wall of Fame. From left, David Andreassen (distinguished faculty), James Kuntz, Victoria Thomsen and Kevin Keech.
By Nadine Leming
École Camrose Composite High School held its annual Wall of Fame ceremony in the school library on November 21. Inductees and guests were all treated to a wonderful lunch prepared by the school’s foods department while the Jazz Band played for listening enjoyment.
After lunch, the four award winners were led on a walk down memory lane by a student host, allowing them to reminisce about their days at the school as well as see how it has changed.
As the ceremony began, the inductees were led into the library accompanied again by the band as guests stood to recognize the honorees, Kevin Keech, Victoria Thomsen, James Kuntz, all former students, and David Andreassen, as the distinguished faculty.
Jim Ofrim, committee president, was the emcee for the afternoon and talked about the importance of the Wall of Fame. He said, “It’s an opportunity to recognize former students and teachers as leaders, people who made significant contributions to their chosen vocations as well as significant contributions to society.”
The first inductee was Kevin Keech. He had a three-decade career with the Camrose Police Service and, this past July, was ordained as a permanent deacon. Kevin’s dedication through his leadership, compassion, and steadfast devotion has improved the lives of others. He stands as an inspiring example of what it means to live a life of purpose and service in the community.
Kevin talked about what an honour it was to be recognized. He said, “In addition to the importance of service and giving back through time, talents and treasures, it is what we were born to do.”
Kevin continued, “If you asked me today what I couldn’t answer back in 1981 about what I was going to do with my life, I would tell you clearly service was in my soul.”
He commented that regardless of one’s career, it must be entered with a heart full of ambition to serve. His current role as a deacon was purely motivated by a yearning for service, to teach others how not to make mistakes and gently help those who have fallen because of them. He humbly believes that his ministry isn’t finished at the church doors, but extends well into the community.
His message to students was, “Listen to your heart as you’re being educated. Listen to your heart when faced with the plethora of choices you need to make in the days, weeks and years to come.
“Listen to your heart as you ponder what you want to do with the rest of your days. Make decisions based on the inherent desire to love and serve.”
Victoria Thomsen was next to receive her induction into the school’s Wall of Fame. After her graduation, Victoria has made incredible contributions to the field of mining and engineering education. She is a role model of integrity, fairness, and responsibility, while embodying resilience, creativity, and a relentless drive to make the world a better place.
She was quick to admit she doesn’t have everything figured out; she’s still learning and discovering her way. She encouraged others to continue to find their way, learning through the challenges and tests of life. She said, “Keep going, accept the life you have, accept the gifts and talents you were given.”
Victoria talked about the gratitude that she’s had the courage and freedom to go try different things. Her mindset is one of I can, even when others thought she couldn’t, she just went for it. She talked a lot about the gratitude she’s had for the different experiences she’s had in life.
She encouraged introspection, asking oneself, “Who am I, what am I all about, and what am I really good at?” On that journey, you will find your passion and what energizes you.
As co-founder of On Track Kuntz and Company, James Kuntz’s journey is one of resilience as the next inductee. He leads by example believing in people regardless of their status and creating opportunities where others see obstacles.
James reflected on his time in high school and the skills he gained along the way. He said, “I learned how to negotiate, how to appreciate, how to be proud and how to be respectful. That’s an important quality to have, not just respect for others, but for yourself and you can be anything you want.”
He discussed how he’s always recognized people. He doesn’t care who you are, or what you’ve done, as long as it’s ethical. His experiences have taught him that as long as you work with people, that’s how you get somewhere. James added, “When you try and do something on your own, it’s a lot harder than if you work as a team.”
Throughout his journey, James has lived his life by these words, “Be respectful of everyone around you, be confident in yourself, realize your time is your most valuable asset, be productive with it, and be happy and have fun, good things happen with positive energy. Lastly, be supportive, give what you can, when you can.”
David Andreassen was the last inductee in the Distinguished Faculty category. He joined the staff at École Camrose Composite High School in 1976, (formerly Camrose Composite High School) which started his 42 year career at the school. Over the years, David made a lasting impact as a teacher, coach, mentor, and leader. He contributed extensively to both academics and athletics.
David had two important pieces of advice during his remarks. The first was to get a good education, and second, you have an obligation to serve, both of which have been rewarding to him personally.
As an English teacher, he turned to literature for things that are applicable and relevant, the message of which was that life is going to throw curve balls, it’s how we choose to learn from them that can make the road easier or harder.
He said, “The only choice you have is attitude. If you’re going to get better, if you’re going to do something, choose to be better.”
Throughout the afternoon, each inductee shared humour, gratitude, anecdotes for life, and a simple message of humility to inspire the students and guests in attendance. Each one of them is more than worthy of the recognition they received.
By Nadine Leming
École Camrose Composite High School held its annual Wall of Fame ceremony in the school library on November 21. Inductees and guests were all treated to a wonderful lunch prepared by the school’s foods department while the Jazz Band played for listening enjoyment.
After lunch, the four award winners were led on a walk down memory lane by a student host, allowing them to reminisce about their days at the school as well as see how it has changed.
As the ceremony began, the inductees were led into the library accompanied again by the band as guests stood to recognize the honorees, Kevin Keech, Victoria Thomsen, James Kuntz, all former students, and David Andreassen, as the distinguished faculty.
Jim Ofrim, committee president, was the emcee for the afternoon and talked about the importance of the Wall of Fame. He said, “It’s an opportunity to recognize former students and teachers as leaders, people who made significant contributions to their chosen vocations as well as significant contributions to society.”
The first inductee was Kevin Keech. He had a three-decade career with the Camrose Police Service and, this past July, was ordained as a permanent deacon. Kevin’s dedication through his leadership, compassion, and steadfast devotion has improved the lives of others. He stands as an inspiring example of what it means to live a life of purpose and service in the community.
Kevin talked about what an honour it was to be recognized. He said, “In addition to the importance of service and giving back through time, talents and treasures, it is what we were born to do.”
Kevin continued, “If you asked me today what I couldn’t answer back in 1981 about what I was going to do with my life, I would tell you clearly service was in my soul.”
He commented that regardless of one’s career, it must be entered with a heart full of ambition to serve. His current role as a deacon was purely motivated by a yearning for service, to teach others how not to make mistakes and gently help those who have fallen because of them. He humbly believes that his ministry isn’t finished at the church doors, but extends well into the community.
His message to students was, “Listen to your heart as you’re being educated. Listen to your heart when faced with the plethora of choices you need to make in the days, weeks and years to come.
“Listen to your heart as you ponder what you want to do with the rest of your days. Make decisions based on the inherent desire to love and serve.”
Victoria Thomsen was next to receive her induction into the school’s Wall of Fame. After her graduation, Victoria has made incredible contributions to the field of mining and engineering education. She is a role model of integrity, fairness, and responsibility, while embodying resilience, creativity, and a relentless drive to make the world a better place.
She was quick to admit she doesn’t have everything figured out; she’s still learning and discovering her way. She encouraged others to continue to find their way, learning through the challenges and tests of life. She said, “Keep going, accept the life you have, accept the gifts and talents you were given.”
Victoria talked about the gratitude that she’s had the courage and freedom to go try different things. Her mindset is one of I can, even when others thought she couldn’t, she just went for it. She talked a lot about the gratitude she’s had for the different experiences she’s had in life.
She encouraged introspection, asking oneself, “Who am I, what am I all about, and what am I really good at?” On that journey, you will find your passion and what energizes you.
As co-founder of On Track Kuntz and Company, James Kuntz’s journey is one of resilience as the next inductee. He leads by example believing in people regardless of their status and creating opportunities where others see obstacles.
James reflected on his time in high school and the skills he gained along the way. He said, “I learned how to negotiate, how to appreciate, how to be proud and how to be respectful. That’s an important quality to have, not just respect for others, but for yourself and you can be anything you want.”
He discussed how he’s always recognized people. He doesn’t care who you are, or what you’ve done, as long as it’s ethical. His experiences have taught him that as long as you work with people, that’s how you get somewhere. James added, “When you try and do something on your own, it’s a lot harder than if you work as a team.”
Throughout his journey, James has lived his life by these words, “Be respectful of everyone around you, be confident in yourself, realize your time is your most valuable asset, be productive with it, and be happy and have fun, good things happen with positive energy. Lastly, be supportive, give what you can, when you can.”
David Andreassen was the last inductee in the Distinguished Faculty category. He joined the staff at École Camrose Composite High School in 1976, (formerly Camrose Composite High School) which started his 42 year career at the school. Over the years, David made a lasting impact as a teacher, coach, mentor, and leader. He contributed extensively to both academics and athletics.
David had two important pieces of advice during his remarks. The first was to get a good education, and second, you have an obligation to serve, both of which have been rewarding to him personally.
As an English teacher, he turned to literature for things that are applicable and relevant, the message of which was that life is going to throw curve balls, it’s how we choose to learn from them that can make the road easier or harder.
He said, “The only choice you have is attitude. If you’re going to get better, if you’re going to do something, choose to be better.”
Throughout the afternoon, each inductee shared humour, gratitude, anecdotes for life, and a simple message of humility to inspire the students and guests in attendance. Each one of them is more than worthy of the recognition they received.
