Meet the Candidates

The following information has been submitted by school trustee candidates. St. Paul Education does not endorse any candidate and is sharing this information to assist voters in making an informed choice.

Lorette Andersen

Ward C

Priscilla Gagnon

Ward C

I have been in education for 33 years. I have a Master's degree in educational leadership and worked as a teacher at all grade levels specializing in special education, remedial reading and writing and I also taught French, both core and immersion. I also worked as vice-principal and principal in different locations, both overseas and in an Alberta First Nations community. I am passionate about making education relevant to children, but also about focusing on learning, helping children and young people prepare for their futures. I am also passionate about parents maintaining their role as teachers of morals and truth while the school focuses on the basics of knowledge and skills apart from social and moral issues.

Why I am Running

Canada ranks 19th in education behind countries like China, Slovenia, Denmark and South Korea. Why? I want to make a difference to even our small part of Canada by ensuring the children and youth of St. Paul are getting the best quality education with the most dedicated teachers and staff. There is no reason why the children of our hard-working farmers, industrial workers, service personnel and professionals should not excel and shine in Alberta. If I can help to make that happen in any way, I want to try.

Dale Hedrick

Ward D

Profile to be submitted

Anita Hellquist

Ward D

My formative years were spent growing up on a mixed cattle and grain farm, and later a grain farm in the Peace River region. I pursued further education at GPRC and University of Alberta and was accepted into the Western College of Veterinary Medicine Class of ‘89 University of Saskatchewan, graduating as a veterinarian.

Following practice in Wainwright, I married Craig Hellquist, also a veterinarian, and relocated to St. Paul. In 1997, we became the owners of St. Paul Veterinary Clinic. During these years, we were blessed with three children and felt fortunate to raise them in our vibrant community with excellent education opportunities.

Throughout my career, I have maintained an active presence in our community, serving on the Parent Nursery board, attending Parent Council meetings, coaching soccer, and serving on the St. Paul Soccer board, in addition to providing volunteer veterinary services to the St. Paul Animal Shelter. I also served on the WCVM Alberta Admissions Committee for several years, interviewing students applying to the veterinary medicine program. After providing large and small veterinary services to St. Paul and the surrounding area for over 30 years, we retired in 2022.

Why I Am Running

I am honoured to be a nominee for the position of Ward D Trustee for St. Paul Education. I will devote a substantial amount of time and energy to this important role for our future generation. My experience navigating the educational system personally, and through our children, as well as mentoring numerous students through our veterinary practice, has provided me with a level of understanding that I believe is well suited to this position.

I realize that rural areas face distinct challenges in delivering education and am ready to advocate for our region with the provincial government. As a longtime business owner, I understand fiscal responsibility, prioritizing essential needs while also allocating resources to provide students with diverse opportunities for growth and enrichment.

As Trustee for Ward D, I am committed to representing the needs and best interests of our students, supporting the excellent educators we have, and fostering open communication with parents to ensure their voices are heard. I look forward to working collaboratively within our school board which is the only one in Alberta to encompass both the Catholic and public school systems, reflecting the ability of our communities to work together while maintaining our diversity!

Ellen Reid

Ward C

I was born and raised on a ranch near Two Hills and became a registered nurse at 20, following in my mother’s footsteps. At 22, I began nursing in St. Paul before moving away to do mission work and raise my family. Those years gave me deep compassion and understanding for people of all backgrounds.

In 1992, I moved back to St. Paul, after my first husband passed away. Those early years here were a flurry of activity with raising my children, getting remarried and birthing my last child. I started attending parent council meetings soon after and eventually became chair of the Regional High School Parent Council.

I have enjoyed occupations in private and public health care, retail spaces such as Ideal Carpets and BMX, and respite for Metis Child Services.

I have always enjoyed the arts, including music and theatre, although I found ways to volunteer for my children’s sports teams in different capacities.

Why I Am Running

All 8 of my children graduated from the local school system and now 13 of my 16 grandchildren attend schools here-with more to come. I want to be a voice for them, their peers, and the many children who benefit from having a motherly perspective on the school board.

I’ve been involved in school and community committees for years and bring a wealth of lived experience, strong values, and dedication to student success. I believe in lifelong learning and continue to seek knowledge and personal growth.

I am committed to promoting what is good, lovely, and of good report.

I am grateful for the joys and challenges the have shaped me, and I’m ready to serve with wisdom, compassion, and a strong desire to support our students and schools.

Sylvie Smyl

Ward C

Having grown up on a farm Northeast of St Paul, graduated in St Paul and now having 3 daughters graduated our St Paul schools and one still in school, I understand a parents perspective and hope to continue to bring that to the table. 

Why Am I Running?