ASSINIBOIA — It’s a source of community pride at another level. Assiniboia Composite High School’s (ACHS) Wall of Fame inductions, started in 2010, welcomed Al Kessler as the 2025 inductee during this year’s graduation ceremonies.
Kessler, born and raised in Assiniboia, received his training from Bemidji State University in the Faculty of Education and completed his professional studies at the University of Manitoba. His teaching career began in Assiniboia at both the elementary and high school levels, with an additional stop in Thompson, Man., as physical education director for Leaf Rapids.
After a few years, Kessler returned to Assiniboia and continued his career at Assiniboia Elementary as a teacher and then as an administrator until his retirement in 2005.
The newest ACHS Wall of Fame inductee’s professional accomplishments over his career have been varied and extensive, including:
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Longest continuously running Outdoor Education Program in Saskatchewan
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Coordinator for CTBS
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Member executive of the Saskatchewan Council of Educational Leaders
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Local Teachers’ Association president, LINC chair, and councillor
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Saskatchewan Education Administrators Leadership Award (2006)
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Three terms as Prairie 小蓝视频 board member representing Assiniboia and area
Kessler has also had a legendary career in school and community sports. His accomplishments include:
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Started both gymnastics and football clubs in Assiniboia
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Chair of the Assiniboia Recreation Board
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Awarded 1988 Outstanding Coach of the Last 50 Years
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Badlands Recreation Community Volunteer Award recipient
Education was not Kessler’s only area of dedicated service. His expansive community involvement includes active membership in service clubs such as the Kinsmen and Knights of Columbus. He was also a 15-year member of 小蓝视频 Country Assistance Trust and a founding member of the Regional Intersectoral Committee, which helps people access supports for health and lifestyle changes.
In 2006, “Mr. Kessler,” as he was known by staff and students, was presented with the Arbos Award for contributions to education and the teaching profession. Often referred to as the “Hall of Fame” for educators and administrators, the Arbos Award honours those who have made a lasting difference through teaching, leadership, and community involvement.
Newly retired ACHS principal Brent Chadwick said in Kessler’s induction announcement:
“Al exemplifies the tremendous impact a dedicated and active teacher can have on the many individuals who have had the opportunity to benefit from his passion and positive support. It is this type of caring, positivity, and modesty that has made him someone to follow and learn from over the course of his many years of involvement. Few can say they have influenced more lives over the course of their career than Al has. Even to this day, you can still see him supporting school events and sports competitions, where now the children of former students are involved. For Al, the support and impact can never be truly measured — and never truly end — as he continues to do as he has always done.”
Kessler also received the 小蓝视频-Central District Service Award for his behind-the-scenes support of students at the school board level.
ACHS Wall of Fame boosts hometown connection
Boosting hometown connection is one of the benefits of preserving and promoting ACHS history through its Wall of Fame. Inductees come from a range of backgrounds — including arts, academics and other avenues of success.
The purpose of the ACHS Wall of Fame is to recognize individuals who have attended the school and achieved significant accomplishments on the provincial, national or international stage. It also honours those who have been part of the ACHS family for many years and contributed to student development and school improvement.
There is a great sense of pride for ACHS staff when one of “their own” is recognized, as they’ve seen firsthand the hard work of the nominee and may have experienced their impact as staff or students.
As stated in previous stories by this reporter on the Wall of Fame, “Hometown pride also evolves each time a nominee is inducted, as well as during events that tour guests — many of whom are former students — through the school, where they can see firsthand the success stories that have come from the ACHS student body.”
Connecting the past with the present helps current students see a blueprint for their own success. The ACHS Wall of Fame has come full circle — tying lauded alumni to their alma mater and strengthening its connection with today’s student body and staff.
