Stettler regional fire Chief Mark Dennis is the second of two recipients of the 2022 Clearview Public Schools Clearview Star Award.
According to a Clearview media release, the Clearview Star Award “recognizes staff and community members who have made significant contributions to Clearview’s school communities through volunteerism, as a community partner, or have supported our schools at the school level.”
For his part, when Chief Dennis is away from the fire hall, he can can be found at the football field where he is president of Stettler Minor Football and a Stettler Wildcats coach.
According to Clearview board of trustees chair Guy Nietz, Chief Dennis was “instrumental” in the purchase and installation of the permanent lights that now sit at the running track and football field.
“The board appreciates Mark and those who worked with him for their efforts to complete the field light enhancements of our track and football field,” said Nietz, in the media release.
Dennis remained humble.
“It really was a community effort,” said Dennis, in the release.
“I am really kind of surprised to be receiving the award because it really was a community project. I did try to bring everyone together, but I honestly couldn’t have done it without so many contributing to the work.”
Former president of the Stettler Wildcats Football Club Katie Bainbridge nominated Dennis.
“Mark spearheaded the effort,” said Bainbridge.
“He took what had been talked about and made it happen.”
Former William E. Hay principal and current Wildcats coach Norbert Baharally agrees that Dennis was important to the light project.
“We’ve had this vision for a long time,” said Baharally.
“Mark Dennis joined the conversation at the right time. He was the workhorse that got the project going. He worked with volunteers, businesses who were donating and with contractors to make everything happen. Mark went above and beyond.”
Three generations of Dennis’ have played for the Wildcats beginning with Mark’s father. Two of Mark’s sons have played, including his youngest, who is a current team member.
Dennis will be recognized with the award at the annual recognition evening on June 9, being held in-person for the first time since 2019.
The final cost for the light project was around $235,000, with $75,000 being donated as gifts-in-kind.