Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) is proud to announce Jaxon Stokes as its 2026 Teacher Bursary recipient. Jaxon is currently finishing his Grade 12 year at Spirit River Regional Academy (SRRA) and will head to the University of Alberta this fall to pursue a degree in secondary education, specializing in physical education and career and technology studies.
Jaxon says he is honoured to have been chosen as this year’s recipient and is excited to get started on his Bachelor of Education. “When I was in Grade 10, I was given the opportunity to coach a Grade 5-6 basketball team of boys and girls. We participated in two tournaments that year, and the team won the gold medal in the final tournament. It brought me joy seeing the younger children love a sport just as much as I do.” He says coaching opened his eyes to other opportunities to teach and credits SRRA teachers Ms. Stephanie Bell and Mr. Josh Majoros for being his inspiration to become a teacher.
SRRA Principal Daren Pullishy says Jaxon has shown outstanding citizenship and leadership throughout his academic career. “He has volunteered his time coaching basketball for a local elementary tournament and has assisted in coaching the junior high boys’ volleyball team. He is always willing to mentor younger students and contribute meaningfully beyond his own academic and athletic responsibilities.” Jaxon was also awarded the Rocky Renegade Award, the school’s highest honour for citizenship, presented to the student who best exemplifies the qualities of a well-rounded individual, which is voted on by the teaching staff.
PWPSD Deputy Superintendent Darren Young says he is honoured to award Jaxon this year’s bursary, and proud of how well the program is doing. “We have some amazing aspiring teachers within our division, and we’re happy to help them as they begin their post-secondary journeys.”
The PWPSD Teacher Bursary program provides $3000 per year to cover the costs directly associated with the teacher education program for which the student has been accepted. In addition to the monetary benefit, students are provided with a position within PWPSD upon their graduation. For more information about the PWPSD Teacher Bursary program please visit our website.