From the Branches
Mel Deydey | President, MHADRTA
Delle Lovig: MHADRTA’s ARTA
Volunteer of the Year
Medicine Hat and District
Retired Teachers’ Association
It is not often that a ‘surprise recognition’ can be achieved. Usually something
goes awry and the recipient finds out. MHADRTA is proud to say it was able
to manage this clandestine operation!
At its regular general meeting on April 10,
MHADRTA recognized one of its long-time
members, Delle Lovig, with the prestigious ARTA
Volunteer of the Year award. Approximately fifty
Delle — Volunteer of the Year
20 | arta.net
members attended the event along with Delle’s
daughter, Chandel Lovig.
MHADRTA President, Mel Deydey, spoke to
why Delle was such an excellent choice to receive
the award. An advocate of many causes, Delle
retired from Crestwood School in 2007 after a
very successful teaching career in Medicine Hat.
Delle sets the bar high when it comes to
volunteering. She became involved in the 4H
movement while she was still active as a classroom
teacher, volunteering to help her students with their
speech arts and later becoming a judge of speech
competitions. She also helped with the Stampede
Queen Competition for the Medicine Hat Exhibition
and Stampede, a major commitment. Recently,
Delle has volunteered at the MacKay Creek
schoolhouse helping with tours at Christmas, during
May and June school field trips, and during the four
days of the annual July Stampede.
For a few decades, she has supported the Medicine
Hat Musical Theatre. Serving on its board of
directors, Delle was afforded life membership in
the group. When her daughter Chandel competed
in the Medicine Hat Rotary Music Festival, Delle
became committed to the festival, first as a parent
and later as a volunteer. The Music Festival is a huge
commitment from which Delle did not shy away,
this year serving as the adjudicator’s secretary.
As the South Eastern Alberta Teachers’
Convention Association representative for
MHADRTA, Delle has become a valuable member
of that group; and, according to their executive, they