French 50 Bakery Honoured for Bringing Language and Community to Life
High River, AB: The Foothills School Division is proud to recognize French 50 Bakery, a beloved Okotoks business, as the newest recipient of the Flourishing Foothills Community Award. This award celebrates French 50 Bakery’s outstanding partnership with École Percy Pegler School (ÉPPS) and its meaningful contributions to French language learning and cultural connection in the Foothills.
The Flourishing Foothills Community Award honours individuals and organizations whose actions, leadership, and support place education at the heart of community life. These are partners who lift others up, build connections, and enrich the learning experiences of students and staff.
Photo Credit: OkotoksOnline/Julie Patton
Back row (left to right): Christopher Fuzessy, Sherry Butler, Lisa Penzo, and Brad Labrenz
Front row (left to right): Theresa Letendre, Marie-Luce Denis, and Lisa Striemer
Owners Marie-Luce Denis and Brad Labrenz have welcomed French Immersion students from École Percy Pegler (ÉPPS), into French 50 Bakery, offering them a unique opportunity to practice their language skills in a real-world setting. With French-speaking staff and a warm, encouraging atmosphere, the bakery has become an extension of the classroom—a place where students can order, converse, and interact en français with confidence.
Beyond language learning, French 50 Bakery has created a space where students and educators experience French culture through food, hospitality, and connection. Their thoughtful gestures—including extending treats and kindness to ÉPPS staff—reflect a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of the entire school community.
“French 50 has become a living example of what it means to place education at the heart of community life,” said Board Chair Theresa Letendre. “Their commitment to welcoming students, nurturing language, and celebrating culture creates moments that are joyful, meaningful, and lasting. These are the partnerships that help our students—and our communities—truly flourish.”
Nominator and French Immersion Teacher at ÉPPS, Lisa Striemer, added, “It has been such a pleasure to partner with French 50 to promote the French language in an authentic way for our students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 at Percy Pegler. French 50 has opened their doors to us with enthusiasm, kindness and demonstrated the true meaning of community! Merci beaucoup!”
Marie-Luce Denis stated upon receiving the award, “There is nothing more magical than watching a child realize they understood what someone said in another language. And even better is the moment when they find the confidence to respond in their new learned language. That spark of pride is truly beautiful to witness.”
She continues, “We are so grateful to be a part of this community and it is a privilege to support opportunities for children to speak French, with a strong supportive community and the passionate teachers, it feels natural that we all work together, intertwining our efforts to inspire even more curiosity for the French language and culture. Thank you for sharing your voices, your enthusiasm and your joy with us. You have brought so much warmth to this season and we are honoured to celebrate with you.”
The celebration took place on December 8, 2025, outside French 50 Bakery, where students from ÉPPS serenaded the owners with French songs as a gesture of appreciation. Board Chair Theresa Letendre, Vice Chair Lisa Penzo, Trustee Sherry Butler, Superintendent Chris Fuzessy, school staff, administration, school council members, and members of the public all gathered to honour the occasion.
Foothills School Division extends heartfelt congratulations to French 50 Bakery for their remarkable contributions. Their ongoing support strengthens the ties between school, family, and community, and illustrates the extraordinary impact of local partnerships.
To nominate an individual, group, or organization for the Flourishing Foothills Community Award, please visit: https://www.foothillsschooldivision.ca/flourishing-foothills-community-award
Media Contact:
Sara Fox
Manager of Communications and Community Engagement
communications@fsd38.ab.ca
