The King's Connection Magazine Volume 25 // Number 1 | Page 20

ALUMNI PROFILE

Carla Stolte
(BA, ’95; B. Ed., ’97)

EVERY
PENNY COUNTS

A

The pennies were collected through early childhood
programs of the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation.
Students came to see the coins not as a form of currency but
rather worth much more as these were their means of
conveying their messages of inclusion and community.

uthor and Theologian Howard Thurman once said,
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you
come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is
people who have come alive.” Driven to do just that, Carla
Stolte (BA, ’95; B. Ed., ’97) was named one of Avenue
Magazine’s 2014 Top 40 Under 40.

Beaming with confidence and emanating a sense of
accomplishment, the student artists partook in a VIP gala
where their pieces were auctioned off. The sculptures of The
Penny Project raised $13,000 which was donated towards
education for children of low-income families.

Stolte is the art specialist at Mount Royal School. She recently oversaw a project for her students that got them thinking
about their school’s theme, Whoever You Are.

Describing the finished products Stolte proudly says, “these
sculptures all represent a piece of each of these students —
who they are, what they believe is important and a piece of
their heart for the world to see.”

The premise behind this initiative, The Penny Project, was
simple but in a profound way: students made use of the
no-longer-circulating copper coins to create sculptures of
what represents community to them.

“THE PENNY PROJECT HAS BEEN, IN THE END,
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MY CAREER.”
“The process began with a meeting,” Stolte recollects,
between herself and some others who were ready to assist
and support her throughout. “I remember the meeting like
it was yesterday because of the conflicted emotions I was
feeling about this project.” Working with a new art medium
and many young artists had Stolte feeling in a little over
her head.
Fifteen unique sculptures were the outcome of The Penny
Project. Students worked as individuals, pairs and groups to
portray through pennies what community means for them.

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Summer 2015 THE KING’S CONNECTION

With a great passion for community, the results of Stolte’s
hard work and determination are also evident within and
throughout her neighborhood. She is the president of her
community league and dedicates much of her time towards
neighbourhood-building initiatives. The effort she exerts
and the many volunteer hours she has invested into this
position perfectly exemplify her desire for a tighter-knit
city. The Penny Project was a harmonious collaboration
where Stolte’s passion for arts and education met her
passion for community and her neighbourhood.
Despite initial frustration and doubt as to the success of this
project, Stolte affirms, “The Penny Project has been, in the
end, one of the highlights of my career. It isn’t every day that
an elementary art teacher has the opportunity to allow her
students to shine in such an amazing and powerful way.”
By recognizing what makes her come alive, Stolte continues
to do immeasurable good for her students, her
neighbourhood and wider community.