Lorne Cooper is a fourth generation Medicine Hatter. He attended Earl Kitchener, River Heights, Alexandra Junior High School, Medicine Hat High School and Medicine Hat College before receiving both his B. Ed. in 1975 and later his M. Ed. in 1983 from the U of C. Mr. Cooper started his teaching career at Alexandra in January, 1975 having been called out of university to fill for a transferred teacher. Mr. Cooper has spent his complete his teaching career of 35 years at Alexandra.

He began as a grade eight Math/Science teacher. In 1977, he became the school's Math/Science Department Head. A position he held until 1992 when he became Second Vice-Principal at Alexandra. Prior to this, Mr. Cooper served a two year term as Computer Consultant for Medicine Hat School District #76. In 1993, Mr. Cooper became First-Vice Principal under Dr G. Giduk. Mr. Cooper was the Acting-Principal of Alexandra on two occasions (January to June, 1996 and once again May to June, 2000). From 1991 until 2001 Mr. Cooper was one of the staff advisors to the Student Council. Upon the retirement of Dr. Giduk in September of 2001, Mr. Cooper became Principal of Alexandra Junior High School. In May of 2008 the school changed its name to Alexandra Middle School in order to more appropriately reflect its philosophical approach to educating young people.

People who enjoy working with middle years students know a secret. This is a very special time in a young person’s life where not only are they changing physically but the intellect is blossoming and emotions are at their peak. To be part of that last great opportunity to help mould them into the adults they will become is rewarded by the energy and the emotion they give back to you. Having accidentally stumbled into teaching at this level, it soon became apparent to Mr. Cooper that it is at this age level that he would base his career.

Lorne meet his wife, also a local girl, while attending Medicine Hat College and together they raised a son, Ian. Ian attended the public school system, graduating from MHHS in 2001. Lorne had always wanted to be a teacher but maybe this was true for a number of people as within a one block radius of his house where he grew up 9 others also became teachers. We blamed the water.

An admitted techno-geek, science and history buff who enjoys working on his yards, the physical labour he finds invigorating and healthy, is sure that he will not run out of things to keep him occupied in his retirement. As a strong supporter of Medicine Hat and what it has to offer people, you will likely see him around doing something.