An Edmonton school on Friday marked the 10th anniversary of the on-the-job death of a police officer it was named after. Const. Dan Woodall died on June 8, 2015, after being shot while making an arrest in west Edmonton. A school bearing his name opened in southwest Edmonton in 2017 for Kindergarten through Grade 6. On Friday, Constable Daniel Woodall School presented the inaugural Legacy Award to a student they say embodies the same values Woodall did: Maizie Stewart in Grade 6. “We had to write an application about all the good things that we’ve done in our life, how we will continue to help the community,” Stewart told CTV News Edmonton, adding she also needed to submit letters of support from family or friends. “I’m really proud of myself and I’m really glad that I won it – but if someone else would have won, I still would have been really happy for them,” she said. “I think this award is really going to help me remember Const. Daniel Woodall and my elementary years when I go to middle school next year.” The award was presented during a school assembly, which was followed by a maple tree dedication ceremony. Principal Leanne Moncrieff said she wanted the tribute to feel more celebratory than it did last year, her first year as principal. “It was a bit somber…. And in talking with Claire Woodall, she also said this needs to be something that is inspiring,” Moncrieff explained. Although it was a more uplifting affair, it was still an emotional day for Edmonton Police Service Deputy Chief Nicole Chapdelaine, who can remember the day Woodall died. “It’s already been 10 years but it feels like it was just yesterday. So yeah, it’s tough. But then when you see what’s going on in this school here today, it really resonates and it really is impactful about the difference that Dan continues to make in the community and through the work that he did and the work that the school is carrying on,” Chapdelaine said.
