A CJA Hawk knows to take care of their own, and Alex Kouperman, a 1997 Grade 9 alumnus, is proud to remain loyal to his team. For as long as he can remember, Alex has been committed to his community, especially the people at the CJA who have given him lasting memories, opportunities, and a lifelong career. Today, he serves as the CJA’s Athletics Director and Student Voice Learning Leader.
Naturally, some of Alex’s most formative memories were made at the CJA, and sports remain a foundational part of his identity. “Sports are a big part of my life and part of my identity,” Alex says. His greatest mentor was the Physical Education teacher Dean Tickles, who encouraged Alex throughout his time at the school. Alex later followed in his footsteps, becoming a PhysEd educator as well. His positive Grade 9 experience at CJA, specifically reaching the finals with his Hawks basketball team, is part of what he believes brought him back to CJA later in life.
Alex and his family arrived in Canada in 1993, and he attended the CJA from Grades 6 to 9. The community welcomed him with open arms, and he formed lifelong bonds with his peers. Even with a late start at the school, CJA gave Alex a strong education in Jewish history and heritage, along with a clear and lasting sense of his identity as a Jewish person.
Throughout his journey, perhaps his biggest accomplishment is his work with his students. The 2026-27 school year marks his 20th year at CJA, and he continues to find great joy in helping students learn, realize their identities, and experience the world through CJA travel studies. “I’m very proud of the connections that I made and of seeing alumni outside of school,” Alex explains.
Watching his students become productive adults, both in the school and in the broader Calgary community. One particularly memorable moment was seeing one of his former students return to CJA as a substitute teacher.
Alex’s connection with the CJA is something truly special. As an educator, he strives to cultivate the same sense of welcome and opportunity that he experienced as a student. He encourages students to be kind to anyone who comes through the doors, no matter when they arrive. From offering a morning hello to hanging out with that person outside of school, building those relationships can make all the difference – and Alex hopes to continue to be part of that.