Eugene & Megan Carnegie

Eugene is the Director of Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre, and Megan is a teacher with the Fort McMurray Public School Division, and together, they are one of this year’s Power Duos. YMM: What is the most rewarding part of your career? EC: Problem-solving and finding solutions are the most rewarding parts of my career.  I enjoy trying to find ways to create the art and desires of the artists around me. Looking for alternatives for building or buying elements needed to create what would essentially be impossible otherwise. MC: My favourite part of my job is watching the students discover who they are.  Sometimes that happens during their time at school and sometimes that happens later in life. Getting to have that connection is amazing. YMM: Tell us about your volunteer experience in the community. EC: Most of my volunteer time over the last six years has been with the local Air Cadet squadron.  I have been Vice Chair and Chairperson in a very hands-on Board with a lot of administrative tasks and planning.  I also like leading group runs with other adventurous souls wanting to explore some of the wildland around the community. MC: I volunteer with Keyano Theatre as a backstage technician. I also enjoy helping the running community in Fort McMurray. YMM: What do you consider to be the best things about our community? EC: There are a few things. My job opportunity is as great or greater than what I would get in any other community. The natural beauty of RMWB is amazing and I love to spend time outside exploring and appreciating it. There are lots of good people that live here and we have some very strong friendships. MC: Friends, connections and so many opportunities for my children. I love the running club, choir, fine arts, skiing and Cadets. YMM: What motivates you? EC: I love to find efficiencies in systems. Work, home or play I always want to find ways to improve a task. I look for ways to save money at work, open the fridge the least amount of times while making my lunch, or design a new Excel sheet to do more calculations. The other motive is to learn more.  When I find something I care about I like to deep dive into it.  Researching something to buy for the house, a piece of software that will help me, or following nerdy forums on my favourite author and the worlds he creates. MC: The ability to make a difference.  If I can make life a little better for someone I am happy. YMM: What is the biggest challenge you’ve taken on this year? EC: Accepting the role of Director, Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre. It is something I have wanted to do for a few years and have been preparing for. Even with that it is still challenging and will be a lot of learning. The theatre itself is also in a state of change and not knowing where that will go while learning the intricacies of this leadership role will be difficult. I do not shy away from challenges, though! MC: I am putting a play on at Westwood while teaching 157 students in core subjects.  I miss-estimated the time management skills this would require. YMM: What are you most grateful for? EC: The support of my friends and family. MC: I am most grateful for my husband. He has supported me in every challenge I have tried to take on, even the ones that are maybe too ambitious. When I take on too much he helps me sort out what I need to cut back on.