Honouring the next generation

Mario Prusina

Times Editor

 

Six of Strathmore and area’s finest youths were honoured this past weekend at the seventh annual Strathmore Youth Exceptional Service Award Society banquet.

The evening, dedicated to the outstanding contribution of the next generation, took place Feb. 19 at the Strathmore Golf Club.

“It was a wonderful evening,” said Val Heck, President of the Strathmore Youth Exceptional Service Award Society. “These award winners are the building blocks to our community’s future.”

Here is a list of the winners and why they were nominated for the award:

• Six-year-old Nataya Reid was honoured for helping patients at the Strathmore Hospital by getting them water, picking flowers and singing for them.

• Stanley Gallant was nominated for citizenship and kindness. The 14-year-old is highly regarded in his community for shoveling snow and cutting the lawn for people in his neighborhood.

• After cancer struck a member of his family, 14-year-old AJ Dunn grew his hair long before cutting it to create wigs for those in need. His selfless act generated hundreds of dollars worth of donations to cancer research.

• Keersten Chernenkoff was nominated because of her assistance to the summer reading program at the library. The 12-year-old is diligent, enthusiastic and always cheerful.

• Jessica Wright was also nominated for her contribution to the summer reading program. The 12-year-old is always willing to help children with any task given to her.

• Ayrton Hughes, 12, was nominated for his enthusiasm and willingness to help children at the library’s summer reading program.