WHITEHORSE – Newly installed Commissioner Geraldine Van Bibber will present a number of exceptional Yukoners with awards at the annual Commissioner's New Year's Levee, Jan. 1.
Three individuals are receiving the Commissioner's Award for Public Service, a Yukon hero is receiving the Commissioner's Award for Bravery and 11 exemplary students are receiving the Governor General's Academic Medal Award.
"These Yukoners, who have contributed so much to our communities through their commitments, their courage and their dedication to education, deserve to be recognized for their efforts," Van Bibber said. "Honouring them with these awards is as much a privilege to me as receiving the awards is to them."
The Commissioner's Award for Public Service goes to Yukoners in recognition of their significant and enduring contribution to the economic, social, academic, political or cultural life of the Yukon.
The Commissioner's Award for Bravery honours citizens who have demonstrated acts of courage and determination at great personal risk to save the life of another.
The Governor General's Academic Medal is one of the most prestigious awards that a student in a Canadian educational institution can receive. A medal is awrded to the student who receives the highest average upon graduation from each secondary school.
The Commissioner's Levee takes place Jan. 1, from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Elijah Smith Building in Whitehorse. The public is invited to attend and welcome the New Year with the scheduled ceremony and refreshments.
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Attachment: 2006 Commissioner’s Levee Award Recipients
| Contact: | |
| Lawna MacLeod or Cathy Cheeseman | |
| Commissioner's Office | |
| (867) 667-5121 | |
| lawna.macleod@gov.yk.ca | |
| cathy.cheeseman@gov.yk.ca |
2006 Commissioner’s Levee Award Recipients
The recipients of the Commissioner' Award for Public Service are:
Betty Irwin; for the dedication and energy she has brought to her non-profit work. She was instrumental in the formation of Yukon Women in Trades and Technology (YWITT) and is a cornerstone in enhancing opportunities and promoting non-traditional careers for Yukon women.
Al Loewen; for his extraordinary contribution to the Yukon arts scene since the early 1970s. He has volunteered countless hours to the construction of theatrical sets throughout the community. Loewen was also part of the Midnight Sons Barbershop Quartet for 15 years, performing at various venues throughout the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous.
Amos Dick; for his integral involvement in his home community of Ross River. He takes youth out in the wilderness and teaches them survival skills. He shares his traditional knowledge through drum and snowshoe making and takes part in cultural camps throughout the year. He is a strong role model who encourages others to live their lives to the fullest without alcohol or drugs.
The recipient of the Commissioner’s Award for Bravery is:
Ronald Moyen; for coming to the rescue and saving the life of an overturned boater on Little Salmon Lake near Faro, Yukon. Thanks to his quick intervention, a potential fatality was avoided.
This year’s recipients of the Governor General’s Academic Medals are:
Kelsey Russell, FH Collins School, Whitehorse;
Patti Wagantall, Del Van Gorder School, Faro;
Yule Schmidt, Vanier Catholic Secondary School, Whitehorse;
Sarah Truelson, Porter Creek Secondary School, Whitehorse;
Tobiah Reams, Watson Lake Secondary School, Watson Lake;
Joshua Kontogonis, Tantalus School, Carmacks;
Elizabeth Fraughton, Robert Service School, Dawson City;
Miranda Allison, St. Elias School, Haines Junction;
Émilie Herdes, École Émilie Tremblay, Whitehorse;
Anise Barnes, JV Clark School, Mayo; and
Matthew Fairclough, Eliza Van Bibber School, Pelly Crossing.
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