WHITEHORSE – Commissioner Geraldine Van Bibber invites all Yukoners and visitors to join her in acknowledging outstanding citizens at the Commissioner’s New Year’s Levee January 1, 2009.
Ten Yukon students will receive the Governor General’s medal, one of the most prestigious awards students can receive while attending Canadian institutions. It is earned by secondary school students throughout Yukon who graduate with the highest final marks in their school.
“I take great pleasure in recognizing these hard-working and motivated individuals on their achievements,” Van Bibber said. “Honouring our youth as they grow into future scholars and leaders is a New Year’s tradition that I eagerly anticipate each year.”
As well, Bertha and Doug Ayers will each receive the Commissioner’s Award for Public Service. This award recognizes Yukoners who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the social, economic, academic, political or cultural fabric of their community.
“I look forward to seeing many Yukoners at the levee and take this opportunity to wish everyone a healthy and prosperous 2009,” Van Bibber said.
The Commissioner’s levee will take place January 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the foyer of the Yukon Government Administration Building in Whitehorse.
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A full list of the 2009 Commissioner's Levee Award Recipients is below.
Contact:
Cathy Cheeseman
Commissioner’s Office
867-667-5121
commissioner@gov.yk.ca
Recipients of the Governor General’s Academic Medal:
| Courtney Fischer Porter Creek Secondary School, Whitehorse | Sydney-Lyse Reimer École Émilie Tremblay School, Whitehorse |
| Ashley Maynes St. Elias Community School, Haines Junction | Steven Wozniak J.V. Clark School, Mayo |
| Willow Lacosse Individual Learning Centre, Whitehorse | Tonya Freake Del van Gorder School, Faro |
| Alex Jobin F.H. Collins Secondary School, Whitehorse | Eliza Krauss Watson Lake Secondary School, Watson Lake |
| Natalie Sands Vanier Catholic Secondary School, Whitehorse | Echo Hearty Robert Service School, Dawson City |
Recipients of the Commissioner’s Award for Public Service:
Bertha Ayers has made significant contributions to her church over the decades, both as choir director and a supporter of countless events. At her children’s school, Bertha was a tireless fundraiser and organizer of band trips and many other events.
Doug Ayers has volunteered with the Whitehorse Rotary Club over 20 years and his outstanding commitment to Rotary events range from the music festival and roses campaign to the Canada Day rubber duck race. Doug is noted for being the last to leave many events only after the clean-up is complete.
Recently, Bertha and Doug dedicated six months of their time to the Ramish Ferris Cycle to Walk campaign in support of polio eradication, travelling from coast to coast as members of the support team.
Together, the Ayres have hosted numerous Rotary exchange students from all over the world, many of whom are still in contact with them. As well, they served as volunteers throughout the duration of the Canada Winter Games 2007 to ensure visitors enjoyed a positive experience. An additional volunteer commitment they shared was their long-term dedication to helping an elderly friend to stay in his home by taking care of his household responsibilities.
Both these individuals display remarkable community spirit while working quietly to make a difference in the lives of Yukoners. They are truly an inspiration to the community they serve.