The latest individuals to be named as Battlefords Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year were honoured by the community Friday night.
2015 Citizen of the Year Floyd Andersen and Junior Citizen of the Year Kiley Elmer were honoured at the event held at the Dekker Centre. It was a chance for the community at large to celebrate their accomplishments after both were announced as the recipients prior to the new year. Families and supporters of both recipients attended and it was an emotional occasion.
Floyd Andersen is well known for his involvement in woodworking in the family business Andersen Construction and was credited with using his livelihood and his skills to give back to the community.
He spearheaded a project to construct a building to house the construction tools of his grandfather Anders and his father Chris at Fred Light Museum. Andersen confirmed the building will open May 28.
Andersen has been involved in Scouts Canada for 23 years, and has also been active as chair of the Fred Light Museum board, in the Historic Battleford Lions Club, on Battleford’s Parks and Recreation board and with the Battleford Promotion Society.
Andersen managed to get through his speech in one piece but still said he was "emotional" about his honour.
"It's an honour to be selected, but I just cannot believe the crowd that's out," said Andersen, referring to the large gathering in the room.
Andersen said his motivation for being involved comes from mentoring others and seeing young people accomplish things as a result.
"I see the youth getting special awards. It just makes you feel good that they got that, what they accomplished."
North Battleford resident Elmer has successfully juggled academics at North Battleford Comprehensive High School with fundraising activities, and involvement in several groups — Students Against Drinking and driving, travel club, yearbook club, cake decorating, Comp in Action and many other activities. She is senior pin at her high school and intends to continue her education.
When asked why she is as involved as she is, Elmer said, "It's a passion and interest in helping out, and I think the feeling you get back from when you help out."
Elmer said her volunteer involvement stems from "anything I think is a good cause, that motivates me, that’s making a difference and impacts."
Pictures of both Floyd Andersen and Kiley Elmer will now grace the citizen of the year wall at the Territorial Place Mall, where all recipients are recognized.
