LLOYDMINSTER — Resilience in the face of challenges have earned Kaylee Ross of Lloydminster a Junior Citizen of the Year Award to be presented by Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre.
Kaylee is an enthusiastic volunteer, dedicated athlete and resilient student whose leadership and compassion have already made a significant impact in her community.
Since joining the Lloydminster Skating Club, she has excelled both on and off the ice as a figure skater and a CanSkate program assistant. This past year, Kaylee helped with two skate-a-thons by raising donations and then being the club’s liaison who delivered the donations to the Stollery Children’s Hospital
A volunteer at her local library, Kaylee also supports her school as a kindergarten helper, office assistant and safety patroller. She champions the annual Gutsy Walk for Crohn’s and Colitis, completing the five-kilometre course to raise awareness and funds. Last June in Edmonton, her team ranked among the top fundraisers.
Three years ago, Kaylee was diagnosed with a severe form of Crohn’s disease resulting in monthly treatments at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, frequent fatigue and a suppressed immune system. In spring 2024, a serious flare-up left her unable to walk and in a wheelchair. After a 17-day hospital stay, and three months of rigorous physiotherapy, Kaylee regained her strength and ability to walk.
Inspired by the nurses who have cared for her, Kaylee aspires to become a pediatric nurse, dedicated to supporting other children through their own health challenges.
This award was established 49 years ago and has been presented to over 180 Saskatchewan youth. The Junior Citizen of the Year Award is sponsored by the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association (SWNA) in partnership with SaskPower, the Crown Investments Corporation and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
The four award winners who will each receive a $3,000 bursary from SaskPower are Coral Frenette of Shellbrook, Haley Ott of Regina, Kaylee Ross of Lloydminster, and Maia Smith of Moose Jaw.
New this year, the Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan has sponsored an additional award – the Junior Citizen of the Year STEM Award. The new award will annually recognize a Saskatchewan youth who meets all the required criteria of a Junior Citizen of the Year, plus possess an aptitude for science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Annie Currie of North Battleford has been chosen to be the first recipient.
