REGINA — Four young people from across Saskatchewan have seen their efforts to make their communities better places recognized as Junior Citizens of the Year.
The four individuals are Corah Hales, 18, of Waldheim; Emily McCreery, 18, of Regina; Jordyn Montgomery, 16, of Moose Jaw; and Monica Steinke, 15, of Prince Albert.
They were honoured at Government House in Regina and were presented their awards by Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty at a ceremony Wednesday afternoon.
About the recipients:
Corah Hales is an advocate for youth mental health. She has helped individuals and groups in recovery as an active member of Narcotics Anonymous. She has been a youth advisor for Saskatoon Mental Health and Addictions - Patient Family Advisory Committee, who has submitted ideas that have been implemented to improve the program.
Corah is also member of the Dubé Center - Quality Improvement Subcommittee, and was recently asked to participate in quality improvement meetings for the Calder Centre. As part of the Patient Narratives Program, Corah also speaks to students from the University of Saskatchewan Department of Medicine.
She graduated with high honours from Aden Bowman Collegiate in Saskatoon in 2021 and has been accepted into the Department of Social Work at the University of Regina, where she received an entrance scholarship.
Emily McCreery has previously been recognized as a 2020 YWCA Young Woman of Distinction. She has volunteered over 500 hours while working a part-time job, participating in sports and maintaining a position on her school’s honour roll.
She was adopted from China when she was one year old. Shortly after, her father was diagnosed with significant and lifelong health issues. Emily now supports her family however she can and helps international students transitioning to life in Canada.
Her volunteer experience includes: Global Focus, the Community Center Youth Program, the Food Bank, Salvation Army, Inner City Student Connect, Inner City Easter Community Cleanup, Fort Qu’Appelle Library, Echo Lake Bible Camp, Faith Baptist Church, Second Chance Boutique and the civic election.
She also serves on the Affinity Credit Union youth panel and participated in the Encounters Canada program.
When students moved to remote learning, Emily started up Laptops for Kids to collect used laptops and donate them to students in need.
Jordyn Montgomery has autism and a learning disability, and is an inspiration to other students with special needs. Her involvement includes Students Against Drinking and Driving, Journey to Hope which provides support for those affected by suicide, the Innovation Club and Art Club. Jordyn also is involved in Free to Be Me, a local animal sanctuary for older or unwanted animals who need care. She learned some sign language so she could speak to a hearing-impaired caretaker at her school.
Despite a heavy academic workload, Jordyn maintains a 95 per cent average.
Jordyn also helps at home, helping her younger twin brothers with their schoolwork, her father with their horses and fencing, and her mother with sewing and mending.
Monica Steinke is described as always willing to help with school activities, and at weekly barbecues to raise awareness and funds for a local PTSD support program.
She and her friends organized a craft fair to raise money for those in need. She has also participated in STEPS for Life Walk and campaigned door-to-door for Diabetes Canada.
She also volunteered for a week in British Columbia with the Okanagan Gleaners, processing surplus fruit and vegetables to share with those in need.
When in Grade 4, Monica fell and broke both arms requiring casts from fingertips to armpits. She found it tough to deal with her long hair, so she decided to cut it off and donate it to Angel Hair for Kids. Monica also raised $720 to cover the cost of a wig for a child.
Also, Monica and her mother visit the children’s ward at their local hospital every Christmas Eve. Monica has been a huge support for her grandparents, and loves to cook and bake, often making extra so she can share with friends and neighbours.
About the awards
The awards are sponsored by the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association (SWNA) in partnership with SaskPower and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The award recipients each received a $3,000 bursary provided by SaskPower.
The criteria for awards recipients are that they must be between ages 8 to 18, have the ability to overcome life’s challenges, have a positive lifestyle, be dedicated to community and school, have a strong sense of caring and responsibility and inspire others.
Chris Ashfield, president of SWNA, said their organization established the awards 46 years ago and it is one of the longest-standing youth recognition awards in the province.
“I think the four individuals this year, as they are every year, are an excellent example there is still a lot of good people out there,” said Ashfield.
“You look at these individuals you see what they do within their community. I think it’s just a shining example of the kind of generation that’s coming up that there’s still a lot of positive hope for us in Saskatchewan and across Canada, and that the leaders of tomorrow are very well represented here today.”
