Former Carlyle resident Connie Wilson was recently honoured by the Town of Tisdale as that community's Citizen of the Year.
Wilson, the daughter of Jack and Diane Wilson of Carlyle, says she was “Completely shocked,” when she first heard of her nomination. “I was surprised and honoured just to be nominated. To be chosen was a huge honour. I really didn't expect regognition of this kind and I am just so honoured.”
At the May 6 Tisdale and District Chamber of Commerce Awards Night and Gala, Wilson said she experienced “A bit of everything-happiness, shock, nervousness and excitement. At one point, I think I was shaking,” she laughs.
A paramedic for 20 years (15 of those in Tisdale), Wilson was-until recently-the Commanding Officer of the Tisdale Air Cadets, has served as the president of the Royal Canadian Legion's Tisdale branch and also works with the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards program. She is also involved in PARTY, a program aimed at teaching high school students the consequences of unsafe behaviors, in addition to organizing other events aimed at youth.
Citing her parents as her example, Wilson says,” I think I just kind of grew up with it,” she says. “My mom and dad are always helping people and helping different groups out.”
Wilson-who recently moved to Brandon, MB to teach paramedics at Manitoba Emergency Services College- says receiving the award had its “wow factor,” but adds that Tisdale is a great community in which to work and live. “I truly loved being in Tisdale,” she says. “It's a great community to live in and every group that I joined when I came here welcomed me with open arms.”
“I was a little nervous to move to Brandon, but I'd like to get involved there, too.”
