INNISFAIL – A past Citizen of the Year Award winner for the town has earned a spot in the 4-H Alberta Hall of Fame.
The late Sylvia Mathon, who passed away in 2016, was one of two people selected for induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame in late 2017.
Her husband, Martin Mathon, said he was honoured to see his wife recognized for her work.
"She was very dedicated to give young people a good start in life,” Martin said.
Fellow Central Alberta 4-H leader Lisa Hendrickson was one of the three people who came together to nominate Sylvia for induction.
"We nominated her for outstanding volunteerism,” Hendrickson said. Sylvia had a lengthy list of contributions made to the 4-H community.
Her volunteering efforts extended outside of the 4-H world as well, to the Innisfail District Agricultural Society, volunteering at Westerner Park, a member of the Icelandic Society and a member of the Markerville Good Neighbours Ladies Club, in addition to driving seniors to where they needed to go.
She was recognized for her work with awards like the Innisfail Citizen of the Year Award in 2015, a Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and numerous awards through 4-H, like the 4-H National Volunteer Leader of the Year Award or the Canadian 4-H Council Leadership award.
She volunteered for 4-H in a variety of capacities and roles over the years, starting her involvement when her own children were in the club. She took on roles like president of the West Central 4-H Regional Council, project leader of the Rangeland 4-H Beef Club, served as a director on the provincial council and more.
She came to Canada from the Netherlands, where her parents had farmed, and got married to Martin where they lived together on their family farm, northwest of Innisfail. Today their son runs the farm.
The letters of reference submitted as part of the nomination package speak of Sylvia’s organization and dedication to 4-H at every level, from her local West Central 4-H club and up.
"Her devotion and ethical values are unparalleled,” says one letter.
The letter writers agree that she had a lasting impact on 4-H Alberta with her contributions over the decades.
"Without the valued contributions of people like Sylvia, 4-H Alberta would not exist,” says another letter.
Martin Mathon, husband of the late Sylvia Mathon
"She was very dedicated to give young people a good start in life."
