Five high school graduates from across Mountain View County were honoured last week for outstanding citizenship.The 2012 Citizenship Awards were officially handed out at the start of Wednesday's council meeting, with Reeve Bruce Beattie presenting certificates to three of the five recipients who were able to attend.By looking at the condensed list of each recipient's accomplishments, “you'll see why these young people are being recognized,” Beattie said.“It certainly gives you a lot of pride to see that, and I'm sure their parents are very proud too,” he said.This year's recipients are:• Tessa Nybo – Sundre High School. Heavily involved in the Sundre 4-H Multi Club, serving as president and vice-president. Recipient of the Provincial Platinum Award of Excellence, the highest honour in 4-H. Winner of Chinook's Edge public speaking competition in 2010, recipient of the Sundre Community Youth Award, organizer of a three-day rodeo event; served as Sundre High School Students' Union secretary for three years. After attending Olds College, Tessa plans to attend the University of Alberta to obtain a degree in agricultural business management.• Riordan M. Oulton – Olds High School. Focused on maintaining an honours standing throughout junior and senior high school, while playing competitive minor hockey to help foster leadership skills and competitive spirit. Extracurricular activities have been limited due to a strong commitment to the family farm and education. Conditionally accepted into the University of Alberta faculty of engineering, Riordan hopes his career choice will allow him to reside in a rural setting.• Chelsea Carol Robertson – Cremona High School. Involved with the student council for the past three years, and has held the position of president. Completed the high school leadership class for two years. Other activities include starting an organization to stop the child soldier crisis in Uganda, participating in a survey of her town and presenting the results to town council, and helping to organize the local Christmas food drive.• Kimberly Janelle Silcox – Hugh Sutherland School (Carstairs). Participated in various school sports during her high school years, including a stint as assistant coach. A volunteer leader at the Carstairs Youth Club. Served in many volunteer positions at the Crossfield Baptist Church. “Whatever career she ends up pursuing,” says the written summary of the recipients' accomplishments, “she wants to be able to use skills and abilities to improve the lives of others.”• Lauren Ashsleigh Isabelle Smith – Didsbury High School. A participant in many sports, including MVP and captain of the high school volleyball team. Served as coach and timekeeper for many sports organizations. Organized numerous events through her leadership class, as well as Operation Christmas Child. Pursuing her passion for working with students, Lauren has been accepted to the University of Lethbridge's education program.
