Nominations are now open for the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards in Rocky Mountain House, set to take place March 7, 2025, at the Lou Soppit Community Centre. The awards recognize the exceptional achievements of individuals and groups within the community in various categories.
Awards will be presented in six categories: Athletics and Sports Excellence, Music, Art, Culture & Heritage, Distinguished Voluntary Service, Youth Civic Award, Special Achievement Award, and the Martha Kostuch Memorial Award for Environmental Stewardship.
The Athletics and Sports Excellence Award will honor individuals or teams who have excelled in their sport by achieving notable positions in national or provincial championships, or by representing Alberta or Canada in national or international competitions.
The Music, Art, Culture & Heritage Award celebrates citizens who have made a positive impact on the community through their contributions to the arts, culture, or heritage, whether in the visual arts, performing arts, music, or other forms of cultural engagement.
The Distinguished Voluntary Service Award recognizes outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in serving the community, inspiring others to follow their example. This award will celebrate those whose time and efforts have greatly benefited Rocky Mountain House.
The Youth Civic Award honors young citizens, aged 24 and under, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion, or resilience. Nominees must show a commitment to improving the community, either through volunteer work or by overcoming personal challenges.
The Special Achievement Award recognizes individuals, groups, or businesses that have achieved significant provincial, national, or international recognition, or performed an act of bravery or service that has brought benefit to the town.
Lastly, the Martha Kostuch Memorial Award for Environmental Stewardship is awarded to those who have demonstrated leadership in environmental initiatives, contributing positively to the community’s environmental well-being.
Tiffany Robinson, Communications Officer for the Town of Rocky Mountain House, emphasized the importance of these awards in recognizing the efforts of the town’s residents. “The goal of the Citizen of the Year Awards is to highlight the achievements of individuals and groups who have made a meaningful impact in Rocky Mountain House,” Robinson said.
The 2024 awards were the first year it was dubbed “Citizen of the Year Awards”, as it was previously know as the Mayor’s Awards as far back as 1998, she says.
Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals, even if they feel the achievement may be small. “We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be recognized for their contributions,” Robinson added.
The awards ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Rocky Chamber’s Community Business Awards on March 7, 2025, at the Lou Soppit Community Centre.
Last year’s winners included Makenna Usselman, recipient of the Youth Civic Award for her leadership and volunteerism; Sarah Fotty, honored with the Special Achievement Award for organizing a warming shelter for the community; and Cynthia McCaughley, who received the Distinguished Voluntary Service Award for her tireless contributions to community events such as Easter on Main Street, Halloween on Main, and annual Remembrance Day fundraisers for the R.L. Zengel Legion.
The deadline for nominations is Feb. 7, 2025, and forms can be found here.
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