Four young people were awarded one of Saskatchewan’s highest honour for those 18 and younger – junior citizen of the year.
The youth were Corah Hales, Emily McCreery, Monica Steinke of Prince Albert and Jordyn Montgomery of Moose Jaw. Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty was on hand to give the youths their medals, plaques and $3,000 bursaries from SaskPower.
Sixteen-year-old Moose Javian Jordyn Montgomery has maintained a 95 per cent average in high school while being a member of her school’s innovation club, SADD group and Journey to Hope, a support group for those affected by suicide.
Despite her accomplishments, Montgomery still felt humble to be in the same group as the other girls.
“Hearing the other girls’ stories, I feel they contributed so much more,” she said. “It’s impressive, man.”
Montgomery was thrilled with the award and also thrilled that should could accept it with family present.
“My mom’s always been a huge supporter and my dad’s gotten behind everything I do,” she said. “My cousin is here and we’ve been best friends since diapers and I’m grateful for that.”
Steinke, 15, helps with school activities and raises funds at barbecues for PTSD awareness. In grade 4, after breaking both her arms in a fall and finding it difficult to maintain her long hair, she donated it to Angel Hair for Kids, also raising $720 for the cost of a wig for a child.
McCreery, 18, organized a laptop donation drive for her school when remote learning began, donating the laptops for students in need. She is a member of the Affinity Credit Union youth panel and also volunteers for Salvation Army, Fort Qu-appelle Library, Global Focus, and the Community Centre Youth Program, among others.
Hales, 18, has been a youth advisor for the Saskatoon Mental Health and Addictions’ patient family advisory committee for three years and is a member of the Narcotics Anonymous where she helps several people and groups in recovery. She graduated from Aden Bowman Collegiate with high honours and received an entrance scholarship to the U of Regina.
