According to the youth in attendance, the 2011 Leaders of Tomorrow celebration was ‘awesome’. With 172 youth, siblings, parents, grandparents, and friends looking on, awards were given out to 4 extraordinary youth for the spirit they have shown and the example they have set for their peers.

This year, 42 nominations were received from parents, coaches, teachers, neighbours, and mentors for local youth who embody the meaning of the phrase ‘Leader of Tomorrow’. Although only one youth from each category can be the recipient of the award, all were worthy and the decision was difficult for the committee that was comprised of: Town of Sylvan lake Councillor Sean McIntyre; DeeAnn Daniels, Librarian of Fox Run School; Heather Parker, Children’s Programmer at the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library; Megan Chernoff, Marketing Coordinator for Glover International Trucks and member of the Sylvan Lake Optimist Club; Ashley Nielsen, RDC Social Work Student and past recipient of the Leaders of Tomorrow award; and Krista Carlson, FCSS Youth Services Coordinator.

The MC for the evening was Sylvan Lake Councillor Sean McIntyre. He began by welcoming the youth and their families and shared how he had been the original recipient of the Leaders of Tomorrow award in 1998. He went on to share that there had also been a year that he had been nominated and had not been the recipient; encouraging the youth to never give up.

Entertainment for the evening was comprised of 2 local rock bands who study with South Shore Music, and Hoja, a trio of acapella singers from Calgary who wowed the crowd with their unique ability to sing, dance, and sound as though they are being accompanied by a small band of musicians. All of the entertainers were phenomenal and had the crowd singing and cheering.

The awards; the main event and the reason for the community to join together on this evening, were given to the following youth in the following categories;

• 6-9 years – Allyne Simonet
  Allyne is very involved in her community and continually helps others, out of the graciousness of her heart, without expecting or wanting anything in return. She is actively involved in piano, dance, swimming, soccer and Brownies. Allyne puts 110% into everything that she does and takes pride in helping others. As a leader, Allyne does not put herself above others but guides others into bettering themselves. She does this through caring, sensitivity, empathy, love, trust, faith, humour and gratitude.
• 10-12 years – Annalise Carlson
  Annalise is a volunteer that assists in any capacity. She has a kind heart and is someone who wants to make a difference. Her involvements include Cross Country Running, Sr. Girls Volleyball, Sr. Girls Basketball, Hockey and the Renaissance program at school. Annalise uses determination, enthusiasm and humour to impact anyone she comes into contact with. She embodies what it means to “Lead with your Heart” and will be remembered for this as she moves through life.
• 13-15 years – Samantha Hann
  Samantha received two nominations this year. She is a very hard worker whose efforts are paying dividends. She recently won the Ambassador Award at Fox Run School and is very involved in piano, school band, soccer and her church. Samantha enjoys helping babies and children and is someone who parents can rely on to babysit and care for their children. Samantha is a born leader who is always welcoming new people to her church youth group and making them feel comfortable. Samantha always puts other’s needs and concerns before her own which is evident in her everyday demeanor and the way that she stands up for others who are less fortunate than she is. Samantha is a wonderful role model and mentor not only for our youth but for everyone!
• 16-18 years – Matt Hann
  Matt has invested many hours into being a leader and role model for other youth in our community. His laid back personality allows him to be reflective and conscientious of the feelings of people around him. Matt is involved in school band, his church youth group and volunteering with children with special needs. He is artistic and uses his creativity to connect with and engage others. Matt is a natural leader. The amount of time and effort he puts into volunteering and being a role model to younger youth is appreciated by everyone.

Congratulations to all of those nominated and to the recipients within each category. We would also like to thank all who were involved in the planning and delivery of this event. As always, this evening would not have been as successful without the support of local businesses. Once again, they showed how greatly they value this next generation by contributing generously on an evening that honours our local youth.