Pipestone Flyer
Major Sponsors of the 18th Annual Leaders of Tomorrow Awards Program are, from left to right, Wetaskiwin Royal Canadian Legion #86 represented by Gloria Rogers, Alberta 4-H represented by Bruce Banks, Reynolds Alberta Museum represented by Noel Ratch, the County of Wetaskiwin represented by Jeff Lynch, Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools represented by Deanna Specht and Ed Zacharko, Wetaskiwin Credit Union represented by Bert Horvey, Town of Millet represented by Ron Buchaski, Saint Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic School Division represented by Henry Effon, Manluk Industries represented by Frank Luebke, the City of Wetaskiwin represented by Bill Elliot, Town of Millet also represented by Don Gilmet, and the Rotary Club of Wetaskiwin represented by Dale Cory.
The annual Kick-Off to the Leaders of Tomorrow Awards Program is a time to give recognition and express appreciation to the major sponsors of the program and the other community donors and contributors. The program is dependant upon this support.
Present at the Kick-Off are representatives of the 11 major sponsors, the Wetaskiwin and Area Leaders of Tomorrow Committee, and media representatives. During the brief gathering, the Leaders of Tomorrow Awards Program is described, the representatives of the major sponsors speak briefly and, if their donation is monetary, present their cheque to the Committee. Pictures are taken, and there is conversation, cake and coffee or juice afterwards.
The Major Sponsors are:
Wetaskiwin Royal Canadian Legion #86
Wetaskiwin Credit Union
Reynolds-Alberta Museum
Rotary Club of Wetaskiwin
City of Wetaskiwin FCSS
County of Wetaskiwin
Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools
Manluk Industries
Town of Millet
Alberta 4-H
Saint Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic School Division
Anyone may nominate a young person 6 to 21 years of age for recognition of their leadership and volunteer activities. Nomination forms are available from the City of Wetaskiwin FCSS office, the County of Wetaskiwin office, the Town of Millet office, the Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools Administration office, Sacred Heart School, and various other organizational offices in the community, as well as from the City of Wetaskiwin website www.wetaskiwin.ca/leaders. Nominations must be received at the Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools office by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 28th, 2013.
Since the program began in 1996, 472 young people have been recognized for their volunteer and leadership activities in the community. The nominations are divided into four categories by age: 6 – 11 years, 12 – 14 years, 15 – 17 years, and 18 – 21 years. Every nominee will be recognized at the Awards Ceremony during Volunteer Week and will, among other items, receive a copy of their biography which was read aloud at the event and will have the opportunity to attend an all expenses paid overnight leadership experience at the Alberta 4-H Centre at Battle Lake. A representative will be chosen from each age group, and will also receive additional items including a trophy and a cheque for $100 to present to the non-profit organization of their choice.
It is difficult for the various speakers to find fresh ways of expressing appreciation for the program and its purposes. This year it was Frank Luebke, representing Manluk Industries, who expressed appreciation for the Committee and the hours of work they give to the program. Deanna Specht again had a memorable quote: “A leader takes people where they want to go; a great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go but where they need to go.”