Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has celebrated the achievements of some of its most promising young citizens by presenting the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Awards, recognising students and emerging artists for their outstanding contributions to leadership, volunteerism, community service and the arts.
The awards were presented during a ceremony at Government House in Edmonton on July 14, jointly hosted by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Alberta government.
Eight students from across the province received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Medallion, an honour that acknowledges exceptional commitment to public service, leadership and community involvement. The award pays tribute to young Albertans whose efforts reflect the values of service and compassion associated with Queen Elizabeth II.
Speaking at the event, Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani praised the recipients for demonstrating maturity, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility at an early age. She said their willingness to use their talents for the benefit of others highlighted the leadership potential of Alberta’s youth.
Alberta’s Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, Tanya Fir, said the recipients have already begun making a meaningful impact in their communities. She noted that their achievements represent the spirit of excellence and civic responsibility that the awards are designed to encourage.
In addition to the citizenship honours, the province also recognised two young artists with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Scholarships. The scholarships are awarded to emerging talents in the visual and performing arts, providing support to help them continue developing their creative careers while contributing to Alberta’s cultural landscape.
This year’s Citizenship Medallion recipients came from schools across Alberta, including Fort McMurray, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Leduc, Consort, Altario and the Foothills region, reflecting the diversity of young leaders making a difference throughout the province.
The two scholarship recipients, representing Lacombe and Calgary, were honoured for their artistic excellence, originality and dedication to their craft.
Provincial officials congratulated all the recipients, saying their accomplishments demonstrate the positive role young Albertans are playing in strengthening communities and shaping the province’s future.
