Hard work from two Ponoka youths has earned them silver Duke of Edinburgh medals.
Sarah Nicholson and Zachary Littlewood received their awards from Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Lois Mitchell Friday, Nov. 13 at the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary.
Winning the award is a result of dedication and time to complete five specific tasks including community service, adventure, recreation and other skills. Nicholson is in Grade 11 and she was pleased to receive the award. She used the skill of gymnastics coaching to help her complete the job.
“I was already doing it, so just started keeping track of the dates,” said Nicholson.
Looking at the many activities she takes part in helped Nicholson realize how busy she has been in the last few years. Since she heard she had earned the award, Nicholson has already started the process to aim for the gold. This involves more time and additional community service.
“This one’s a lot harder. It’s a whole year of everything,” Nicholson stated.
“It actually is a really good way to get citizenship,” she added.
Littlewood was nervous during the ceremony, being the first up to receive the award. He said taking on the silver medal took some extra time. He is now in college studying videography and is continuing his pursuit to earn the gold medal. Littlewood is now five to six months into the third challenge.
He looks forward to the opportunity to prove himself.