It’s time to put on thinking caps for Ponoka residents to consider the leadership efforts of Ponoka’s youth.
For the 19th year, the Leaders of Tomorrow program, which supports volunteerism among youths is underway and people are encouraged to pick up a form and nominate someone they think has gone over and above what is expected of them.
Committee member Nathan McEntee says the awards ceremony gives kids a chance to see the importance of volunteering. “It’s a great way to give youth in our community and surrounding area, just to give them recognition.”
Thanks to financial support from Rowland, Parker and Associates and Sirrs Law Group, the Leaders of Tomorrow program, which has been running for the last 19 years, will be able to run for at least five more years, explained McEntee.
Anyone wishing to make a nomination can grab a form at any of the schools in Ponoka and in surrounding areas.
There are four categories this year:
• Primary – Kindergarten to Grade 3
• Elementary – grades 4 to 6
• Junior – grades 7 to 9
• Senior – grades 10 to 12
Judges are from outside of the community and they evaluate each nomination based on the criteria. Every youth who is nominated will also be invited to a 4-H leadership workshop in the summer.
The deadline for nominations is Feb. 27 with the awards ceremony to take place April 12.