by Scott Hayes
Describing Habba Mahal as socially minded might only scratch the surface of the young woman’s dedication to bettering her community.
Mahal, a student at Sturgeon Composite High School, was one of eight youths to be awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Citizenship Medal at Edmonton’s Government House on the last day of July.
Mahal was given the prize for being a positive role model and an outstanding leader not only at Sturgeon Composite but throughout her community as well. She is well known for being involved in a number of worldwide humanitarian initiatives and has committed herself to issues of social justice, gender equality and poverty reduction. There are ample reasons that she was well qualified for the prize.
She served as vice-president with her school’s Student Representative Council, was the captain with its Reach for the Top trivia competition team, and helmed the Sturgeon Spiller school newspaper as editor. She also acted as one of seven student facilitators for the Sturgeon School Division’s Mission, Vision, Values and Beliefs Review.
Her volunteer activities include countless hours at the Ronald McDonald House, the Edmonton Reuse Centre, Horse Sense Therapeutic Riding Centre, Aspen House Assisted Living Facility, Junior Achievement, the Gibbons/Bon Accord Food Bank, Youth Empowerment and Support Services, Status of Women Canada, and UNICEF Canada. In her free time, she organized a school-wide 30-Hour Famine to raise awareness about hunger in developing nations.
She was one of five Alberta youths selected to participate in the Change Your World: Alberta Youth Leadership Tour to Nicaragua during the summer of 2013. There, the participants learned about sustainable human development, climate change and social justice by visiting villages and distributing water wells, eco-stoves, and other necessities to local residents.
Later, she participated in a speaking tour across Alberta to share her experiences with her peers and prove that individuals can make a real difference in the world.
Colin Piquette, MLA for Athabasca-Sturgeon-Redwater, said that it was obvious why she was one of the eight prizewinners. She earned it with hard work.
“After finding out all the activities Habba has been involved with, I can see why she has been given this award. It is well earned,” he began.
“From volunteering with local groups … to raising awareness about global issues by organizing fasts and travelling to Nicaragua to learn firsthand about the challenges faced in the developing nations, Habba is a true leader in our community and a credit to her province. I can’t wait to see what else she achieves in the years to come.”
Mahal was unable to attend the ceremony so her father accepted the award on her behalf. She was also unavailable for comment. She is currently enrolled in the science program at the University of Alberta.
Joining her as the other winners of the medal for 2014 include Sandon Law (Calgary), Jianna Marin (Lloydminster), Marissa Nahirney (Calgary), Rohan Nuttall (Edmonton), Thomas Pomerleau (Edmonton), Elise Pullar (Calgary) and Anna-Marie Robertson (Edmonton).
“These outstanding young Albertans exemplify the importance of thoughtful and engaged citizenship. Through their commitment to volunteerism and inspiring leadership, they’ve created positive change in their communities and helped strengthen the quality of life here in Alberta and around the world,” stated Lt.-Gov. Lois Mitchell.
The Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Citizenship Medal was established 13 years ago to mark the 50th anniversary of her majesty’s ascension to the throne in 1952. The award recognizes the outstanding citizenship, leadership, community service and volunteerism of eight youths as selected from all Alberta high school students who receive the Premier's Citizenship Award each year.
That award recognizes high school graduates who have demonstrated their commitment to improving Alberta communities through public service and volunteer work. One such award is provided to each and every Alberta high school each year.
The Golden Jubilee Citizenship Medal includes a $5,000 cheque along with a letter of commendation presented by the Lieutenant Governor.
“It takes hard work and perseverance to make a difference, whether in your own community or abroad,” said David Eggen, minister of culture and tourism. “These young people had the courage and the passion to pursue their goals. They have helped make Alberta a better place while expanding their personal experiences.”
