If community strength is measured by the number of people who pitch in as volunteers, Sturgeon County is in great shape.
Mayor Don Rigney opened last week's Sturgeon County Volunteer Appreciation Night by noting that he was happy to see so many people at a positive event to recognize many worthy community members.
Master of ceremonies Coun. Tom Flynn said volunteers are modest, but the municipality wanted to recognize them.
"Sturgeon is so proud of its many community-minded citizens," said Flynn.
The most important award of the night was the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, and 12 Sturgeon individuals or groups were nominated. The winner was Susan Evans.
Evans has a very full resume when it comes to community service. She has recently been spokesperson for the St. Albert Sturgeon Early Years Coalition, she is very active in the Rotary Club of Morinville and has been recognized for school council work for Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools in the past, just to name a few things.
Building blocks
Members of the Sturgeon County Youth Council, including Travis, Natasha, Diamond, Jarrod and Curtis, presented two Building Blocks of the Community awards to Sturgeon Composite High School teachers Sheila Reed and Michelle Boucher. (The youth members didn't want their last names published.)
"Sheila Reed puts her students first," said Diamond. "She is the kindest, most sincere person."
Natasha said Boucher is defined by her compassion and is not only a first-class teacher, "She also cares deeply about her students."
Natasha said Boucher is a reliable and understanding support for students.
Rigney and council also presented to a number of municipal boards and commissions, along with dozens of community volunteer and non-profit groups. In addition, Rigney and council presented a number of grant cheques to various organizations.
