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Teens win Duke of Edinburgh's International silver award

Two Rimbey area teens are among 26 Alberta youth who were presented with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Silver Award.

By Treena Mielke

Two Rimbey area teens are among 26 Alberta youth who will be presented with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Silver Award next Friday.

The awards are to be presented by The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Lois E. Mitchell at the Government House.

Cody Johns and Alida Granson, both 17 and members of the 65 Ponoka Air Cadets are recipients of the prestigious award.

The teens are pleased and excited about the honour.

“I have learned a lot as a person while working towards the award,” said Johns. “It’s taught me a lot about helping, physical fitness and the importance of working towards a goal.”

Johns, who is a flight sergeant with the Ponoka Air Cadets helps out with the local legion and is active in basketball, hockey, curling and golf.

Granson also volunteers and enjoys riding horses.

She has been in cadets for five years and holds the rank of Warrant Officer Second Class.

She especially enjoys aviation.

“It’s really great that I have been able to accomplish the skills necessary to win the award,” she said.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Silver Award is presented to Alberta youth ages 14 to 24. Each recipient has achieved a silver award by volunteering, learning a new skill, participating in physical recreation and an adventurous journey.

The award educates and motivates youth to become well-rounded citizens equipped with invaluable life skills by exploring their potential, taking on new challenges, giving back to their communities and achieving success.

It is a non-academic, self-directed program based on experiential learning. The award is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, ability, ethnicity, or gender.

The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta acts as honorary hair of the awards program in Alberta and presents all silver awards.

There are 6,000 Alberta youth registered in the program.