Strathcona County presented the 2013 Pride of Strathcona Awards to these recipients, with biographies and photos below. Congratulations!
| Recipients (in alphabetical order) | Category |
| Aila Beck-Merritt | Community Service |
| Fayth Chiles | Community Service |
| Diana Dick | Sports and Recreation - Athletic Achievement |
| Gavin Farmer | Arts, Culture and Heritage |
| Joan Faulkner | Community Service |
| Constable Wally Henry | Professional Achievement |
| Lena Kozowy | Community Service |
| Dr. Shawna Pandya | Professional Achievement |
| Henry (Hank) Penner | Community Service |
| Karla Rippin | Community Service |
| Robin Hood Association | Community Service |
| Sherwood Park Royal Purple | Community Service |
| Jim Skitsko | Sports and Recreation - Development |
| Norman Smith | Seniors |
| Ralph Smith | Agricultural Leadership |
| Strathcona County Crime Watch Association | Community Service |
| Wye String Ensemble Society | Arts, Culture and Heritage |
Mayor's Award
Presented to Henry (Hank) Penner
Henry (Hank) Penner
Community Service
Charter President of the Strathcona Unit of the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS) since 2003, Hank Penner has led countless acts of good work throughout our County and province. Recent recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, some of this veteran's many great deeds include a commitment to the cadet program, a host of contributions to better the lives of those at Capital Care Strathcona, and Strathcona County’s yearly Remembrance Day services. He is a force of generosity behind many community projects. Those who know Hank consider the Penner name synonymous to hero.
Robin Hood Association
Community Service
This year, the Robin Hood Association celebrates 50 years of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their personal best and experience quality of life. Intricately partnered with government, health professionals, families and other community groups, the non-profit group provides a place for those with disabilities to feel “happy, hopeful and important.” As adults accessing Robin Hood’s programs express, “The Robin Hood Society teaches us to be our own advocates; we are one big family.”
Diana Dick
Sports and Recreation – Athletic Achievement
Beginning gymnastics as a toddler, Diana Dick immediately demonstrated that she was no ordinary tumble tot; at 10 years old, Diana is on course to represent Canada in the Olympic Games.
Her most recent achievements included winning the All-Around title at the Western Canadian Championships, and being hand-picked to attend a training camp for Canada’s most promising gymnasts. Even with 20+ hours of training each week, Diana has maintained excellent academic achievement in her studies at Woodbridge Farms Elementary School, demonstrating her exceptional work ethic, discipline and focus.
Ralph Smith
Agricultural Leadership
A proud family man, Ralph Smith has served on more than 15 committees, clubs and organizations to advance the betterment of our community. Most predominantly, Ralph’s influence has been vital in the success of Josephburg Grain/Crop 4-H Club, Unifarm, the Josephburg Seed Co-op, the Partridge Hill Community Club, the Josephburg Agricultural Society and Strathcona County’s Energy Exploration Committee. A long-time advocate for the arts, Ralph is also a member of Josephburg Presents, Alberta’s longest running cultural series.
Lena Kozowy and Fayth Chiles
Community Service
On September 12, 2012, Clover Bar Junior High students, Lena Kozowy and Fayth Chiles entered a burning home, saving the lives of two Sherwood Park children. After ensuring Jorden (8) was safely outside, the courageous girls crawled through the smoke-filled house to find Eden (11), who had re-entered the home to find a family pet. Without hesitation, the pair grabbed the girl and guided her to safety, then called 9-1-1. Certainly, their heroic actions exemplify Strathcona County’s caring community spirit.
Gavin Farmer
Arts, Culture and Heritage
Director of Festival Place and a major influence in Strathcona County’s arts scene, Gavin Farmer consistently serves far and above that which his job description demands. Much to the credit of Gavin’s innovation, steadfast ambition and personable skill, Festival Place has an international reputation for excellence. Gavin’s integrity in showcasing exceptional talent has provided a foothold for many now-established performers, and has created outstanding initiatives such as the Café Patio Series, the Black and White Fundraiser, Under the Big Top, and the annual Christmas season musicals.
Norman Smith
Seniors
A dedicated family man, hardworking farmer, generous neighbour and selfless volunteer, Norman Smith embodies qualities rarely found in our busy world. Mr. Smith has been vital to the continued success of the Strathcona Area 5 Senior’s Club, and instrumental in the formation of the Josephburg Water Co-op, the Josephburg Agricultural Society, and in the success of the society’s Josephburg Chicken Supper. Norman’s achievements are an outstanding example of what hard work, commitment and perseverance can accomplish.
Jim Skitsko
Sports and Recreation – Development
Although his statistical record would suggest otherwise, Coach Jim Stitsko is more concerned with producing valuable members of society than winning players. The many-time named Coach of the Year has provided Strathcona County’s youth with moral guidance and educational opportunities for more than 18 years, dedicating more than 500 hours annually to the development of sportsmanship. Coach Skitsko is also responsible for the creation of a student bursary that encourages post-secondary education. To date, the bursary is $1000, and has been awarded to students 100 times.
Dr. Shawna Pandya
Professional Achievement
Visionary Shawna Pandya is a volunteer without borders. Sharing her skills and altruism throughout the world, some of Dr. Pandya’s many philanthropic efforts include developing tele-medicine programs to reach rural areas across the globe; performing surgery and orthopaedic care for Doctors without Borders; presenting her ideas with TEDEX Edmonton; and founding, serving and/or influencing committees, projects and programs throughout Strathcona County. An advocate for global well-being, mental health initiatives and community promotion, and a pioneer of medicine and academia, Dr. Shawna Pandya has benefited humanity in ways too numerous to list.
Joan Faulkner
Community Service
A pivotal player in both the University of Alberta Hospital’s Festival of Trees and Strathcona County's Communities in Bloom, Joan Faulkner is largely responsible for keeping the seasons festive, bright and beautiful. In her 27 years of volunteer effort, Joan has raised millions of dollars for the hospital, benefiting the lives of all Albertans. Even with an unending nature for artistic fundraising efforts, Joan always has a smile on her face and a helpful attitude, sharing her contagious commitment and creativity with all she meets.
Strathcona County Crime Watch Association
Community Service
Established in 1994, the Strathcona County Crime Watch Association serves as well-informed eyes and ears in the community, assisting police on numerous crime prevention initiatives. It has also branched out to create a webpage with real-time updates, safety tips and news features for County residents. As well, these volunteers have developed another stand-alone group, Citizens on Patrol, and are establishing a business watch program. Through countless hours of fundraising tasks, administrative work and patrolling efforts, Crime Watch has proved to be an invaluable service to our community.
Wye String Ensemble Society
Arts, Culture and Heritage
The members of the Wye String Ensemble Society have dedicated their talents to enriching the lives of Strathcona County’s citizens through classical music. They also encourage musicians in all stages of their careers through scholarships, camps, educational programs and performing opportunities. Contributing to the cultural milieu in Strathcona County, the Wye String Ensemble Society offers an artistic experience to County residents—a source of pride for our community.
Karla Rippin
Community Service
Affectionately known as “head gopher,” Karla Rippin is recognized for her outstanding dedication to her role as head gardener of the Bev Facey Community Garden. Karla has increased food bank donations, pioneered ecological efforts and provided the citizens of Strathcona with healthful opportunities. A certified organic master gardener, Karla is as much a patient teacher as she is a dedicated student. Under her tireless tutelage, bonds blossom as young and old alike learn of horticulture, sustainability and the production of local food.
Cst. Wallace Henry
Professional Achievement
An RCMP member for 20+ years, Constable Wally Henry has been the “face of the Strathcona County detachment” since taking the role of Media Liaison in 2008. Renowned for his professionalism and authority, those who know Wally insist that no other is more deserving of the Professional Achievement Award. Aside from his outstanding work performance, Wally also serves as the volunteer leader and mentor of various organizations including Citizens on Patrol, Strathcona County’s RCMP Auxiliary program, and acting liaison of Victim Services.
Aila Beck-Merritt
Community Service
Ask Aila Beck-Merritt why she is serving community breakfasts, campaigning for a playground, raising funds for a friend in need, organizing animal evacuations, or even chasing down a neighbour’s lost horse, and she will tell you, “This is what you do when you are part of a community.” An active leader in the South Cooking Lake Community League, and the Chair of Trail Days, Aila’s warm smile and thoughtful nature represent the best of our community. To many, Aila Beck-Merritt’s name represents community itself.
Sherwood Park Royal Purple
Community Service
Celebrating 50 years of service, the Sherwood Park Royal Purple is a group of approximately 30 women dedicated to the betterment of community through service to non-profit agencies, while promoting self-growth and having a good time. Their legacy of service includes assisting such groups as the Robin Hood Association, A Safe Place: Strathcona County’s Women’s Shelter, and the Christmas Bureau. An invaluable asset to our community, the Sherwood Park Royal Purple is the dynamic energy behind some of Strathcona’s most essential organizations.
