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Mayor and Community Recognition Gala
2025 Award Categories & Recipients
Congratulations to the recipients of this years
Mayor and Community Recognition Gala Awards
ARTS & MUSIC
The Arts and Music Award celebrates the extraordinary talent and creativity of local artists and musicians who have made significant contributions to Drayton Valley. This award recognizes those who have experienced achievements in the industry, have a positive impact, embrace innovation, and use their talents to teach and inspire others in our community.
The arts and music are vital to the cultural fabric of our town, and tonight, we honor those who enrich our lives with their creativity and passion
The recipients of this years Art & Music Award are:
Ayla Gartner
Erin Kay
Graham Long
Heather Karlstrom
Liz Lauer
Theresa Dufault
BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT
The Business Achievement Award recognizes a local business or corporation that has set a remarkable standard in our community. This award honors a business that has not only experienced substantial growth but also excels in customer service, demonstrates innovation in its core business model, or incorporates environmentally responsible practices.
The businesses we celebrate tonight are not just contributors to our economy—they are trailblazers, setting examples for others to follow. They remind us of the power of innovation, dedication, and responsibility in driving our community forward. Let’s take a moment to honor their outstanding achievements and commitment to making Drayton Valley a better place to live and work.
The recipients of this years Business Achievement Award are:
Amber Plaquin
DV Mighty Learners
Jasmin Voravongsa
Karla James
Kevin & Lori Young
Kevin Chehade
Ryan Fynn
Sugar Shack
Tri Electric Ltd.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
The Community Spirit Award celebrates the heart and soul of Drayton Valley. This award is given to an individual, organization, or not-for-profit group that makes a significant and ongoing voluntary contribution to our community. The recipients of this award display outstanding commitment to community enrichment, humanitarian service, and the well-being of others.
Their selfless, courageous, and compassionate acts have improved the lives of those in need and have left a lasting impact on our town. Tonight, we recognize their remarkable efforts and thank them for their unwavering dedication to making Drayton Valley a better place for all.
The recipients of this years Community Spirit Award are:
Carolin Charron
Danna Cropley
Dylan Fulks
Jennifer Myslicki
Karen Hickerty
Kelly Forster – Unable to attend
Kickstand Drayton Valley Youth Hub
Les Hewlett
Lesley Gigg
Lori Noble & Amanda Krick
Lynn Belanger
Opportunity Home
Ryan Fynn
Sam Itchay
Tessa Viljoen-Hann
Trisha Howes
EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS
The Excellence in Athletics Award is presented to an individual, team, or coach who has shown outstanding dedication to their sport and to our community. This award honors those who display excellence in athletic endeavors, good sportsmanship, and a commitment to their training programs.
Whether they compete at an amateur or professional level, or volunteer throughout the community, these athletes bring pride to Drayton Valley with their accomplishments. Tonight, we recognize their dedication, talent, and the positive influence they have on our town.
The recipients of this years Excellence in Athletics Award are:
Bill Campbell
Cody Blackmore
Representing the Drayton Valley Drillers Ringette U16 team:
- Head Coach: James Bullock,
- Assistant Coaches: Chris & Melissa Trider
Joanne Nelson
Mandy Layden
Susan Aarts
Tiff Fertig
HEALTHCARE & EMERGENCY SERVICES
Our next award is the Healthcare & Emergency Services Award, which honors individuals who work in healthcare or emergency services. These are the people who display outstanding compassion and commitment in their fields, focusing on efforts to improve the well-being of people in our community.
Whether it’s a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, ambulance worker, RCMP officer, or firefighter, these individuals make a difference every day by improving our quality of life through their selfless, courageous, and compassionate actions. Tonight, we recognize and celebrate their contributions to the safety, health, and well-being of Drayton Valley.
The recipients of this years Healthcare & Emergency Services Award are:
Colleen Sekura
Dr. Michael Murphy
Krista Hanas
Raymond Houle
Ryan Hoetmer
Sheila Blackwood – Unable to attend
Teri Yurkewich
NEW COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
The New Community Organization Award is given to an organization that has been created within the last 18 months and is already making a significant impact in Drayton Valley. This award recognizes groups that are volunteering or contributing to improve the quality of life in our town and are providing new and innovative opportunities for our community to engage.
These organizations are the lifeblood of our community, bringing fresh ideas and energy to Drayton Valley. We celebrate their success and look forward to the continued positive impact they will have on our town.
The recipients of this years New Community Organization Award is:
Wendy Snow
OIL & GAS
The Oil and Gas Award is presented to a local business or corporation in the oil and gas sector that has made significant contributions to our community. This award is special because it reflects the impact a company has, not just within the industry but in the lives of its employees and the broader community.
The nominees in this category have been put forward by their employees, which speaks volumes about the positive impact they have within the workplace. These businesses are involved in community functions and events, they make a difference in the workplace, and they support their employees in meaningful ways. Tonight, we honor their commitment to both community and workplace excellence.
The recipient of this years Oil & Gas Award is:
Stephen Fertig
Representing Nelson Bros.: Mitch Nelson
TEACHERS/EDUCATORS
The Teachers/Educators Award recognizes those who are shaping the future of our community by making a difference in the lives of their peers and our youth. This award honors teachers and educators who show compassion and a love for teaching, who utilize their talents and creativity to help our youth achieve their goals through extracurricular activities, and who serve as positive role models.
Educators play a crucial role in building a brighter future for Drayton Valley, and tonight, we celebrate their dedication to nurturing the minds and hearts of our young people.
The recipients of this years Teacher & Educators Award are:
Deanna Lang
Denise Perry
Georgeina McGee
Grace Wheaton
Joelle Vig
Julia Kormysh
Keri-Lynn Clark
Melissa Tuleta
Michelle Wirstiuk
Shannon Davie
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
The Youth Empowerment Award shines a spotlight on the remarkable young individuals in our community who are making a difference. This award is for those under 18 who volunteer throughout the community, utilize their talents and creativity to tackle pressing challenges, and make a positive impact on the lives of their peers.
These young leaders are the future of Drayton Valley, and their commitment to making our town a better place is truly inspiring. Tonight, we honor their contributions and encourage them to continue leading with passion and purpose.
The recipients of this years Youth Empowerment Award are:
Katrina Hamilton
Tyler Lamanilao
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