Junior Citizens of the Year Announced

Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty, the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association (SWNA) and SaskPower announced today the names of the recipients of the 2021 Junior Citizen of the Year Award, including:

• Megan Ebel, Weyburn

• Darshana Lanke, Saskatoon

• Michael Pelechaty, Prince Albert

• Ashya Siermachesky, Melfort

“The 2021 Junior Citizens of the Year are very impressive individuals,” said Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty. “Despite personal challenges, each recipient has made remarkable contributions to their family, school and community and is very deserving of this prestigious award. I am grateful to the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association for managing this award program and to SaskPower for encouraging youth through a generous bursary.”

“This year, as in all years, all recipients of this award are outstanding examples of Saskatchewan’s extraordinary youth,” said SWNA Executive Director Steve Nixon. “Choosing just four from a large selection of deserving nominations was incredibly challenging. It is an honour for SWNA to lead this long-standing award and to recognize such deserving recipients.”

“These four individuals are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Honourable Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskPower. “The passion and dedication of these youth serve as an inspiration and a reminder that the future in Saskatchewan is bright.”

Sponsored by SWNA in partnership with SaskPower and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the Award recognizes young people (8 to 18 years of age) for their ability to overcome challenges, their positive lifestyles, community and school spirit, and their caring and responsibility. Each award recipient receives a $3,000 bursary provided by SaskPower.

Visit www.ltgov.sk.ca on Wednesday, June 23rd at 1:30 pm to watch the virtual 2021 Junior Citizen of the Year award ceremony. For those unable to join at that time, the video link will remain available on the website.

Media information:

Carolyn Speirs, Office of the Lieutenant Governor

306-787-6460, carolyn.speirs@gov.sk.ca

2021 Saskatchewan Junior Citizens of the Year

Megan Ebel, Weyburn

Despite extraordinary personal challenges, Megan Ebel completed high school with high grades, and made outstanding contributions to her family, school and community. Sadly, Megan lost her father to cancer, and her mother underwent treatment for cancer, as well. Megan, herself, had hip surgery and was in a serious car accident. Despite these hardships, Megan graduated from Grade 12 with a 90% average. She served as co-chair of her Student Representative Council, and as Youth Mayor for the City of Weyburn Youth Council. She also served as co-president of a highly successful Junior Achievement company, which chose to donate proceeds to the Canadian Mental Health Association and to a local family in need. In addition, Megan organized a COVID-friendly high school graduation “reverse parade.” Throughout her family’s difficulties, Megan took on many chores at home, including assisting her younger brother when he was treated for a dislocated shoulder. Megan has been described as a caring and community-minded person, who inspires others to help make the world a better place.

Darshana Lanke, Saskatoon

Darshana Lanke is an exceptional academic who has made remarkable contributions to her community. Immigrating to Canada with her family at the age of 2, Darshana faced challenges as a first-generation Canadian, and as a young person with a visible skin condition where her skin cells lost pigmentation. Despite these challenges, Darshana graduated from high school with a 95% average and can speak 5 languages. She has represented Saskatchewan on 3 occasions at the Canadian Science Fair, receiving the bronze medal for her research in 2017. She has volunteered for Ronald McDonald House, where she has made homemade baking for residents and their families. She has organized musical groups to perform at the Canadian Cancer Society’s Saskatoon Relay for Life, and has been a volunteer for Nutrien Wonderhub, mentoring grade 9 students. Darshana was a founder of Youth 4 Change, which supports the Lung Association of Saskatchewan in educating youth about the dangers of vaping. This group lobbied government to pass Bill 182, The Tobacco and Vaping Control Act, which protects youth from the dangers of vaping. Darshana has been described as a strong, kind and courageous individual, who believes that everyone can contribute to their community.

Michael Pelechaty, Prince Albert

Michael Pelechaty was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at birth, but has never let this diagnosis define him. With the assistance of a cochlear implant and speech therapy, Michael has become a strong communicator, who has contributed to his school and community in many ways. Michael has played competitive volleyball and bowling, and in 2020 earned a place on the Saskatchewan youth 5-pin bowling team. He has participated in the Saskatchewan Royal Purple and Elks Walk-a-thon and has been a guest speaker to raise awareness about cochlear implants and the Saskatchewan Pediatric Auditory Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC). He was a finalist in the Scotia Bank Game Changers competition, which honours local heroes who demonstrate commitment and leadership. Through this program, Michael was able to donate $1,000 to a charity of his choice, and he chose SPARC. Michael participated in the Sask AG Bell Camp for hearing impaired children and now as a young adult, he will become a mentor at the camp. Michael has been described as reliable and respectful, and as a person who never hesitates to offer a helping hand to those in need.

Ashya Siermachesky, Melfort

At just 12 years-old, Ashya Siermachesky has demonstrated responsibility far beyond her years. When Ashya’s father suffered a life-threatening health crisis, her mother stayed with him at the ICU in Saskatoon for a month. Ashya ran the household and the farm, caring for her younger sisters, as well as the chickens, cows and horses, all while managing the challenge of freezing water and pipes in the house at 40 below temperatures. Ashya herself manages a physical disability requiring the assistance of an orthopedic specialist, but this has never held her back in her passion for animal husbandry and her dream of becoming a veterinarian. In response to COVID restrictions, Ashya decided to write letters to seniors in the local care home; several wrote back to express their gratitude and they are still writing each other! Ashya has been described as hardworking and trustworthy, and as a person who wants those around her to achieve their best.