The leaders of tomorrow are in the Okotoks community – and now is the time to recognize them.
Registrations for the 26th annual Leaders of Tomorrow and Heart of Okotoks nominees will run until Feb. 28.
“Lots of people are doing great things this year,” said Jana Giger, Okotoks community wellness and volunteer administrator. “A lot of people were helping out in different ways.”
She said due to COVID-19 many residents went the extra mile in their volunteer efforts – getting groceries for people in the community who were forced to self-isolate, for example, or shovelling a sidewalk after a heavy snowfall.
The Leaders of Tomorrow awards recognizes youths who have contributed to the community. There are elementary, junior high, and high school categories.
The criteria from the Town’s website states: "A student that exhibits leadership, dedication and excellence in any field of volunteer work including school, community, athletics and fine art and inspires the spirit of volunteerism in others. Nominations can be submitted by individuals, community groups, churches, schools and voluntary organizations.”
The criteria for Heart of Okotoks is an adult (18 and over) or group “who has made outstanding contributions to the Okotoks community through its efforts as a volunteer. This awards category demonstrates leadership, passion and commitment for creating a healthy and vibrant community and serves as an inspiration for others.”
Giger said the youth, adults and groups do this volunteer work with little fanfare.
“This highlights and showcases what are youth are doing,” said Giger of the awards. “It’s a way to give them some recognition.
“Our youth do some amazing things and sometimes it goes unnoticed.This is a great platform to nominate and recognize the people of our community.”
This is the third year Giger has worked on the event.
“It’s really inspiring to see people what people do in our community to come together and help each other out,” Giger said. “It’s great to have people come forward and tell what people are doing in the community.”
Traditionally, the Leaders of Tomorrow and Heart of Okotoks nominees and winners were recognized during a banquet during Volunteer Week in April.
Because of COVID-19 it has not yet been determined how the nominees will be recognized this year, but something will be done during Volunteer Week, Giger said.
The Leaders of Tomorrow and Heart of Okotoks Awards are a joint effort of the Town of Okotoks, The Western Wheel and the Rotary Club of Okotoks.
For a nomination form, click here or pick-up a hard copy at the Western Wheel office.
