Long time volunteer in Drumheller and beyond, Becky Kowalchuk, was named 2013 Drumheller Rotary Club Citizen of the Year.
The annual Celebration of Excellence was celebrated on Saturday, May 25 at the Badlands Community Facility. Kowalchuk and Bev Krabsen were the finalists for the prestigious award.
“I feel so truly honoured by this, especially considering it’s Drumheller’s Centennial. The Drumheller Rotary Club is a highly regarded group of citizens and to be recognized by you is a great honour,” said Kowalchuk.
Becky Kowalchuk was named 2013 Citizen of the Year at the Annual Celebration of Excellence last Saturday night at the Badlands Community Facility. Marina Flater was named most Courteous Employee of the Year. At the presentation are (l-r) Most Courteous Employee Marina Flater, Mayor Terry Yemen, Citizen of the Year Becky Kowalchuk, runner-up Bev Krabsen, MP Kevin Sorenson, Rotary President Brent Pedersen and Most Courteous Employee runner–up Stacy McLean.
John Sparling put Kowalchuk’s name forward and her resume shows a 30-year history of volunteerism in the community. This ranged from volunteering with sports clubs when her children participated in school activities, to arts and cultural projects such as Kaleidoscope Theatre and the East Coulee Spring Festival. Most recently, she was part of the Olympic Torch Relay Drumheller Organizing Committee and is part of the Dinosaur Valley Half Marathon organizing committee.
“Becky has actively and effectively contributed by assuming various roles on community associations and projects,” said Sparling at the ceremony. “Regardless of what role Becky has in associations, she has unbridled enthusiasm and gives her all. Becky is task oriented and always does more than what is expected of her.”
Kowalchuk is a long time employee of the Royal Tyrrell Museum and Sparling says she is often “loaned out” by the museum to contribute to community projects. She never comes single handed either, often inspiring others, be it family, friends or coworkers to support whatever the project is. Sparling quoted Colin Kloot, who worked closely with her on the Dinosaur Half.
“Becky’s list of contacts in the community is of immense worth to our committee, as it is very apparent she has built a legion of people who are willing to give their time to her or whatever her cause may be.”
Kowalchuk wasn’t the only winner. Marina Flater was named Most Courteous Employee. She was a finalist along with Stacy McLean for the award.
Marina described the honour of being selected as “ridiculously amazing.”
Flater’s enthusiasm for whatever she does is infectious. She has played many roles in the community, and most recently is part of the team at the Badlands Community Facility, working as a booking specialist.
“She is equally skilled at meeting the needs of frantic brides as she is with corporate officers,” said her nominator, who wished to remain anonymous. “Marina makes you feel listened to and understood and then she bends over backwards to try and accommodate all the important details of your special occasion. She is a problem solver with a common sense approach.”
This year saw a return to a partnership with the Rotary Club and the Town of Drumheller for the Celebration of Excellence. The Leaders of Tomorrow awards were presented at this year’s celebration. These awards honour the contribution of youth in the community.
Ocean Anthony-Bossert of St. Anthony’s School, Madison Colberg and Travis Molzan of DVSS were named winners of the Leaders of Tomorrow Award, as was Rayann Soledad, who graduated from DVSS last year.
The Town of Drumheller presented the Leaders of Tomorrow Awards at the Celebration of Excellence. At the presentation are (l-r) director of Community Services Paul Salvatore, Rayann Soledad, Ocean Anthony-Bossert and Mayor Terry Yemen. Missing is Travis Molzan.
Madison Colberg was named one of the recipients of the Leaders of Tomorrow Award. While she wasn’t able to attend the Celebration of Excellence last Saturday, her proud grandparents accepted the award in her stead. At the presentation are (l-r) director of Community Services Paul Salvatore, Irene and John Kohut and Mayor Terry Yemen.
