4 Sask. teens recognized with 2016 Junior Citizen of the Year Award

Four Saskatchewan teens were honoured with the Junior Citizen of the Year Award in a ceremony Monday at Government House.

The award recognizes young people who have made positive contributions to their communities in a number of ways.

One of those people who was honored was Gillesa Bolton, 18, from Macklin, which is near the Alberta border. She is an active volunteer, working with Telemiracle and as well serves as the co-president of Students Against Destructive Decision at her school

“This is the greatest honor I have ever received ever. It was amazing.”

Bolton said that the award also meant a lot to her family, including her mother who she called her number one supporter.

“My mom has had epilepsy … recently she got brain surgery and it got rid of the epilepsy thankfully.”

Bolton said her mom’s battle with epilepsy was hard on the family.

“For a while it was just a big struggle on our family and it cost us a lot of things.”

Bolton said she spent this time trying to help out in any way that she could.

“(Mom) wanted to drive around a lot. At the time I didn’t have my licence, but we did go for walks. I tried to be there for her as much as I could be.”

Three other Saskatchewan teens were also honored – Kalicia Chorney, 18, from Nipawin; Rebecca Duncan, 11, from Estevan; and Jordan Howie, 18, from Estevan.

Each of the award winners will get $3,000 for their post-secondary education.