Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #06-148
June 22, 2006
Yukon Youth Honoured With Duke Of Edinburgh's Awards
WHITEHORSE - Yukon Commissioner Geraldine Van Bibber is pleased to congratulate the Yukon recipients of the 2006 Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Awards.
Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, presented the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Awards to 110 young recipients, at a ceremony held in Vancouver last week. Crystal Dunn, Angela Matson and Tiffany Bogaard, all of Whitehorse, received awards.
"I am so proud of these young individuals for their hard work and accomplishments," Commissioner Van Bibber said. "The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards emphasize the importance of good citizenship, leadership and community service. They also encourage the development of leaders among our young citizens."
"I was totally star stuck with meeting Prince Edward," Angela Matson said. "My family and friends were proud of me for working hard to get this award, and that felt great."
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award promotes good citizenship and self-improvement through accomplishment of four requirements: volunteer community service; pursuit of physical fitness; development of a skill; and completion of a challenging wilderness expedition. At the gold level candidates must participate in a residential project, which includes six days with peers from other towns in a camp setting.
The Commissioner also extended her thanks to Michael Marek, a former Yukon resident who has a long affiliation with The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards and who was involved in a special way in this year's awards to Yukon youth.
"Mr. Marek made sure the girls saw a bit of Vancouver and he also treated them to dinners and movies. The extent of his participation in this event was outstanding," Van Bibber added. "Michael's demonstration of support for youth and for leadership is what Canada is all about."
Crystal Dunn was a member of a cadet sports shooting team, who ventured on a grueling Chilkoot Trail expedition, who enjoyed wrestling and volunteering over 100 hours of community service. She completed her residential project at an army cadet camp in Vernon, B.C.
Angela Matson discovered the beauty of the Kluane National Park during her wilderness trip. Her skill was the creation of beads as jewelry pieces. Her residential project took her to Nova Scotia to the Scouts Canada Jamboree.
Tiffany Bogaard, who is currently pursuing studies in Nelson, British Columbia, completed her award requirements in Whitehorse. She enjoys playing music, especially clarinet, and is active in biathlon training. Ms. Bogaard's expedition took her onto the slopes of the Chilkoot Trail. Her community service was done through the Whitehorse cadet corps, which supports major community events in town.
For more information on The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards visit the following web site: http://www.dukeofed.org/bcyukon/index.htm.
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Contact:
Cathy Cheeseman or Lawna MacLeod
Commissioner's Office
(867) 667-5121
cathy.cheeseman@gov.yk.ca
lawna.macleod@gov.yk.ca
Crystal Dunn, Angela Matson and Tiffany Bogaard (left to right) of the Yukon are seen talking about their experience to His Royal Highness Prince Edward. All were members of the 2685 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (Yukon Regiment) in Whitehorse and earned their Gold award over the last three years.
