The Saskatchewan Rivers are well represented in the Queen’s Jubilee Medal presentation

The Saskatchewan River Public School District attended the presentation of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal on Friday, November 18th.

Saskatchewan Government Representative Tim MacLeod presented the medals to Education Director Robert Bratwold, Trustees Barry Holrick, Arne Lindbergh and Grant Gustafsson.

Holrick and Lindbergh were recognized for their contributions to education, and Gustafsson was recognized for their contributions to healthcare. Everyone was surprised to be recognized like that.

“I am shocked, excited and honored to be nominated for the award.

“I was pleasantly surprised when I was first contacted that the medal was being considered,” Holick said. .

Lindbergh, who has been active not only on the Saskatchewan River board but also on the city council and other parts of the community, was surprised to be selected for education.

“At first, I didn’t know what it was for,” he said. “I’ve worked in so many different roles and abilities around town while living here that I thought it was because of my own volunteer work. I was humbled and actually surprised.”

Gustafsson wasn’t the only member of his family to be recognized. His wife Barb also received it.

“I knew I was nominated,” he said. “I’d say I was surprised, but it was just the number of them. We knew what the process was. We don’t do anything ourselves in that house. Even when we were there, we couldn’t just take individual pictures.

Gustafson received this award as he recently retired from the Prince Albert SHARE program.

“I’ve been in that job for more than half my life and that’s where I’m seen,” he said. We have communities, we have state health care awards, and we’ve been awarded for doing the same.”

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (Provincial) commemorates the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne as Queen of Canada. Recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Saskatchewan) must be people of all ages and all professions who have contributed to their community and society. It was special for Bratvold and Horik to be recognized after Queen Elizabeth’s death.

“To be honored at the Queen’s Jubilee at the end of her reign is an interesting piece of work,” Bratvold said. and serving people, and contributing to all sorts of things, and I think there’s something special about that.”

“Queen Elizabeth’s life has been one of service, so I am very happy to see the Saskatchewan government issue these Jubilee Medals,” Holrick added. It was something worth noting that I wanted to do, and I was very happy about it.”

Horik took his medal to a caucus of retired teachers. He said everyone was impressed that the state did something like this, especially for those involved in education.

“It’s been a really good experience,” he said.

Bratvold said it was difficult to win the award because there were so many other people who deserved it. He commended everyone at Sask for their efforts. River school department for his recognition.

“I know that the work we’ve been doing at Sask Rivers isn’t just due to me or one or two other people nominated for this award.” We are honored to be nominated and recognized for this award, but we are fully aware that our success in our category reflects the hard work and outstanding skills of so many people. doing.”

Lindbergh said the reason he came to be educated at all levels was because of the children, from his time as a teacher and principal to serving on the board.

“Being on the school board gives you the opportunity to visit schools and see teachers in action. You can see the light in the children’s eyes when they realize that,” he said. explained. “Just seeing their faces, they just glow. It’s beautiful to see. Something I missed while teaching, but now I can enjoy being part of the school board again.”

Horik recently stepped down as chairman for the rest of the semester and recently celebrated the 65th anniversary of his teaching.

“It was like saying I was humbled because I got a medal for what so many other people in this city are doing,” he said. I was just so honored.”

Gustafsson wasn’t particularly recognized for his education, but he’s part of the picture.

“I know some of the nominated parts when it comes in. That’s the whole background. I’ve already worked on the division board for over 26 years, plus the fact that my kids were on it before they were in school.” I was off the board for a few years after that, but I was still involved at the school level, so it didn’t really disappear,” he said.

Mr. Gustafsson was honored with the award among so many great community members, especially friends like Harris May, fellow SHARE Robin Knudsen, Elder Liz Setty and 11-year-old Larin Constant. So I would say that this day is special.

“You realize that it is people in your circle and you are not the only ones doing something in your community. said Gustafsson.

Horik also thought the cross-section was a great representation of Prince Albert.

“I think it’s great to receive a medal and meet all the other people who have served our community in so many ways and who have dedicated their lives to making Prince Albert a better place,” said Holrick. increase.

Lindbergh ended up describing the entire event as a block party that everyone would visit after the presentation.

“I ran into people I hadn’t seen in years. They were all from Prince Albert, so everyone knew each other,” he said. “It was like a big reunion with people I worked with, people I looked up to, people I looked up to, people who shared the same vision. Everyone who did was not only nominated and awarded a Jubilee Medal, but very humble.”

Holrick knew presenter Tim MacLeod from his previous days on the school board.

“It was a great event. I know Tim McLeod, the former chairman of Moose Jaw, who I know very well and was a good friend of mine when he was on the board. It was a great day, with good photos taken with Tim and a good visit,” Holick said.

michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca