Heisler student receives silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
On Friday, Nov. 13, 32 Alberta youth were presented with the silver Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award by Her Honour, The Honourable Lois Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
The awards were held in Calgary, at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel, and Heisler’s Colton Congdon was one of the accomplished recipients this year.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award requires commitment to social responsibility, leadership, self-discipline, teamwork, and achievement.
His Royal Heighness The Prince Philip launched The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 1956.
It was started in Alberta in 1965 by a group of Alberta leaders and educators to foster and develop young leaders.
The Award has expanded to eight million participants worldwide, including 37,000 in Canada and over 6,300 in Alberta.
Youth ages 14 to 24, regardless of physical or mental abilities, social, economic, religious, or ethnic backgrounds, can participate in the program.
This year’s 32 recipients have collectively volunteered over 1,500 hours in their respective communities, and were physically active for over 2,500 hours total.
Congdon participated in the program through the Killam Community Youth Challenge, led by Cst. Joe Lewanczuk, as well as through the Golden Prairie 4-H Club.
Congdon has been involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award since he was 15.
“Every element of it has been amazingly beneficial for me,” he said.
Through his pursuit of the various Award levels, Congdon has spent many hours volunteering with Heisler public works, and he is also a part of the Daysland Alliance Church Youth.
“I have also become more active with my exercise and outdoor activities, such as running, biking, and parkour,” he said.
He added that he most enjoys the physical aspects of the award.
Congdon chose archery for the skills portion of the requirements, and uses a compound bow.
He attended a winter survival camp in Caroline, and went on canoe trips on both the Red Deer and North Saskatchewan Rivers to complete his Adventurous Journeys for the Award.
Following his completion of high school, Congdon plans to attend the International Air and Land Emergency Resource Team Academy (ALERT) in Texas.
He hopes to become a law enforcement officer for the RCMP or for a city police force.
Megan Lockhart
Staff Reporter
