By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Do current events and know-nothing influencers have you fearing for your province’s future?
Consider perking up your algorithm by exploring a warren of exceptional citizenship tales from Alberta high schools — tales of future and current leaders, in other words, whose smarts, energy and selflessness are already making a difference.
A perfect entry point is the 2025 crop of outstanding Alberta young people honoured Tuesday at Government House in Edmonton.
Among the eight recipients of medallions and $7,000 scholarships under the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Awards are Natasha Murphy, whose outsized contributions have radiated beyond her tiny school in an even tinier hamlet in east-central Alberta.
Natasha’s dedication to her community’s well-being has included teaching newcomers English, co-ordinating a children’s mental health empowerment program and leading a biweekly community coffee group that fosters connection and inclusion.
Just west of Altario in k.d. lang’s hometown, a multi-sport athlete named Kate Hadwin volunteered with Students Against Drinking and Driving, the Consort Food Bank and the local agricultural society — all while finding time to coach youth sports and thrive within the 4-H ecosystem.
Hadwin, who’s pursuing a bachelor of commerce degree, hopes to return home and apply her business and finance education to supporting the sustainability of her family’s ranch.
Meanwhile, up in Fort McMurray, a student named Baber Akhtar founded and led an organization offering free community health talks from local professionals.
Inclusion, creativity and school spirit abound in a Medicine Hat school, thanks to the efforts of Fatema Riaz, a youth researcher and booster of science, technology, engineering and math.
Medallion winner Jerome Jacob made life more bearable for unhoused folks on the streets of Leduc, providing them with backpacks filled with essential survival items. He organized and led the Backpack Project, and rallied support from local businesses.
Presented annually to eight outstanding Alberta students, the medallions recognize exceptional leadership, citizenship, volunteerism and public service.
“I have always had enormous faith in Alberta’s young people, and this year’s recipients demonstrate a level of creativity, ambition and community spirit that would be remarkable in people twice their age,” said Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani.
“Applying their intellect and leadership skills to make life easier for others is especially noteworthy and reflects the compassion of Queen Elizabeth II. I look forward to seeing where their abilities take them in the future,” she said.
The application window has closed for potential 2026 recipients of the citizenship awards, along with two arts scholarships of $7,000 each under the same program.
The next application intake opens March 1, 2027.
Here’s the list of 2025 recipients:
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Medallion
Baber Akhtar, Fort McMurray Composite High School, Fort McMurray
Kate Hadwin, Consort School, Consort
Jerome Jacob, Christ the King High School, Leduc
Natasha Murphy, Altario School, Altario
Nishka Rai, Westwood Community High School, Fort McMurray
Fatema Riaz, Medicine Hat High School, Medicine Hat
Kamran Shukoor, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, Foothills
Ameena Taher, Old Scona Academic High School, Edmonton
Only Alberta students selected by their high school for the Premier’s Citizenship Award are eligible for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Award.
Performing and Visual Arts Scholarship Recipients
Acacia Sproule, Lacombe
Aryana Ki-Michaels, Calgary
