They are two of the best citizens of Humboldt.
During the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce Mark of Excellence Awards on March 7, both the Humboldt and District Junior Citizen and Citizen of the Year received their awards.
This year, Paige Crozon was named Junior Citizen of the Year, for her contributions to the community through various efforts.
Amanda Klitch of JCI Humboldt presented the award to Crozon.
The organization, which consists of young adults between the ages of 18 to 40, believes that in order to create a lasting positive change, people should strive to improve themselves and the world around them. They strive to find better solutions, build better communities and help create a better future.
"All of these attributes we see in the very deserving recipient of the Junior Citizen of the Year," said Klitch. "Needless to say, Paige Crozon is an exceptional human being."
Crozon, who is currently a Grade 12 student at Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI) is very involved in sports, including volleyball, track, speed swimming, hockey and basketball. She has not only represented Humboldt in her home province - Crozon also played basketball nationally with Team Saskatchewan and internationally with Team Canada.
When she is not playing sports, Crozon is involved in her community in other ways. She is co-president of HCI's Student Representative Council and attends City Council meetings as a Youth Councillor.
Crozon will be headed to the University of Utah next year through a basketball scholarship.
"We are proud to have her as a member of our local community and that is why she was chosen for Junior Citizen of the Year," said Klitch.
Crozon felt very honoured to be named Junior Citizen of the year.
"Humboldt has been a great place to grow up," said Crozon. "I'm very grateful for the coaches and community for providing me with an opportunity to be involved."
The Citizen of the Year was presented to Joe Dutchak by a close friend, Keri Dalman, editor of the Humboldt Journal.
"Good choice - those were the words we heard over and over again at the Journal after we announced that Joe Dutchak had been named Humboldt and District's 2012 Citizen of the Year," said Dalman. "Many people out there were happy that Joe had won."
Dalman explained that Dutchak is special to many people in the region for a variety of reasons. He is a firefighter, EMT, CPR and First Aid instructor, CAA tow truck driver, volunteer for many organizations and is a good friend to many there when needed.
"Joe believes in simply doing what needs to be done simply by being himself," said Dalman. "He doesn't help people for the recognition it gives him, he does it because he likes to help. It's part of his nature and who he is."
Dalman demonstrated Dutchak's character through the story of how he joined the Humboldt Fire Department. In 1976, Dutchak came across the fire department trying to put out a fire at St. Augustine School. Instead of driving past, Dutchak noticed the firefighters were short-handed and stopped to help.
"How many of us would have done the same thing? Not many at all. That's what makes Joe special, though he is too humble to admit that he is special," said Dalman.
Dutchak was honoured to be named Citizen of the Year, although he feels all volunteers in the community deserve recognition.
"We must all agree that our world would not be complete without the volunteers that help make it function," said Dutchak. "It is certain that without this element that we would have failed to survive as humans. We depend on volunteerism for our present and future, no matter how well our economy thrives."
Without these people and organizations, the community would not be the same, explained Dutchak.
"I know it is impossible to name everyone who should be awarded this type of recognition," said Dutchak. "I would like to use this as an opportunity to encourage all the volunteers to keep up the good work as it does not go unnoticed."
Dutchak explained that he holds very high profile positions in the community, but he feels some of the most important things he has done has been helping those he calls friends.
"Friends must come to the rescue of others during their times in need)," said Dutchak. "This is what takes us to the next level of volunteerism that I feel gets you nominated for Citizen of the Year."
He hopes to continue to be of service to his community on both a civic and personal level.
"I would like to thank my community for the support and the honour that it has bestowed on me," said Dutchak. "I accept this award with the hope I will always have a happy home, right here in our City of Humboldt."
