WEYBURN – The Weyburn YF Wives hosted their first-ever Women of Distinction Awards Gala on Friday evening at McKenna Hall, and awards were presented in four categories.
The sold-out event was emceed by Dallen Hodgkin and Rhea Barber, with guest speaker Arlene Dobson, principal of Legacy Park Elementary School, and DJ Richy Roy provided music for the evening.
The supper was served by members of the Young Fellows Club and the YF Wives Club.
Addressing the nominees, Dobson said, “Each one of you made a significant impact in each of your fields, and you be recognized for your achievements in the community.”
She provided her thoughts on what it means to be a woman of distinction, noting the definition of “distinction” is “excellence that sets someone apart from others.”
Characteristics of such a woman include strength to face the challenges in front of them and to carry on in the face of adversity; confidence in her ability to do whatever she needs to and to stick with it; and she is a risk taker, said Dobson.
“She learns from her mistakes … as an opportunity to learn and become a better person,” she added, noting “she takes care of herself. She takes time to slow down to take care of her health and wellness to keep her life balanced, so she can continue her journey.”
Dobson said we need to celebrate each other’s success, such as this awards gala is doing to “celebrate the beautiful women of Weyburn”.
The key for a woman of distinction are her relationships, she said, noting this has been key for her in her career, from her mother to sisters, grandmothers, colleagues and friends.
“Relationships give us a sense of purpose, keep us accountable and give us a sense of belonging. It’s through these characteristics which can build those lifelong relationships,” said Dobson.
The Weyburn Credit Union Workplace Excellence Award, presented by Krista Hubic, went to Tamara Seghers of Fletcher’s Funeral Chapel.
The other nominees were Terra Hartley-Ortman, Anne Phair and Tana Torkelson.
The YF Wives Community Service Award, presented by YF Wives president Emma Carpentier and past president Kristen Iversen, went to Jordan Szczecinski.
The other nominees were June Fletcher, Terra Hartley-Ortman, Sandra LaRose, Monica Peterson and Anne Phair.
The Access Communications Exceptional Entrepreneur Award was presented by Ron Irvine of Access to Kendra Sutherland, owner of The General Store.
The other nominees were Alyssa DeMarchi, Whitney Johnson, Sandra LaRose, Mandi Mazer and Lori McIntosh.
The Weyburn Oilwomen Young Woman of Distinction Award, presented by Katelyn Gateman and Carmen Sterling, went to Alex Clarke. The other nominee was Jola Bell-Erb.
