The Town of Sylvan Lake has named its 2023 citizens of the year.
They are as follows (bios below)
Environmental Stewardship Award | Macy Lyon
Sports Excellence Award | Colin Fraser
Long Time Service Volunteer Award | Graham Parsons
Citizenship Award | Bryna Boisvert
Mayor’s Distinguished Award | Tracey Lynn
Youth Award of Excellence | Callen Scanland
Music, Art, Culture, and Heritage Award | Gracie Mack
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Environmental Stewardship Award | Macy Lyon
Last year, Macy demonstrated her exceptional leadership skills by presenting the Yellow Fish Road project to the Sylvan Lake council. Her persuasive advocacy and comprehensive knowledge about the project’s significance inspired council to embrace this initiative. Macy’s determination and charisma shone through as she also took an active role in delivering engaging presentations to schools, enlightening students about the importance of understanding where drain water goes and the preservation of our precious waterways.
Macy’s commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond that program alone. She has dedicated her time and energy to promote and participate in numerous beach cleanups, acting as a role model for her peers and inspiring others to actively engage in safeguarding the health of Sylvan Lake.
Macy serves as an inspiring role model for individuals of all ages, demonstrating that a single person’s dedication and action can lead to significant positive change in their community and beyond.
Sports Excellence Award | Colin Fraser
Colin has many outstanding contributions to the world of sports and an unwavering commitment to his community. With an impressive array of accomplishments, Colin’s impact is felt both on and off the ice.
A true hockey legend, Colin Fraser boasts an extraordinary hockey career highlighted by multiple Stanley Cup victories, earning him a total of three championship rings. Additionally, he showcased his exceptional talent on an international stage as a Gold Medalist in the World Junior Hockey Championship.
Beyond his playing career, Colin’s dedication to the development of young athletes is commendable. Through his highly successful local development program, Champion Hockey Development, he has nurtured the talents of aspiring hockey players, guiding them towards achieving their dreams. Furthermore, Colin’s expertise is recognized at the highest level, as he serves as an executive Hockey Scout for the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL, contributing to the continued success of the team.
Colin’s influence extends far beyond the rink, as he has dedicated countless hours to supporting local events and organizations. Annually he co-organizes the battle at the beach tournament in Sylvan Lake that brings in hundreds of participants and supports local Special Olympians and the Sylvan Lake Food Bank. Colin is leaving an impressive mark in the world of sports and in Sylvan Lake.
Long Time Service Volunteer Award | Graham Parsons
Graham has earned this award in recognition of his exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to our community. With an impressive residency spanning over half a century, Graham has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to serving others.
One of Graham’s many remarkable achievements was spearheading the effort to bring Kraft Hockeyville to Sylvan Lake, an endeavor that resulted in a victory for our town. This accomplishment not only elevated the community’s profile but also fostered a sense of unity and pride among our residents.
Graham is one of the founding members of the beloved Yuletide Festival, a cherished annual tradition that celebrates community, local music, and giving, and is eagerly anticipated by countless individuals each Christmas season.
In addition to his influential community initiatives, Graham’s selfless contributions shine through his ownership of the Sylvan Lake Hockey School. Through this venture, he has dedicated countless hours to volunteering, enriching the lives of aspiring athletes and fostering a deep sense of community within our town.
Beyond this, Graham has assumed the unofficial role of historian for our council, he is a wealth of knowledge regarding Sylvan Lake’s history and the individuals who call it home. His dedication to preserving and sharing this heritage is a testament to his genuine love for the community.
With an unparalleled devotion to Sylvan Lake and an enduring spirit of service, Graham Parsons is a truly deserving recipient of the Long Service Citizenship Award.
Citizenship Award | Bryna Boisvert
Bryna has shown unwavering dedication to the betterment of our community, particularly in nurturing and empowering youth. Over the past decade, Bryna has been a steadfast volunteer, generously devoting her time and energy to various organizations and boards within our community.
Bryna’s commitment to our youth is truly commendable. As an Assistant Coach for the U15 Female Wildcats and U13 Broncos, as well as the Head Coach for the U13 Fastball Sylvan Lake Mariners, she has played a vital role in shaping the lives of young athletes. Her dedication to these teams over the past two seasons alone demonstrates her passion for fostering their growth and development.
Bryna’s impact extends far beyond the sports field. Her involvement in significant community projects showcase her selfless nature. Her contributions to the construction of the Fallen Worker Tribute at Bower Ponds and her unwavering support for the Threads of Life Organization are other examples of her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Bryna’s exceptional character, tireless dedication, and remarkable contributions make her a truly deserving recipient of the Citizenship Award of Sylvan Lake. Her impact on the youth in our community is immeasurable, and her selfless acts of service embody the spirit of citizenship and community engagement.
Mayor’s Distinguished Award | Tracey Lynn
Tracey, the esteemed Vice Principal of Fox Run School, stands as a remarkable individual deserving of the prestigious Mayor’s Distinguished Award. With unwavering dedication to the youth she works with, Tracey has proven herself to be an invaluable pillar of support for our entire school community, including her fellow staff members. In the face of numerous hardships experienced by our school over the past few years, Tracey has emerged as a steadfast rock, providing unwavering guidance, compassion, and strength to all those who rely on her.
Tracey selflessly devotes countless hours to ensure that every student under her care is nurtured and taken care of. Just one example of this is this past spring break when she took days of her time to nominate dozens of youth for our youth spark awards. She gets to know each of the youth she works with in a personal and individual way and took her own personal time to ensure they were recognized and honored at these awards.
Tracey’s commitment to fostering an environment of care, compassion, and growth has transformed countless lives and serves as an inspiration to us all.
Youth Award of Excellence | Callen Scanland
Callen has been chosen as the recipient of this award for his remarkable qualities and contributions. Kindheartedness defines him, as he consistently leads with compassion in every aspect of his life. Known as the dependable friend, Callen is always the first to lend a helping hand, readily volunteering his time and energy to support others.
Driven by a passion for music and cooking, Callen embraces his spare moments by practicing the piano, honing his skills with unwavering dedication. His enthusiasm extends beyond his personal interests, as he approaches life with a creative and resourceful mindset.
He seeks opportunities to repurpose objects and materials, firmly believing that everything has a purpose. Recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship, Callen is devoted to preserving the our world. He understands that our actions today will shape the world inherited by future generations, and he strives to make a positive impact. With a vision that extends beyond the present, Callen’s determination to protect the future sets him apart as a young leader with the potential to make a significant difference.
In recognizing Callen’s kindness, selflessness, and dedication to both personal growth and the well-being of others, we felt he is deserving of the Youth Award of Excellence. Callen is a compassionate and forward-thinking youth who inspires others to join him in creating a brighter future for all.
Music, Art, Culture, and Heritage Award | Gracie Mack
Gracie is an extraordinary individual who has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the arts. After attending school in Sylvan Lake followed by RDP she continued her education at Randolph College in Toronto, where she soared to the top of her class, earning prestigious accolades such as The Triple Threat Award and the esteemed Governor General’s Award for achieving the highest mark in the last three graduating years.
At the age of 21, Gracie secured a coveted role as a cast member of Chicago at the renowned Stratford Festival, a testament to her exceptional skills and undeniable talent. Throughout the next 10 months, she took the stage in over 100 shows, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing performances. Even during her limited downtime, Gracie would return to her hometown, Sylvan Lake, to teach dance classes and choreograph captivating solos for local dancers, generously sharing her expertise and passion with the community.
Gracie’s journey has been shaped by remarkable mentors who have guided her along the way, and she recognizes their contributions to her growth and success. In turn, she has embraced the role of mentor herself, inspiring and supporting local youth in their own artistic pursuits. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent is a testament to her selflessness and dedication to the arts.
Beyond her professional achievements, Gracie remains deeply connected to her Métis heritage, continually honoring and celebrating it through her artistic endeavors. Her ability to seamlessly intertwine her cultural background with her performances is both captivating and inspiring, adding depth and authenticity to her craft.
Gracie serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists, demonstrating the immense power of talent, hard work, and a true passion for the arts.
