For one Cochranite, Nov. 17 marks an occasion of honour.
Kieran Hughes, Grade 11, will be receiving a silver award presented by Alberta Lt.-Gov. Lois E. Mitchell to recognize his efforts in community service and exploration.
The silver award is on behalf of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Alberta Division and its purpose is to empower youth between the ages of 14 and 25 and encourage them to become well-rounded.
“It means to me that I’ve actually proved myself and I’ve shown people what I can do, that’s doing good for other people and myself,” Hughes said.
The requisite for the silver award is divided into four categories – community service, skill, physical recreation and adventurous journey.
So far, the international program is available in 140 countries. There are more than 51,000 youth participants in the program and more than 4,500 participants have won awards in bronze, silver or gold.
The community service was easy to complete for Hughes, who said he regularly participates in initiatives for the Legion through his cadets program in Cochrane.
Hughes was also invited to travel to Europe with the cadets on more than one occasion as part of a summer camp.
His exploration was checked off his list when he participated in a hike through an outdoor leadership program at his school.
We did the David Thompson adventure, which is where we go out backpacking for a couple days. We also did Turbine canyon (hike), which is 15 km,” Hughes explained. “I always push myself to the limits.”
Kara Hughes, his mother, said he is an exceptionally hard worker.
“Kieran works very hard for his cadet program, he really gives his all whether it’s for the cadet program or the community,” she said.
“It’s nice to see that he’s getting recognized for that,” Kara added.
For anyone interested in the program, visit the webpage at https://www.dukeofed.org/ab/division-home.
