News Archives: GPRC Student Finalist at Alberta Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards 2011
Friday, September 23rd, 2011
Two remarkable young Grande Prairie women are among those shortlisted for Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards being presented Friday September 23 at the Winspear Centre in Edmonton. GPRC student Jackie Benning is among five finalists in the Athletics category, and Delaine Lambert-English, Acting Director of the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, is a finalist in the Community Leader category. The Alberta Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards 2011 are hosted by the Rupertsland Institute. The gala event celebrates "the youthful accomplishments and timeless spirit embodied by these deserving young role models." Jackie Benning is an Education student at GPRC, and a lifelong athlete. She has excelled at dance, soccer, volleyball and cross-country running, and has competed in numerous provincial, national and international events. Last year as a novice member of the Wolves, she achieved 13th in Nationals cross-country running. Jackie has also shared her enthusiasm with others - she has taught dance for several years, and coached U-12 soccer. Members of the GPRC executive team are pleased to be attending the Awards event and helping to honour the achievements of these young women. Susan Bansgrove, VP Academics and Research, and Carmen Haakstad, VP External Relations, are among the 1000 guests who will be at the Winspear tomorrow to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of the nominees and award-winners. "It is notable that there are two finalists from our community being honoured at this event," says Bansgrove. "There are 32 finalists from across the province, in seven categories. We are very proud of the youth of our community, and of the exemplary students who are here at GPRC. We commend both Jackie and Delaine for their amazing achievements and for setting such a wonderful example for their peers." All finalists will be introduced on the big screen during the awards ceremony, and winners will be invited onstage to receive their awards and to speak briefly at the podium.