A Red Deer Scout and some members of the Olds Air Cadets have been honoured with Duke of Edinburgh’s awards.
Cody Richards with the Red Deer 18th Morrisroe Venturer Company, under the leadership of Felix Gebbink and Bruce Schollie, was recognized during a special ceremony in Calgary on May 24.
Second-lieutenant David Olsen’s 185 Olds Air Cadets were also honoured — Mark Hogg of Carstairs, Eren Baymak of Olds, Walker Smith of Olds, Tayla Sturrock of Olds, Kevin Waldron of Olds, Mateah Wiebe of Bowden, and Tucker Wilson of Olds.
A total of 36 young Albertans received awards from Lt.-Gov. Donald Ethell.
The Olds group, as well as Richards, achieved the silver standard level of the award. Richards received a bronze medal earlier this year.
To receive the silver level, a young person has to perform voluntary community service of at least 30 hours; plan and participate in an adventurous journey; carry on a hobby or skill for at least six months; and pursue a physical fitness program of at least 40 hours.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s award is a global leading youth achievement program established in 1956 by Prince Philip that now operates in more than 130 countries. Through the program, youth can work towards three levels of achievement: bronze, silver and gold.
The awards are handed out twice a year in Alberta.