The Medicine Hat Skateboard Association has been recognized as the 2025 Community Spirit Award of Excellence for their active engagement with the community. Medicine Hat Skateboard Association members pose with those from Redcliff Youth Centre and Root Cellar following their collection drive for period products in February.----NEWS FILE PHOTO
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The Medicine Hat Skateboard Association has been recognized as the 2025 Community Spirit Award of Excellence “Change Maker,” and LaVerne Noble has been recognized with the 2025 “Heart of Medicine Hat” award after council approved a list of 10 award winners Tuesday evening.
Members of MHSA passionately helped plan and organize this summer’s Canada Day festivities across Medicine Hat, as well as partnering with the Root Cellar during its ‘End Period Poverty’ campaign in February.
Recently, Noble has been co-leading the development of an innovative aging-in-place model for seniors in Medicine Hat called “Oasis” to support aging well at home.
Bev Duke has been recognized with the “Arts and Culture” award of service.
Dan Hager and Julie Lacasse have been recognized with the “Community Inclusion” award of service for their work with Cycling Without Age. Davie James was also a recipient of this award.
Shae Fedorak and Paul Carolan have been recognized with the “Compassion” award of service. Marilyn Kusler has been recognized with the “Environment” award for service, and Glen Mori has been recognized with the “Sports and Recreation” award for service.
Community Spirit Awards are presented every two years to groups and individuals nominated by the community for their efforts to enhance quality of life within the community. Award winners are selected by a committee of members made up of representatives from the Community Vibrancy Board, who recommend the recipients to council for approval.
“The community Spirit Awards symbolize the heartbeat of Medicine Hat, honouring the unsung heroes who tirelessly work behind the scenes, elevating our collective spirit,” said Coun. Allison Knodel.
“This year’s recipients perfectly embody the core qualities of this awards program. The city council is pleased to congratulate this year’s award winners – we thank them for being pillars in our community, and shining examples of what it means to be a Hatter.”
The awards will be presented to recipients during an event open to the public on Oct. 8 at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre.
Editors note: This story has been updated to correct spelling of award winners names.
