Nichole Neubauer has been added to the Alberta Order of Excellence, returning this week from Edmonton after a ceremony with the Lieutenant Governor.--FILE PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Nichole Neubauer returned from Edmonton on Friday having received the highest honour the province can bestow.
Created in 1979, the Alberta Order of Excellence takes precedence over any other provincial honour or award. Members are invested by the Lieutenant Governor, as the King’s representative, at a special ceremony at Government House in Edmonton.
Neubauer joined the order on Thursday alongside eight other individuals, all recognized for their varying contributions to the province, its history and its place within Canada and the larger world.
The experience was somewhat surreal, says Neubauer, but she is both humbled and incredibly grateful to have taken part.
“There were just such amazing people being honoured and recognized,” said Neubauer. “All of these incredible, uplifting stories about Albertans who have just made such a tremendous impact on the lives of others throughout their careers.”
Neubauer was recognized alongside Sine Chadi of Edmonton, Geoff Cumming of Calgary, John Day of Edmonton, Brian and Stephanie Felesky of Calgary, Lyn Radford of Red Deer, John Scott of Longview and Doug Stollery of Edmonton. She added that hearing their stories and the work they have done to better the lives of those around them was deeply inspiring.
She received a medal from the Lieutenant Governor, enjoyed a meal alongside her family and those who were also being invested and got to hear the stories of her fellow new members of the order.
“There was tremendous variety and really the number of lives that everyone in the room has affected positively was really inspirational. An event that I will not ever forget,” said Neubauer, adding that the most impactful part to her was being able to have her family in attendance after having their support in her agricultural education work for 20 years.
Receiving the honour, says Neubauer, has also truly re-energized her to continue working on her passion of teaching youth about agriculture and the importance of the industry, something she is looking forward to taking to a new level at the Yuill School of Agriculture.
“It’s very affirming and also a really incredible platform to be able to share,” said Neubauer. “I don’t call it my story, because it’s a story that’s been built by our community with literally hundreds of contributors. What a beautiful stage to share how our community has really come together.”
