Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Awards

Overview

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Awards consists of 2 awards – The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Medallion and Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award for Performing and Visual Arts.

How to apply

Once a school has selected their recipient, the school must submit a completed and signed Alberta Citizenship Awards Application form on behalf of the student.

In order for their recipient to be considered for a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Medallion, schools must check the corresponding box on page 4 of the application form and also submit:

• the Record of Accomplishments Chart
• 2 letters of reference, no longer than 2 pages each

2023 recipients

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medallion

Michael Arnott, Edmonton

School: Saint Oscar Romero Catholic High School 

Michael’s leadership abilities and his unwavering commitment to serving his community are what makes him stand out among his peers. As a student with lived experience, Michael was an active and influential participant in his school’s Braided Journeys program. He was an invaluable resource, willingly assisting classmates in their own learning journeys by offering guidance, recommending relevant readings and facilitating discussions. Setting a positive example, Michael has devoted countless hours to various Indigenous initiatives, such as Orange Shirt Day, the Moosehide campaign and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women awareness campaign. As an active member of the Enoch Cree Nation Youth Advisory Council, he strives to bring positive change and foster continued prosperity within his community. Michael volunteered his time to assist in building and maintaining Enoch Sweat Lodge, where he also assists with the sweat lodge ceremony. Michael was a member of the Enoch Powwow Committee, creating a unique spotlight event to promote healing and reconciliation. Enoch, Ben Calf Robe and Erminskin Powwows have all benefitted from Michael’s generous volunteer spirit.

Kushnoor Baidwan, Calgary

School: West Island College

Kushnoor exemplifies the qualities of civic responsibility and outstanding commitment to her community. As a co-president of the Global Awareness Leadership Club at West Island College, Kushnoor was instrumental in providing accessible educational opportunities for students – not only in her school, but also students around the world. She volunteered her time as a prefect of the Leadership Council, helping behind the scenes at school events and often motivating others to get involved. Throughout her high school years, Kushnoor has been a dedicated member of the school band, as well as the STEM Fellowship Club. Kushnoor’s highlight event was a Focus Friday event helping to raise awareness of the South Asian community and establishing a place where the voices of the community could be heard. Her other commitments include volunteering for the Student Life Network’s Ambassador Program, hosting web sessions for students to educate them on Student Life Network and their resources, scholarships and giveaways. She has also participated in the World Wildlife Fund In the Zone campaign, promoting the creation of container gardens to support the growth of native species. Kushnoor also volunteers for Project Smile, the Mustard Seed Shelter and her Gurudwara.

Rhea Bhalla, Calgary

School: Notre Dame High School

Rhea believes that, through her volunteer work, she can help others. Knowing first-hand how isolating life can be living with a disability such as a speech impediment, her goal is to work and advocate for the disabled. At only 14 years old, she co-founded the Calgary Stuttering Support Group – and to this day remains the youngest leader of such a group in Canada. Rhea also volunteers her time with the Canadian Stuttering Association, and she is the founder and leader of the National Youth Support Group for ages 8 to 13. Rhea conducts workshops and leads conference sessions and panel discussions in an effort to help those who struggle with a speech disability. Rhea has also been recognized for her scientific achievements, receiving a Regional Gold Medal and National Bronze Medal while representing Calgary at the Canada Wide Youth Science Fair for her study on COVID-19 and dementia. At her school, Rhea created a peer-tutoring program and organized the school’s first ever science fair. In addition, Rhea found time to volunteer with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Child and Youth Advisory Committee, assisting in the development of new activities for young patients.

Vanessa Hadwin, Consort

School: Consort School

Vanessa has a solid reputation for her commitment to academics, strong work ethic and interpersonal skills when working with others. These qualities serve as a foundation for her dedication to her community involvement. Vanessa volunteered at the Consort Food Bank, Consort Seniors Lodge, Neutral Hills Agricultural Society, and various Consort School initiatives like Student Union and Students Against Drunk Driving to name a few. She dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to coaching the junior high school volleyball team, shaping the future of senior high school athletes. Throughout the years, Vanessa has undertaken various leadership roles within her local 4-H Club, from vice-chair of the Public Speaking Committee and chair of the Fundraising Committee to a regional 4-H ambassador. In addition to her executive duties, she also participated in various summer camp programs benefitting junior 4-H members and fulfilled the role of regional and provincial camp counsellor. As a mentor with the Consort 4-H Leadership Project, Vanessa shared her experience and expertise with junior members, ensuring the future of the organization is in good hands.

Areen Khan, Edmonton

School: Edmonton Islamic Academy

Areen’s desire to impact the community positively and genuine enthusiasm to make a difference is undeniable. Within her school community, Areen has taken on various leadership roles, initiating projects such as the Eid Bazaar (benefitting the Pakistani Association) and fundraising dinner through Human Concern International. She has contributed to a number of committees, including Model United Nations (a simulation of the United Nations, where students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues), Graduation and Science Olympics to name a few. Areen is also an accomplished athlete, offering her skills as a member of the soccer and basketball teams and captain of the volleyball and badminton teams. Outside of her school, Areen has devoted many hours for the benefit of community members through the Masjid Al-Quba mosque. Areen has also volunteered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, teaching English to young Afghan refugee children. The highlight of her activities is her participation with Bighorn Health Services, where she volunteered with the Good Food Box program (provides food assistance to community members in need) and the Indigenous Youth Cultural Summer Camps program (provides cultural education and experiences to Indigenous youth).

Muhammad Saim, Calgary

School: Crescent Heights High School

Muhammad is a leader, change-maker and force for positive change in the community. His empathetic and positive personality leads him to identify meaningful issues and find ways to enact bold change. He dedicated over 300 hours to alleviate hunger and poverty by co-founding the Zero Food Waste (ZFW) Foundation. ZFW has redirected 230,000 pounds of surplus food (105,000 meals) from restaurants to people in need, and it has chapters in Hamilton, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa. Muhammad also launched free meal events downtown, where youth served meals to Calgarians experiencing homelessness. When at-risk and low-income families had difficulty obtaining groceries during the pandemic, he organized 1,500 food hampers and hygiene kits for the Alex Centre and other charities. Passionate about chess, Muhammad is a founder of Checkmate Canada and regularly facilitates chess workshops and tournaments, bringing joy, connecting players and providing learning opportunities for many. As well, Muhammad is a student researcher at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, conducting a literature review on mortality in Parkinson’s disease to inform patient prognosis and management options. Muhammad is also a member of the Calgary Foundation Youth Council and Calgary Children’s Hospital Youth Council.

Geneva White, Calgary

School: Rundle College High School

Geneva is an emerging mentor, role model, advocate and global change initiator. She has volunteered with the Calgary Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House and Calgary Drop-In Centre to name a few. Geneva also volunteered with the University of Calgary Cummings School of Medicine, contributing to research efforts through the Cardiovascular Imaging Program. Putting her research into action, Geneva liaised with a medical clinic in Costa Rica for Nicaraguan refugees, identifying public health needs and creating an education program for preventable cancers. Geneva designed and implemented a health education social media campaign, as well as an illness/injury prevention initiative in Ghana, helping to combat high rates of preventable injury and illness. Geneva also volunteers at Rundle College as a writer, editor and graphic designer for the school newspaper. She has collaborated with various clubs to write advocacy pieces on mental health, volunteerism and diversity and inclusion. Geneva is also a recipient of the Gold Level Duke of Edinburgh Award for volunteerism, skill, recreation and adventure.

Avalina Zenari, St. Albert

School: St. Albert Catholic High School

Avalina is a dedicated volunteer and natural leader. She makes deep connections with people and positively influences and engages with those around her. Avalina’s strong citizenship shone through at the Minister of Education’s Youth Council, where her insight helped to create inclusivity, accessibility and diversity in the Alberta Education system for K-12 students. She is also a member of the City of St. Albert’s Amplify Youth Advisory Committee, promoting youth arts and culture through planning and implementation of community engagement events, festivals and showcases. As a member of the Environment and Compost Program in her school, Avalina has participated at the Alberta Envirothon Challenge, collaborating with other young leaders on solutions to reduce the effects of climate change and promoting environmental consciousness. Avalina was also a co-founder of the Mind Matters Mental Health Club, addressing the youth mental health crisis by reducing the stigma regarding neurodivergence and providing accessible resources for students in need. A gifted athlete, Avalina has been a member of many school teams, including cross country running, track and field, the senior girls basketball and soccer teams – and, most notably, the curling team, where she helped win the city championship.

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