The Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association (SWNA) is pleased to introduce four exceptional Saskatchewan youth as 2006 Saskatchewan Junior Citizen of the Year Award recipients: Adila Azizi of Regina, Robert Marshall of Indian Head, Christa Bruneau of Willow Bunch, and Kathryn Kitchen of Estevan.

The Junior Citizen of the Year Awards were created in 1976 to recognize Sask-atchewan residents between the ages of eight and 18 for their positive life-styles, community and school spirit, as well as a strong sense of caring and responsibility. To date, 158 individuals have received this prestigious award.

SaskPower will donate $12,000 in support of the Junior Citizens Award program, providing each recipient with a $3,000 post-secondary education bursary.

“SaskPower is committed to providing educational opportunities for youth in Saskatchewan, and we are extremely proud to help recognize the achievements of these outstanding young residents of our province,” SaskPower President and Chief Executive Officer, Pat Youzwa said. SaskPower has been a major sponsor of the Junior Citizen of the Year Awards since 1982.

SWNA also announced the SaskEnergy Community Spirit Award recipient, who is Mike Ehman of Weyburn. Mike will receive a $3,000 post-secondary education bursary from SaskEnergy. This is the fifth year that the SaskEnergy Community Spirit Award has been presented in recognition of community involvement and outstanding leadership skills.

“Many youth in our province have made outstanding contributions to their schools and communities and are deserving of recognition,” said Junior Citizen Program Chair, Terry Jenson. “From the many nominations that are received each year, SWNA is thrilled to see that our youth today are achieving so much at a young age.” He added that the common threads among these award winners are a positive attitude, dedication to community, hard work and leadership qualities.