International Women’s Day celebrated with special awards

By Rob Vogt
Three very special women were honoured with awards on International Women’s Day this past weekend.
A gala event was held on Sunday, March 8, at the Claresholm Social Centre, where the awards were presented.
The Woman of Inspiration was Kendis Kirkendall, honoured for sharing her talents, skills and advice to help others reach their goals in their life journey and/or career, acting as a great mentor.
The Community Champion was Dalanie Johnson, honoured for being sincerely dedicated to donating her time to individuals or organizations to make a meaningful difference in the community.
The Educational Leader is Julia Moore, recognized for her contributions to education and learning.
Mary Holgate initiated the awards, and was on hand to present them.
“Today we celebrate all of you wonderful women on International Women’s Day. This is the fourth year that Claresholm has celebrated this incredible day,” she said.
“Today, all around the world women are celebrated. Each and every woman is special in her own way, and today is just one way the world celebrates all of us,” Holgate continued. “Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, a wife, a CEO, a cashier, a nurse, a doctor, a business owner, a volunteer, a cook, we are all important in our community.”
She noted it takes a lot of women to make the community special and without them, it wouldn’t be the same.
Holgate said there would be no Soup Bowl, no Fair Days, no day cares, no 4-H, no Royal Purple, no Kinettes, no arts club and incredible live performances, and no food rescue, to name a few.
“This town needs each and every one of you,” she said.
After she and Chelsae Petrovic, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod, presented the awards, Holgate challenged everyone to take some time and, over the next 12 months, think about someone to nominate for next year’s awards.
“It could be your neighbour who is always there to lend a hand,” she said. “Maybe one of the women who work in one of our local businesses that go above and beyond to make your shopping experience great.
“It could be someone who volunteers her time to one of our many events.
“There are so many amazing women in Claresholm that help make this a great place to live.
“So take the time to think about these special ladies and make sure to nominate them next year.”