Award open to youth<br />preparing for post secondary

Students still have time to cash-in on the Johnathan Dockman Award.

Started in 2006, the Optimist Club in Airdrie grants the award to an outstanding youth who is an unselfish volunteer, a self-sacrificing individual, courageous and positive even during times of adversary.

“This is an amazing award and we have youth in the community who do amazing things,” said Carmen Maidstone with the Airdrie Optimist Club.

In 2003, then Airdrie teen Johnathan Dockman ran across the country to raise awareness for cancer after his aunt was diagnosed with the disease. He followed the route taken by Terry Fox in 1980.

The local chapter supported his cause, and in 2006, decided to create an award to help youth like him, using Dockman’s guidelines

“Youth have to submit an application form and tell us how they fit into Johnathan’s criteria,” she said.

The recipient will receive $2,000 for post-secondary studies.

Youth continuing their studies at a post secondary institute have until April 15 to apply for the award.

Maidstone said last year they received seven submissions.

“We look at everyone’s submissions and score them based off the four criteria,” she said.

“It’s worth 24 points overall and the person with the highest, gets the award.”

“It really is a significant amount,” she said, encouraging people to apply.

For more information, or to receive an application form, contact Maidstone at 403-948-7111 or email carmenyk@msn.com

The Optimist Club has been in operation since 1922, with the vision statement to be the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.