NORTH BATTLEFORD — Anna Currie of North Battleford is one of five Saskatchewan young people to earn a Junior Citizen of the Year Award to be presented by Lt. Gov. Bernadette McIntyre.
Anna has been chosen to be the first recipient of the Junior Citizen of the Year STEM Award sponsored by the Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan, The award will annually recognize a Saskatchewan youth who meets all the required criteria of a Junior Citizen of the Year, plus possess an aptitude for science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
The other four award winners who will each receive a $3,000 bursary from SaskPower are Coral Frenette of Shellbrook, Haley Ott of Regina, Kaylee Ross of Lloydminster, and Maia Smith of Moose Jaw.
When Anna, 18, was in Grade 9, she was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. The condition caused paralysis in her face and eye, making daily activities difficult. Nevertheless, she continued to strive for excellence in each of her school classes and to be involved in her community.
Today, Anna contributes in a multitude of ways. As a member of the student representative council, she helps plan spirit days, fundraisers, and pep rallies, fostering school spirit and engagement among her peers. During the summer months, Anna volunteered her time at Lakeland Veterinary Clinic, and she currently volunteers at the Battlefords Animal Hospital.
Living on a farm, Anna finds the challenges of caring for a variety of animals rewarding. She actively participates on the farm in numerous ways, including driving tractors, gardening, canning and even mechanics, helping to restore motors.
Anna is passionate about science, particularly in the fields of chemistry, biology and environmental science. She has completed studies on the growth rate of calves, the effects of hydrogen peroxide on wheat germination, and the reliability of various antacid tablets on alleviating heartburn.
In addition, Anna is musically talented, playing the violin at the Territorial Drive Alliance Church and performing in the local Kiwanis Music Festival, which has garnered her numerous scholarships, bursaries and trophies.
Currently, Anna mentors and teaches children at the Alliance Church. She also lends her voice to local arenas as an announcer for roping events.
With a lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian, Anna has been accepted to the University of Saskatchewan, where she will pursue a degree in the Agriculture and Bioresource Animal Science Program before transitioning into the College of Veterinary Medicine.
In every aspect of her life, Anna exemplifies determination and a willingness to give back to her community, making her a role model for her peers and a promising future leader in veterinary medicine.
