Award Year: 2013

Committed and compassionate describe Grade 12 student Brianne Moore. Among her many contributions, she is a key activist in the school’s leadership program organizing a wide variety of events to create an atmosphere of spirit and caring. She is a representative for Student Voice, a group that raises youth concerns within the school and to the local city council. She was part of a group that won a grant to launch a fair-trade organic tea and coffee shop on the school premises, with all profits directed to poverty initiatives. Brianne is also a valued and active member of Me to We. This focused young humanitarian has a bright future ahead of her.

Through her consulting company Naturally Autistic ANCA, Leonora has given autism a voice in British Columbia. She has created unique programs and an annual awards’ event and festival that showcases collaborations with the mainstream and autistic communities.

For fifteen years, Libby was Mayor of the Village of Fruitvale, serving with a strong vision and a strong voice. She made a difference. Libby effectively guided the village through challenges, growth and development. She saw the value in regionalism and was instrumental in the Lower Columbia Community Development Team and the Board of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. Libby was a trustee of School District 20, and served on the Columbia Youth Development Committee and the West Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Board. Libby is also known in her community for her support of families, youth and women in the workplace.

Kathy Holmes is known as a tower of strength in Ladysmith for her volunteer support of the community, the arts and business. As president of the Ladysmith Waterfront Arts Centre Gallery, she has helped the Gallery achieve greater recognition and community support and she also works with the local Arts Council. Kathy is dedicated to the initiatives of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce including its events Oktoberfest, Spirit Awards and the annual Ladysmith Market. She inspires others to help on community events such as Arts on the Avenue, Paddle Fest and Ladysmith Days, to name a few. Kathy makes things happen and always places her community ahead of herself.

In 1989, Janet Renquist arrived in Prince George as a refugee from her war torn homeland of Uganda. With her infectious optimism and caring personality, Janet and her family made the huge adjustments to life in a new and different community and culture. And since that time, she has vigorously given back to her community. She is an active volunteer with Immigrant & Multicultural Services of Prince George where she is a source of inspiration for newcomers, immigrants and refugee families. Through the African Heritage Society and other groups, Janet is recognized throughout the community for promoting cross-cultural understanding, racial harmony and social justice.