Provincial honor for local youth: Levi Jamieson named Junior Citizen of the Year
May 6, 2024, 9:36 am
Ashley Bochek
Moosomin’s Levi Jamieson is one of four young people from across Saskatchewan being honored as Saskatchewan’s Junior Citizens of the Year.
This is the second year in a row someone from Moosomin has been honored as a Junior Citizen of the Year—last year Victor Santos-Cardoza was given the honor.
The interview follows:
Can you explain your accident and the impact it has had on your life?
It was October 18, 2020. I was in an ATV accident. I lost the use of my legs. It changed my life, but you just have to find a way to do something and get it done. There is always another way to do it, it just might take you longer to find it. There is so many different ways to do something and you have to figure out what works for you until you find what works for you, like getting into my truck, the tractors, working the cows. There is always another way. It has made things more difficult, but I have equipment that helps me get around things. I still get out on the farm and do what I love.
Do you think of yourself as someone who has overcome adversity?
Yes. I think I have overcome challenges that I have had to adapt different ways of doing on the farm or everyday life.
Did you know you were being nominated for the Junior Citizen of the Year award?
I did not until I was informed I had won it. I believe that June Van der Kerkhoff nominated me and a couple more people. Then, mom had sent me an email saying I had won it. It’s good, very nice and I am honoured to be awarded it.
How do you feel to win this award?
I am happy and honoured. It means a lot to me that I was chosen to be recognized for this award. I am not sure how many people get nominated. I am definitely honoured that people nominated me and that I won.
How does it feel knowing a group of people who don’t know you personally, out of many accomplished kids in Saskatchewan, think you should be given this award?
It is amazing. It is nice to know they looked at me and all the other nominations and thought I should win.
Who will all be going into Regina to accept the award?
My immediate family and couple of my buddies will be coming with me. Whoever wants to. I am unsure if there is a limit. I am excited to go.
Do you think it is important to recognize young people like yourself with awards like this?
I think so. It shows that hard work pays off in a way. It also encourages them to keep going.
How do you see the challenges you have since your accident?
You see there are roadblocks in the way, but you think of a different way to do it and adapt to it and just do it. Equipment wise, lots of the newer stuff has come out with hand clutches, but everything else you have to put a pipe on to it so you can make it hand controls. Mostly, just adapting farm equipment to my use.
How supportive have your family and friends been through everything?
Very supportive. If they notice there is something I can’t do, they will step in and see how they can make it easier for me. It’s helpful and good.
The other three Junior Citizens honourees this year are Cassidy Evans of Saskatoon, Emmanuella McDougal of Regina and Obiajulu Udemgba of Saskatoon.
On Thursday, May 30 Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty will present the Junior Citizen of the Year Award to the four recipients at Government House in Regina.
The award was established 48 years ago and has been presented to over 180 Saskatchewan youth. The Junior Citizen of the Year Award is sponsored by the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association in partnership with SaskPower and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
Junior Citizen of the Year Award recipients must:
• have overcome personal challenges
• have a positive lifestyle
• be dedicated to community and school
• have a strong sense of caring and responsibility, and
• inspire others
Each award recipient receives a $3,000 bursary.
