Women of distinction honoured

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Published on Friday, March 11, 2016

Photo by John Drinkwater. YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Gala winners: Standing left: Heather Day of Brandon, Robin Chant of Brandon, Pat Orsak of Binscarth, Deborah Tacan of Brandon, Marcia Hamm-Wiebe of Brandon. Sitting left: Naomi Forman of Brandon, Ayla Hamilton of Russell, Bea Jolly of Brandon, Shawna Philpott of Brandon.

By John Drinkwater

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

More than 400 people attended the 29th YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Gala held March 3, at the U.C.T. Pavilion, Keystone Centre. Emma Gray, a Grade 12 student from Erickson Collegiate was a nominee in the Young Women 16-21 category.

At the conclusion of the event she said, “I feel honored to be here amongst some awesome and inspiring nominees and winners. About a month ago, while in Brandon, my guidance counselor, Julie Collyer, phoned and told me she wanted to nominate me for an award. ‘I need you to send me this, this and this by tomorrow,’ she said!

Although I did not win, it’s been a great experience. After I graduate, I plan to attend the U of M taking a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, then work in environmental or agricultural sectors.”

Ayla Hamilton, winner of the 16-21 category, received a unique standing ovation following her most impressive acceptance speech.