The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

JONATHON'S DAY!

Proud father, Bob - The Alberta Lieutenant Governor, His Honour Colonel (Ret'd) The Honourable Donald S. Ehtell - Jonathon Gordeyko (the silver award recipient) - proud mom, Deb - and the Aide de camp for His Honour.

So, the significance of this you ask?  Our nephew, Jonathon Gordeyko, from Calgary, Alberta, was awarded the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh's Award last evening at the Alberta Government House - The McDougall Centre - in downtown Calgary.  In a city of this size - with it's sizable youth population - Jonathon was only one of 10 recipients.

Arriving at the McDougal Centre, downtown Calgary, on Friday evening.

Proud Auntie Jeanette, Jonathon, Dad and Mom.

For detailed information on this award, click on the following link:        http://www.dukeofed.org/

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is an international programme founded by the H.R.H. Prince Philip in 1956.  The award came to Canada in 1963 and was established in Alberta in 1976.  In the 34 years since, the organization has assisted thousands of young people in achieving this award.  The current registration numbers about 9,000 young people between the ages of 14 & 25.

Proud as punch!

Jeanette and I were invited to attend.  Who could say no to this.  It was really nice to witness this event.

Jeanette tried to present herself in some official role.  Nice try!!!

Waiting in the lobby before being directed to our seats.

The opening speeches.  The Lieutenant Governor seated - with his wife - right of screen.

Recipients told to give themselves a pat on the back.

The official presentation - and the exclusive silver award.

Jonathon is engaged in conversation with the President of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Jack Schneider.

 Jeanette and I really enjoyed being present and to share in Jonathon's big night.  Imagine just how much weight this award (and the gold award to come next) will play when included in his future resumes.

Jonathon in an informal discussion with the Lieutenant Governor.  Dad and mom,  Bob &  Deb enjoying the interchange.

Meeting Mrs. Ethell, the Lieutenant Governor's wife.

I engaged in chat with the 'Aide de camp' - the Lieutenant Governor's Armed Forces escort.  He is a member of the Calgary Highlanders.  We shared some good laughs.  What a nice young soldier this fella is.

Enjoying the reception following the awards presentation.

Proud mom with her son.

Proud Aunt, Jeanette with Jonathon and mom, Deb.

A few minutes after we returned to the Gordeyko residence, our son Deni and Courtney arrived from Edmonton, Alberta, to spend the weekend celebrating Jonathon's award and his soon to be graduation from high school.

Three sisters:  Jeanette, Darlene and Deb.

Darlene had driven in from St. Paul, Alberta, earlier in the day.  Here she is awarding her two sisters with a fun gift.  Although an inside joke of sorts, we all had a good laugh.  It would require a Masters Thesis to explain this but I wanted to throw it in the blog for those in the know.

This hat say it all!

Check out these sleuths with their official badges.

So, we celebrated late into the evening.  Today presents a beehive of activities in the kitchen as the household prepares for a large group of young people - older ones too - to celebrate Jonathon's award and his graduation.  Good fun to come.

Thanks for dropping by.