Debbie Brake-Patten took great pride in accepting her Stephen Award on Saturday night as citizen of the year.
“I was so proud of the Stephenville Rotary Club nominating me as I feel what your peers think about the work you do with them really matters,” she said.
She had special thanks for Joanne Howlett and Mary Lambert for putting her nomination forward.
Ms. Brake-Patten said before coming to the banquet on Saturday night she wasn’t sure if she felt worthy of the award with so many good volunteers in the town.
However, as the evening progressed she took pride in being among that group of young people who were nominated and well deserving of their accolades.
She has worked diligently in the creation of a new museum for the area, a project done with little financial resources.
Ms. Brake-Patten has been president of the Bay St. George Chamber of Commerce for three years, the president of the Rotary Club and chairperson of the Stephenville Rotary Music Festival as well as council representative for the Kippens Winter Carnival.
She also tutors with Laubach Literacy volunteers at a local seniors home, serves as a member of the Stephenville High graduation committee and volunteers with the Royal Canadian Legion.
Ms. Brake-Patten said while most volunteers, like herself, are not looking for rewards, it’s a great feeling to be appreciated.
She encourages everyone to help someone during their lifetime, whether it’s shoveling off a neighbour’s step or just helping a stranger in some way.
Other honourees
Amber LeRoy was also honoured at the banquet with a Stephen trophy for tops in the youth of the year category.
Jesse Byrne was named junior male athlete of the year.
Jillian Forsey was honoured as junior female athlete of the year.
Chris Dugas accepted the award for senior athlete of the year.
In the non-competitive outstanding volunteer work category, the following people were honoured:
Val Alexander, Larry Bentley, Debbie Brake-Patten, Stephen Brown, Irving Campbell, Irene Collins, Jeff Duhart, Cyril Gale, Frank Gale, Darlene Greenham, Amber Harper, Lisa Henley, Valarie Hulan, Arch Locke, Albert LeRoux, Brenda MacIsaac, James Mercer, Roxanne Mercer, Brenda Pittman, Greg Reid, Colleen Ryan, Donna M. Sheppard and Terry White.
