By Stephanie Froese

Catching kids doing good

May 3, 2011 | 12:09 PM

On a day where many people were throwing their votes behind a national leader, members of the community gathered at the Art Hauser Center to show their support for young people who have shown community leadership.

Sixty-seven young people from the Prince Albert area were recognized Monday at the Badge of Respect and Peace Awards.

The annual awards day, hosted by the Community Against Family Violence (CAFV) honours children and youth ages five to 18 who have shown respect towards others or have stood up for someone that needed help.

“So it’s the flip side of all the anti-bullying things that have out there,” Sandy Pitzel, co-ordinator at the Cooperative Health Centre of the CAFV, said.

“This is really looking at in our very own community – the youth and children that we have that are respectful and peaceful.”

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Jade Goodwill was one of the youngest recipients.

Before each person was given their framed award, a descriptor was read out. Like many of them, Goodwill’s accolades described a young person who is a tribute to the community.

“I’m a good worker and I am kind and I always do my best,” she recounted.

Her mother, Delores Pocha, said she was very proud.

“She always puts a lot of thought into her decisions and makes good choices and always comes with a positive outcome,” Pocha said.

Janine Straf was also there to show her support for her son, William Straf. She said she thinks these types of awards are fantastic.

“It’s a great way to set a good example for the rest of the community,” Straf said.

Two of the oldest recipients were 17-year-old Curtis Forcier and Michael Rancourt.

Forcier said he didn’t even know about the award until he was nominated this year.

“It’s a good thing I guess, to recognize people who are good role models,” said Forcier.

Rancourt agreed, saying he thinks it’s really good for the community.

“It really shows how much individuals at school can help out other kids and I’m very honoured to be nominated for it. It’s a cool experience.”

Pitzel said she thinks the event is growing and by listening to the presentation for each child it’s not hard to see why they were nominated.

“If you have people who are asking what’s happening with our youth and what are our kids doing and all this type of thing, we want them to look here,” she said.

sfroese@panow.com