Prince Albert Kinsmen Club President Wes Moore gives a congratulatory hug to 2024 Citizen of the Year recipient Sonja Jahn. (Jason Kerr/Daily Herald)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community leaders

Dedicated volunteer named Prince Albert’s Citizen of the Year

Jan 31, 2025 | 10:40 AM

A woman who has dedicated countless hours to bettering Prince Albert for both current residents and newcomers has been named the 2024 Citizen of the Year.

Sonja Jahn was informed by representatives from the Prince Albert Kinsmen Club and Prince Albert Daily Herald of the prestigious award Wednesday night, during a surprise event.

“I was shocked,” she admitted to paNOW. “When I see the recipients from previous years, I was extremely humbled because they are all very deserving people.”

Prior to her retirement roughly 4.5 years ago, Jahn worked over 20 years for the Saskatchewan Health Authority and held roles as Director of Volunteer Services as well as Transition Lead.

She’s also sat on numerous boards and committees and is a member of the Ukrainian Veselka group and their choir; as well as Calvary United Church, and Red Cross recruiter of volunteers

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“I think that giving back to your community is really important and if you can make a positive difference even in the life of one person, I think that can be very gratifying,” Jahn explained.

She then added that in addition to the accomplishment that comes from helping the cause, it also helps improve your own mental health.

In November, 2022, Jahn received a Sonya Jahn received a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. (Submitted/ Sonja Jahn)

In April, 2022, Jahn spearheaded an initiative to bring Ukranian refugees, fleeing from their warn torn country, to Prince Albert. It’s a cause that is very near to Jahn’s heart and so while she stated the citizen award is great, the greatest reward she has received is seeing the Ukranians settle and succeed in the city.

“To be contributing members of our community and sharing their skills and talents and their expertise and their professional skills in our community, is truly a reward for me.”

Born and raised in Prince Albert, Jahn noted how she has been inspired by so many people, not the least of which being her parents who were also heavily involved in the community and felt a strong need to give back.

“And they were wonderful role models for me,” Jahn said.

Jahn with a Ukranian family. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

Diane May was the one who nominated Jahn and noting how the prestigious award represents someone who goes above and beyond to help their community, she coud not think of a better candidate.

“And I have known her since she was in high school and known her family and she just gives everything she has with enthusiasm and positivity and kindness to everyone and she never seems to tire out and has a big smile for everyone,” May said. “She just does it out of the goodness of her heart and for her fellow human beings”

May, a retired teacher, taught Jahn when she was at Carlton Comprehensive High School, and would later also teach Jahn’s daughter.

“And I’m just so proud of her.”

Past inductees of the award include Malcolm Jenkins, Barry Brezden, Marj Bodnarchuk and Marie Mathers. A formal banquet and award ceremony will take place at a later date.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell