Prince Albert youth awarded Junior Citizen of the Year

Pelechaty is a worthy recipient of the prestigious award having persevered through many life challenges maintaining his positive attitude.

Pelechaty was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at birth but has never let the diagnosis define him. Opting for a cochlear implant instead of relying on sign language, he was able to play many sports and was said to be an exemplary athlete.

“Michael has played competitive volleyball and bowling, and in 2020 earned a place on the Saskatchewan youth 5-pin bowling team. He has participated in the Saskatchewan Royal Purple and Elks Walk-a-thon and has been a guest speaker to raise awareness about cochlear implants and the Saskatchewan Pediatric Auditory Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC),” said the release.

Brian Martin has known Pelechaty since he was very small and the two are long time fishing buddies and Martin was the one who nominated the young man for the award.

“From my perspective, he is a young man who lives some pretty important values. He treats people with respect, he sits back and always seems to have a smile, and has such a great positive attitude. It’s just been a real priviledge to watch him grow up into the young man he is today.” said Martin

In asking Martin what we could learn from Pelechaty, he was quick to point it out.

“Generosity, he is so generous to others. He is so respectful of his elders. I watch him interact with his grandparents, who obviously love him. He has such a respect for his parents. He loves to go fishing with an old guy like me. How many young people do you see doing that today? He is just a good person. And I think we all can learn from him,” said Martin.

Pelechaty’s kindness, perseverance and generosity shine through in the charities he supports.

“He was a finalist in the Scotia Bank Game Changers competition, which honours local heroes who demonstrate commitment and leadership. Through this program, Michael was able to donate $1,000 to a charity of his choice, and he chose SPARC (Saskatchewan Pediatric Auditory Rehabilitation Center). Michael participated in the Sask AG Bell Camp for hearing impaired children and now as a young adult, he will become a mentor at the camp. He has been described as reliable and respectful, and as a person who never hesitates to offer a helping hand to those in need,” said the release.

Michael said he was happy to be recognized for all the support he has received and that his hardwork is paying off.

He is planning on attending Sask Polytech in the fall for carpentry after graduating from Carlton High School and he has plans to continue being a positive role model as he steps into adulthood.

“I will be speaking at events, and help promoting deaf people and telling them, giving them tips, and help them out and helping families,” said Pelechaty.

The remaining recipients are Megan Ebel from Weyburn, Darshana Lanke from Saskatoon and Ashva Siermachesky from Melfort. More details can be found here.

“These four individuals are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Honourable Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskPower. “The passion and dedication of these youth serve as an inspiration and a reminder that the future in Saskatchewan is bright,” said the release.

The award recognizes young people aged 8 to 18 years of age for their ability to overcome challenges, their positive lifestyles, community and school spirit, and their caring and responsibility. Each award recipient receives a $3,000 bursary provided by SaskPower.

Wednesday, June 23 there will be a virtual ceremony for the junior citizens to accept their award starting at 1:30 pm.

To watch the event, visit www.ltgov.sk.ca.

For those unable to join at that time, the video link will remain available on the website.

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joan.olson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @olson_joani

by Joanie Olson

Prince Albert youth awarded Junior Citizen of the Year

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