on Building THE Best

46th Annual Skate : Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Awards Banquet Sheraton Red Deer Hotel May 2, 2015 EVENING PROGRAM Triple Flip Fashion Show Long Service Awards Medalist Recognition Achievement Awards Alberta Foundation Awards Merit Awards Dennis McFarlane Award Pat Sprague Award Cherniawski STARSkate Awards Triple and Quadruple Gold Awards

Section Awards & Bursaries Jesse Smith Memorial Award Winnie Silverthorne Award Shantelle Hale Award Brian Pockar Award Kurt Browning Award Duso’s Pre-Juvenile Award Duso’s Choice Award Pat Fischer Bursary Barbara Graham Bursary AdultSkate Awards Special Olympics Skaters of the Year Award Wayne Feil Memorial Evaluator/Judges Award Coach Achievement Award Gateway Skating Club Post-Secondary Bursary Professional Skate Service Senior Performance Bursary Board of Directors Retirements Chair’s Award 2015 MEDALIST RECOGNITION National Medalists

Keegan Messing 2015 Skate Canada Challenge Senior Men - Bronze Medal

Triena Robinson 2015 Skate Canada Challenge Junior Women - Gold Medal

Meg Ohsada 2015 Canada Winter Games Special Olympics Women Level III - Gold Medal

JorDen Tyson 2015 Canada Winter Games Special Olympics Women Level II - Gold Medal

Katrina Lopez & Kurtis Schreiber 2015 Canada Winter Games Novice Pairs - Bronze Medal MARILYN CHIDLOW CLUB VOLUNTEER AWARDS Marilyn Chidlow is a native of Ponoka who has been involved in every level of skating volunteerism from the local club level through the National Board level as the Skate Canada President from 2000 to 2006. Marilyn’s heart has always been with grassroots skating as -dem onstrated by her commitment to the development of the CanSkate Program while she was the National Recreational Skating Chair. The Section has been the beneficiary of Marilyn’s talent and commitment for several decades and it is the Section’s great honor to have named this award after such a fine individual.

2015 Marilyn Chidlow Club Volunteer Award Recipients Allison Edwards, Grovedale SC Kelly Radcliffe, Elk Point FSC Angela Stark, Grimshaw SC Kim Matheson Lyseng, Manning FSC Angela Walburger, Cardston SC Kim Steib, Marwayne SC Annette Yanishewski, Grande Prarie SC Lana Wright, Rainbow Lake SC Beata North, Wild Rose FSC Laurie Jensen, Canmore SC Bellinda Kelly, Wainwright SC Leanne Baars, Nampa SC Bonnie Smyl, St.Paul FSC Mandie Saunders, Calalta FSC Carmen Ray, Beaverlodge SC Mark Kondratski, Leduc FSC Chris Coleman, Rycroft/Spirit River SC Marsha Laing, Lakeside FSC Cindy Law, Derrick SC Michelle Sampson, East Smoky SC Colleen Haining, Clive FSC Pat Leishman, Lethbridge SC Danielle Hagel, Calgary Synchronized SC Patricia Dowling, Stettler FSC Darla Sinclair, Tri Area SC Pauline Halko, Federation SC Dave Sargeant, Okotoks SC Robin Gordey, Sexsmith SC David Krause, Redcliff SC Ronda Leonard, Innisfail SC Gail Collier, St. Albert SC Sandy Marcoux, Airdrie SC Holly Daynes, Akasaka FSC Sherry Gulayets, Gateway SC Jackie Doucette, Springbank FSC Tamara Strebchuk, High Prarie SC Jeaninne Labrecque, Twilight SC Tracie Nippard, Noralta SC Jennifer Stone, Camerose SC Tracy Scott, Claresholm SC Joan Jensen, Hines Creek & District FSC Tracy Spears, Norlight SC Jolene Delure, Ponoka SC Trisha Argotoff, High River FSC Karen Bell, Royal Glenora Club Vicky Rempell, LaCrete SC Kari Schafer, Cypress School of Skating Wanda Langell, Fairview Silver Blades Kathy Wilson, Northern Lights SC Wendy Mackenzie, Edmonton Synchronized SC Katie Doherty, Sherwood Park FSC Kayla Nuttall, Cold Lake FSC LONG SERVICE AWARDS 25 Year Coaches 25 Year Volunteer Greg Berezowski George Yuhas Kathy Kopelchuk Valerie Ure Deborah Lyon Mary Ann McDonald Kathy Burzminski Liat Kobetitch

CLUB SERVICE AWARDS presented by 10 Years 45 Years Glacier School of Skating Alix FSC Brooks FSC 20 Years Federation FSC Clive FSC Fort Smith FSC La Crete FSC Gleichen FSC Wild Rose FSC Grimshaw FSC Hanna FSC 25 Years Hay River FSC Sherwood Park FSC Cremona SC Westlock SC Spruce View SC Wetaskiwin & District FSC Rich Valley SC 50 Years 35 Years Fort Macleod SC Athabasca SC Innisfail SC Bassano SC Okotoks FSC Lake Bonavista FSC Olds FSC Nampa FSC Peace River SC Pincher Creek SC 40 Years Andrew FSC 55 Years Canmore SC Calalta FSC Cardston FSC Foothills FSC Coaldale FSC Cochrane SC Cold Lake FSC Mannville FSC Redcliff FSC Sundre FSC Sylvan Lake FSC 2015 REGION ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Edmonton Derrah Turenne CanSkate Athlete of the Year Kassidy Smethurst Program Assistant Award Region Aislinn Ganci CompetitiveSkate Athlete Award Pauline Halko Volunteer Award Kaya Thiessen STARSkate Athlete Award Mindy Gerlat Officials Award

Northwest Cori LeClerc CanSkate Athlete of the Year Jenelle LeBlanc STARSkate Athlete Award Region Sydney Dampberger Program Assistant Award

South Danielle Lockhurst CanSkate Athlete of the Year Chloe Wagenaar Program Assistant Award Region Amanda Zimmer Volunteer Award Lauralee Leishman & STARSkate Athlete Award Arianna Vercammen Northeast Madison Mayer STARSkate Athlete Award Ashton Stieb Program Assistant Award Region Peace Danelle Nelson CanSkate Athlete of the Year Madisyn Menessa STARSkate Athlete Award Region Kacie Vandemark Program Assistant Award Ashley Wohlgemuth Volunteer Coach Award Doug Vandemark Volunteer Award

Calgary Sophie Auld CanSkate Athlete of the Year Jamea Flores STARSkate Athlete Award Region Emeril Bill-Mohagen Program Assistant Award Geerthana Somas CompetitiveSkate Athlete Award Daniel Denning Volunteer Award Jennifer Betts Officials Award Candace Caven Volunteer Coach Award

Central Greydon Lea CanSkate Athlete of the Year Maegan Nasewich STARSkate Athlete Award Region Morgan Blanchard Program Assistant Award Janice Gerdts Officials Award Charlene Brosinsky Volunteer Award Cheryl Andre Volunteer Coach Award NWT Jackson Fuller CanSkate Athlete of the Year Hannah Courtoreille Program Assistant Award Region Brenda Tuckey Volunteer Award 2015 ALBERTA FIGURE SKATING FOUNDATION Dennis McFarlane Award This award is in memory of Dennis McFarlane. A former National competitor in three disciplines, Dennis began judging when he was a teenager. He reached the highest level recognized by the International Skating Union when he achieved World and Olympic Judge and Referee status in singles, pairs and . He was one of only a few judges in Canada to have held ISU Referee status in all disciplines at the same time. One of his most exciting juding experiences was being on the panel when Elizabeth Manley won the silver medal at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic Games. Prior to his passing in 2011, he received Skate Canada Honorary Official status and celebrated 60 years of officiating. Award Recipient Madison Moore The recipient of the Dennis McFarlane Award is Madison Moore. Madi- son was the highest placing Pre-Novice Woman who competed at the 2015 Skate Canada Challenge.

Pat Sprague Award This award is in the memory of Pat Sprague, a long-time figure skating organizer and volunteer. Pat was a dedicated mother of two skaters who was very active in the figure skating community. Her commitment kept her involved in the sport, even after her children moved on from their skating careers.

For 20 years she acted as Chair of the Wild Rose Figure Skat- ing Competition. Those years of dedicated volunteer work were a contributing factor to the success of the event. She was also a Board member and Past Chair of the Alberta Figure Skating Foundation and was known as a wonderful volunteer with a respect for all aspects of the sport.

Award Recipient Black Gold Open The recipient of the Pat Sprague Award is Black Gold Open Team. This team was the highest placing synchronized skating team who competed at the 2015 Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships. 2015 DUSO’S CHOICE AWARDS Duso’s Choice Awards

Since starting on Granville Island in 1979, Duso’s has been making authentic, home style Italian pasta and sauces carefully crafted from all natural ingredients. In 2012, the Section welcomed Duso’s Fresh Pasta & Sauces as a Section sponsor and Official Pasta and Sauce Supplier of Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut. In 2014, Duso’s expanded their support to become a Gold Sponsor. As a Gold Sponsor, Duso’s is proud to provide recogniti on and support to skaters through the Duso’s Choice Awards. The recipients of the Duso’s Choice Awards are presented to an accomplished pairs team and dance team. Award Recipients Bryn Hoffman & Bryce Chudak Bryn and Bryce placed 7th in the Junior Pairs event at the 2015 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships.

Nicola Salimova & Paul Ayer Nicola and Paul placed 9th in the Novice Dance event at the 2015 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships.

Congratulationsfrom everyone at Duso’s

www.dusos.com ALBERTA FIGURE SKATING FOUNDATION

The Alberta Figure Skating Foundation is committed to recognizing the achievements of dedicated skaters at all levels. Since 1975, the Alberta Figure Skating Foundation has been supporting figure skaters and promoting their development through scholar- ships, sponsorship and awards. The Alberta Figure Skating Foundation relies solely on donations, volunteer fundraising efforts and memberships to fund all of its programs, competitions and events.

In 2015, the Alberta Figure Skating Foundation is celebrating 40 years of providing sup- port to Alberta’s skaters. Join the celebration! Help AFSF continue its support of Section skaters by donating $40.00 to the Foundation in honour of their 40TH ANNIVERSARY!

For more information on the Alberta Figure Skating Foundation, please visit www.albertafigureskatingfoundation.ca.

Merit Awards

The Merit Award is presented on behalf of the Alberta Figure Skating Foundation. The award recognizes a skater (single, dance or pairs team) that exemplifies the most deserving performance.

2015 Sectionals Merit Award Theresa Ngo

2015 STARSkate Merit Award Ethan Scott 2015 ALBERTA FIGURE SKATING FOUNDATION Cherniawski STARSkate Awards In honour of the Cherniawski family for their dedication to figure skating in the Sec- tion, these awards are presented to the highest placing Triathlon Women at the Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut STARSkate Championships in the Bronze, Silver and Gold categories.

The 2015 Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut STARSkate Triathlon Champions are:

Kate McCall Amanda Leadbeater Sarah duPlessis Gold Triathlon Silver Triathlon Bronze Triathlon

Quadruple Gold Awards Triple Gold Awards Isabelle Bessel, Calalta FSC Montana Chong, Calalta FSC Aimbree Bystrom, Rocky FSC Natascha Collier, Ice Palace FSC Allie Capstick, Ice Palace FSC Lara Thompson, Tri Area SC Shaelyn Mitchler, Rocky FSC Ashtyn Wadden, Rocky FSC Teneal Mofford, Rocky FSC Antonia Ciocoiu, Royal Glenora Club Christopher Mostert, Ice Palace FSC Paul Ayer, Calalta FSC Megan Newnham, St. Albert Skating Centre Nicola Salimova, Calalta FSC

2015 SECTION AWARDS & BURSARIES Winnie Silverthorne Award This award is named in the memory of Winnie Silverthorne, one of Alberta’s great figure skating coaches. Born in England, Winnie was a former pairs skater with her brother Dennis. The Silverthorne’s placed fourth at the ISU World Championships and fifth at the 1948 Olympics. In 1950 Winnie moved to Ontario, Canada and became a figure skating coach. She later moved to Calgary where she coached at the Glencoe Club followed by the Calgary Winter Club. Winnie coached skaters of all levels and ages, including many gold medalists and Canadian Championship competitors. Her longtime student, the late Brian Pockar, was a three-time Canadian Men’s Champion and 1982 ISU World Championship bronze medalist.

Award Recipient Triena Robinson The recipient of the Winnie Silverthorne Award is Triena Robinson. Triena had an outstanding performance at the 2015 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships, placing fifth in the Junior Women’s event. Wayne Feil Memorial Evaluator/Judges Award

The Wayne Feil Memorial Evaluator/Judges Award is in the memory of Wayne Feil who dedicated himself to the development of figure skating in Alberta. An avid and accomplished figure skater, Wayne channeled his love of the sport into volunteer work with Skate Canada: Alberta–NWT/Nunavut. He trained as an evaluator and judge and traveled to test days and competitions, encouraging skaters from across the province.

His commitment to the success of both the skaters and the STARSkate program was a testament of his devotion to figure skating. Wayne also assisted the Section in developing what was then Precision Skating, now known as Synchronized Skating.

Award Recipient Bev Salomons In 2014-2015, Bev Salomons evaluated hundreds of low and high test days throughout the Section. She was the Technical Representative at numerous STARSkate competitions and is dedicated to mentoring new evaluators at the grassroots level. 2015 SECTION AWARDS & BURSARIES Kurt Browning Award Nicknamed the ‘kid from Caroline’, Alberta’s Kurt Browning revolutionized the sport of figure skating with his unique combination of strong, yet graceful jumps, creativity and charismatic appeal. In 1988, he entered the record books as the first athlete to complete a quadruple jump in World competition, forever changing the face of men’s figure skating. One of Canada’s greatest male skaters, Browning captured four ISU World Championship titles. His unparalleled success and style earned him legions of fans around the world and many honours, including the prestigious Order of Canada. Joining the professional ranks in 1994, he continues to grace the ice with a presence like no other.

Award Recipient Triena Robinson The recipient of the Kurt Browning Award is Triena Robinson. Triena was the highest placing Junior Woman at the 2015 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships.

Brian Pockar Award The Brian Pockar Award is named in the memory of 1982 World bronze medalist, Brian Pockar. A native Calgarian, Brian won the Canadian men’s figure skating title three times culminating with a bronze medal at the ISU World Championships. Upon turning professional he continued to capture audiences touring with the Ice Capades and other skating productions. His success as an amateur carried into the professional ranks where he won events such as the prestigious World Professional Championships. Off the ice, Brian provided commentary for CTV Sports and became a respected figure skating analyst. His contributions were also felt in his numerous volunteer roles including his participation as a member of the Advisory Committee for the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games Organizing Committee.

Award Recipient Matthew Newnham The recipient of the Brian Pockar Award is Matthew Newnham. Matthew was the Juvenile U14 Men’s Champion at the 2015 Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/ Nunavut Sectional Championships. 2015 SECTION AWARDS & BURSARIES Jesse Smith Memorial Award This award is in memory of Jesse Smith. Jesse spent his entire life pursuing his passion and love for skating. He achieved his dream of competing at the senior level and upon his retirement from com- petitive skating, Jesse toured professionally with Disney on Ice.- Be ing a perfectionist, he mastered every piece of music that he played on the piano. Watching Jesse skate, it was evident of his apprecia- tion of music. Jesse is remembered as being humble, determined, passionate,courageous and his philosophy of life was “Discover it, Live it” Jesse lost his battle with cancer on November 7, 2013 and the Fort Macleod FSC and Jesse’s family are honored to remember him through this award. Award Recipient Nikolai Balabardin The recipient of the Jesse Smith Memorial Award is Nikolai Balabardin. Nikolai won the Pre-Juvenile U11 Men’s event at the 2015 Alberta-NWT/ Nunavut Sectional Championships.

Coach Achievement Award Award Recipient Valerie Ure The recipient of the Coach Achievement Award is Valerie Ure. Valerie is an extremely positive member of her club and coaching team. She contributes a significant amount of time and energy to ensuring the club offers a com- prehensive skating experience to its membership. Valerie’s commitment to all levels of skating through is apparent in her presence, approachability and collaborative work with skaters, coaches and the executive.

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Available at Select Salons Only 2015 SECTION AWARDS & BURSARIES

Duso’s Pre-Juvenile Women Award

Award Recipients Brynley Gross & Olivia Levesque The recipients of the Pre-Juvenile Award are Brynley Gross in Pre-Juvenile Women U11 and Olivia Levesque in Pre-Juvenile Women U14. These recipients were the highest placing in their respective category at the 2015 Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Sectional Championships. Brynley Gross Olivia Levesque

Shantelle Hale Award

Shantelle Hale was born in 1978 and started her skating career with the Strathcona Figure Skating Club. She had big dreams, a bubbly personality and always a friendly smile and greeting. When she passed away, Shantelle was on the Alberta Figure Skating Team and was one of the top junior ladies in the Section. Skating was her life, her dream, her passion - everything she did centered around skating. Shantelle will always be remembered for the beautiful, extraordinary young lady she had become and this award will help keep her dreams alive.

Award Recipients Bailey Johnson & Savina Somas The recipients of the Shantelle Hale Award are Bailey Johnson in Juvenile Women U11 and Savina Somas in Juvenile Women U14. These recipients were the highest placing in their respective category at the 2015 Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Sectional Championships.

Bailey Johnson Savina Somas 2015 SECTION AWARDS & BURSARIES Barbara Graham Bursary The Barbara Graham Bursary is named in the memory of Barbara Graham, one of Skate Canada’s Hall of Fame members and a Canadian skating legend. A former Canadian Junior Pairs Champion and world level judge, Barbara was Technical Director for the then Canadian Figure Skating Association (CFSA) from 1972 to 1991. Her great love and passion for figure skating was supplemented by her outstanding technical knowledge and ability to envision, develop and establish programming to support the progression of the sport. Following her retirement from the CFSA, Barbara traveled overseas and was State Coaching Director for the Ice Skating Association of Queensland, Australia. She later returned to Canada and settled in Edmonton where she was the Skating Development Specialist for the Section.

Bursary Recipients Keelee Gingrich & Davin Portz The recipients of the Barbara Graham Bursary are Keelee Gingrich and Davin Portz. This team was the highest placed team at the 2015 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships, plac- ing 5th in the Junior Pairs Event.

Pat Fischer Bursary The Pat Fischer Bursary is in the memory of devoted volunteer, evaluator and official, Pat Fischer. An invaluable member of the figure skating community in Alberta, Pat Fischer judged multiple test days per year and provided guidance to skaters both as an official and monitor. She achieved Gold Evaluator and Junior Competitive Singles status and was a respected judge and mentor. Her vast knowledge and experience was utilized as a resource to assist fellow judges and evaluators and to educate coaches. As well as officiating, Pat also volunteered as a Section accoun- tant and technical representative for competitions. She was President and Past-President of Calalta Community Figure Skating Club and sat on the Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Board of Directors as Officials Coordinating Committee Chair. Bursary Recipient Yu Jin Armstrong The recipient of the Pat Fischer Bursary is Yu Jin Armstrong. Yu Jin was the highest placing skater in the Pre-Novice Men’s event at the 2015 Skate Canada Challenge. 2015 SECTION AWARDS & BURSARIES Spirit & Passion of Skating Award Bobby Joe Donovan Bobby Joe is one of the founding members of Olympia Skating Club. She is an active competitor, supportive teammate, and is currently working towards her Gold Skating Skills. Bobby Joe inspires everyone involved in Olympia Skating Club. Creating the Edge for Life Award Maureen Bennie Maureen is an active adult competitor. Maureen keeps skating as a high pri- ority in her life to ensure continued health and fitness to overcome personal challenges. Maureen is the Secretary for the Olympia Skating Club and the President of the Grassroots Skaters’ Foundations,a fundraising body for adult figure skating. Calgary Professional Skate Service Senior Performance Bursary Calgary Professional Skate Service was founded in 1972 with one small location in the southwest, specializing in the figure skating industry. Upon mastering one sector of the skating world, Calgary Professional Skate Service broadened its customer base and expanded into the hockey industry. After providing many years of exceptional service and extensive product knowledge in both the figure skating and hockey areas, Professional Skate Service grew to meet the demands of its customers. Bursary Recipient Keegan Messing The recipient of the Calgary Professional Skate Service Senior Performance Bursary is Keegan Messing. Keegan was the highest placing senior skater at the 2015 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships, placing fifth in the Senior Men’s event. 2015 SKATE CANADA ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS CompetitiveSkate Athlete Award Aislinn Ganci Aislinn’s perserverence and positive attitude are admired by many. She is a joy to be around and a great role model for other skaters. Aislinn works hard and is always willing to do whatever it takes to get herself to the next level as a competitive athlete. Section STARSkate Athlete Award Kaya Thiessen Kaya displays passion, spirit, determination and enthusiasm for the sport of figure skating and is genuinely caring, courteous, helpful and polite to every- one. Coaches say she is an absolute pleasure to teach and her peers say she is encouraging and shows her love for the sport every time she’s at the rink.

Section Volunteer Award Pauline Halko Pauline has been a dedicated volunteer to the sport of figure skating for al- most 40 years. For the past 25 years, Pauline has been involved in the Federa- tion Skating Club on the board in various positions. She has always made sure participants in the club have a safe and fun place to skate.

Gateway Skating Club Post-Secondary Bursary

In honour of their 50th anniversary in 2014, the Gateway Skating club intro- duced the Gateway Skating Club Post-Secondary Bursary award is to encour- age skaters to continue competing while pursuing post-secondary education in keeping with the principles of Canadian Sport for Life.

Kira Gallant Kira is the first recipient of the Gateway Skating Club Post-Secondary Bur- sary. Kira is an excellent role model for younger athletes and a great am- bassador for figure skating as she balances the demands of being an elite athlete with her full-time attendance at the University of Alberta. 2015 SKATE CANADA ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Volunteer of Excellence Award Doug Pettapiece Doug is a very dedicated volunteer to the sport of figure skating and further development of the Section. He has taken on many different roles at multiple competitions over the years. Doug can be called on at anytime for assisstance and is always willing to do what he can. He is reliable, knowledgeable, com- mitted and passionate.

Section Program Assistant Award Morgan Blanchard Morgan’s positive attitude, warm, friendly personality and encouraging words help to foster a love of skating for all of the young CanSkaters in her care. Mor- gan displays the interpersonal and teamwork skills necessary to collaborate and work well with coaches and other program assistants. Morgan likes to help the younger skaters meet their own goals and improve their skills.

Section CanSkate Athlete of the Year Sophie Auld Sophie is a delight to teach. She loves to dance and seems to have a strong natural movement to music. Sophie is engaged and in control of her own learn- ing. She is determined in every new skill she learns, and takes great pride in the process of learning something new.

Section Officials Award Jennifer Betts Jennifer is actively involved in the skating world on many levels. Her involvement includes her role as the Section’s Synchro Coordinator, looking after the organization of the synchro officials for the Section. Jennifer has vol- unteered as an official for 30 years. She is a great asset to the Section for her wealth of knowledge and passion for skating.

Section Volunteer Coach Award Candace Craven Candace is passionate about coaching and figure skating. Her dedication, creativity, passion, and skill make her an excellent coach. Candace has volun- teered her time with Calalta FSC for the last 5 years. She is involved in both the CanSkate and STARSkate programs and she also takes on the role of look- ing after the Calalta Skating Competition. Special Olympics Skaters of the Year Award

JorDen Tyson & Meg Ohsada JorDen Tyson and Meg Ohsada both won gold medals in their respective events at the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George, B.C. JorDen skates in Calgary, Alberta and Meg in Canmore, Alberta.

JorDen Tyson

Meg Ohsada

CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT SEASON! We are proud to be supporting our athletes and making special moments happen.

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