(Submitted photo)

By Brendan Mayer

Celebrating success

Melfort resident receives Junior Citizen of the Year Award

Jun 23, 2021 | 5:09 PM

Ashya Siermachesky, 12, of Melfort has been named as one of recipients of the 2021 Junior Citizen of the Year Award by Saskatchewan Lt. Gov. Russ Mirasty, Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association and Saskpower.

The award celebrates young people aged eight to 18 for their ability to be responsible, positive and caring.

“I didn’t expect to win,” Siermachesky said. “It means that I’ve been doing what I should be doing. I have been a good person and a good citizen. I help out a lot, but I was surprised.”

Siermachesky’s father suffered a heart attack this past January, and her mother stayed with him for a month at an intensive care unit in Saskatoon.

Siermachesky helped take care of her two younger sisters, as well as the chickens, cows and horses on their farm near Melfort while her parents were away.

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“I knew how to do everything, so I just did all the chores,” Siermachesky said.

Community members also lent a hand, and Siermachesky’s grandma stayed at the farm for several weeks.

“I got help from my parent’s fiends,” Siermachesky said.

Siermachesky’s father is recovering and has returned to work.

The 2021 Junior Citizen of the Year Award winners are receiving a $3,000 bursary from SaskPower, which Siermachesky plans to use for veterinary school.

“I’ve always loved animals,” Siermachesky added. “I have a horse of my own. I started riding when I was seven.”

The virtual award ceremony took place Wednesday.

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Brendan.Mayer@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @BrendanMayer