Recent award presentations have crowned several people from the Portage College community with royal distinction.

Portage College Board of Governors member Ron Young, Portage College President Nancy Broadbent and Lyla Allan, the Coordinator of Portage College’s Community Social Work program have all received King Charles III Coronation Medals.

MLA and Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean, MP Laila Goodridge, Portage College President Nancy Broadbent and Lac La Biche County Mayor Paul Reutov at the recent ceremony to present the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

The awards were presented by Fort McMurray-Cold Lake Member of Parliament Laila Goodridge. The Portage College recipients were part of a contingent of northeastern Alberta residents nominated by the public for their community service and dedication.

“Being recognized with the King Charles medal is truly a great honour. One does not go into public service for recognition, but to be recognized is an honor,” said Young, who is currently in his second term as Portage College Board of Governors member - part of a public service commitment of more than three decades that has included municipal and school board elected representation. “I have always had the belief that in order for society to function, community members have to step up and complete necessary functions.”

Fort McMurray-Cold Lake MP Laila Goodridge and Portage College Board of Governors member Ron Young with the medal and parchment highlighting the honour.

Young said his award is a shared treasure, crediting his wife and family for the sacrifices they have made that have allowed him to offer his strengths to public and community service.

“I would not be receiving it without their support,” he said.

A similar shared appreciation is offered by Broadbent, who says the award is a humbling experience. President and CEO at Portage College since 2019, Broadbent retires this year after spending more than 30 years working at the institution.

“I would like to thank everyone who I have worked with at the College over the past 34-plus years. Thank you for allowing me to lead this impactful institution and engaged individuals,” she said. “What is seen as my success is also very much due to the strong team I work with, especially when it comes to the advancements in relations between the College and the communities.”

Broadbent also says her family has helped to balance her busy schedule of work, personal and community demands. She says they have been with her every step of the way – more often integrated right into whatever task she is doing.

“Bringing my family members along and seeing them enjoying the volunteering with me is also very fulfilling. If you are enjoying what you are doing, it doesn’t feel like work and it doesn’t feel like you are having to sacrifice one area in favour of another,” she said.

She calls her personal drive, and the one she sees in the Portage staff around her, an “extra-mile attitude.”

“I think you have to just do it. You have to find something you are very interested in seeing improvement on, roll up your sleeves and help. It is very personally rewarding when you see the needle move on something you care about,” she said.

Lyla Allan has a similar mantra. The community volunteer, Portage College program coordinator and devoted family person says it’s a “Get it done” attitude. It’s a mindset she likes to encourage others to reach for as well. Leading by example is an important trait for Allan, especially when it comes to the students in the Portage College Community Social Work program.

“I believe that in order for our students to be active members of the communities around them, they need to be involved, which means I get involved,” she said, explaining it as a lesson that can be learned in all areas of life, not just the classroom. “It’s not just about us, not only about the individual – it’s about the community. If we want to grow good communities, it’s important that people are there to show others how to do it.”

Portage College Community Social Work program Coordinator Lyla Allan and MP Laila Goodridge.

It is a team approach that Allan says brings many positive results, including the recent recognition.

“The spotlight may be on me for this medal, but it takes a lot of people around me in order to be the recipient of any recognition. I don’t work by myself, I work with people, lots of people, agencies, and communities. Any recognition like this is about all the people who work together to make thing better.”

Handing out the awards, 20 in all, to Lakeland-area residents, the riding’s MP says the nominated recipients represent the many hard-working and dedicated community supporters that make the area so rich, diverse, and welcoming.

“I am so proud to be presenting these awards. The recipients are truly deserving and represent our wonderful region so well,” said Goodridge.

Across Canada, the King Charles III Coronation Medal is being presented to about 6,500 residents by their area’s Member of Parliament. More than 4,000 additional King Charles III Coronation Medals will be awarded to members of Canada’s military.

Many who receive the awards hope the attention moves others to take active roles in their communities.

“My advice to those who are considering public service is to jump in with a sense of confidence and commitment,” said Broadbent. “Whether it is helping with a school food program or sitting on a planning commission, or running for mayor, these are roles that make us stronger as a society.”