There are seven categories in which residents can nominate deserving individuals within the 'Awards of Service' category and two awards within the ‘Awards of Excellence’ category. 

The Heart of Medicine Hat Award of Excellence recognizes someone who, outside of their core work, has made a lasting contribution to the community for at least 15 years. This year’s recipient, LaVerne Noble, exemplifies what it means to be civic-minded and community-focused.

After a 39-year career in education, LaVerne moved to Medicine Hat and became deeply involved with the senior community through the Veiner Centre’s Duplicate Bridge Club. Noticing declining membership, she began teaching beginner bridge classes in 2007, introducing hundreds of people, including youth, to the game. As Club President for 11 years, she has modernized operations, mentored new directors, organized tournaments, and even brought bridge online during COVID-19 to keep members connected.

Beyond bridge, LaVerne co-chaired the Veiner Centre’s rebuilding after the 2013 flood, helping shape it into a welcoming, accessible space for seniors. Her long service on the City’s Senior Citizens Advisory Committee and Social Development Advisory Board has brought seniors’ issues, such as elder abuse and aging-in-place, to the forefront. She continues this advocacy today through the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee Foundation, strengthening governance and funding supports for older adults.

LaVerne also champions innovative initiatives like Oasis, a neighbourhood-based program helping seniors remain in their homes longer. Her leadership, generosity, and belief that “the business of life is a lot easier if we do it with other people” have inspired countless others.

The Medicine Hat Skateboard Association (MHSA), led by president Sam Larsen, received the Change Maker Award of Excellence for their outstanding contributions to enhancing quality of life in Medicine Hat through innovation, advocacy, and leadership.

Since its founding in 2004, MHSA has grown from a group advocating for skateboarding infrastructure into a dynamic organization driving social, economic, and urban transformation. Over the past five years, the group has led humanitarian outreach, volunteerism, infrastructure development, and inclusive programming that embody the spirit of the Change Maker Award.

In partnership with the Root Cellar, MHSA launched the End Period Poverty campaign, raising over $6,000 in 2022 and $18,000 in 2023 to address a critical equity need. The association co-hosts the Canada Day Festival at Kin Coulee Park, now drawing up to 10,000 attendees annually and celebrating multiculturalism through food, music, and community connection.

Internationally, MHSA has organized humanitarian trips to Mexico and Nigeria, engaging youth in building homes, renovating schools, and providing clean water. Locally, their members lead community cleanups, school presentations, and fundraisers for organizations such as the Women’s Shelter and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

MHSA also drives economic and urban development through initiatives like Beat the Heat, Canada’s largest amateur skateboard competition, which promotes gender equity in sport and boosts national visibility for Medicine Hat. The group raised $650,000 to expand the Kinsmen Skate Plaza and continues to collaborate on new skate spots and the Bay 3 indoor park, offering youth programs and volunteer opportunities year-round.

In 2022, MHSA’s advocacy helped repeal Medicine Hat’s downtown skateboarding ban—a powerful symbol of the city’s growth and the association’s evolving role as a civic leader.

Through Sam Larsen’s leadership, the Medicine Hat Skateboard Association has redefined community engagement, empowering youth to lead with purpose, creativity, and compassion. Their work continues to shape Medicine Hat’s identity as an inclusive, active, and forward-thinking community.

Bev Duke received the Award of Service for Arts and Culture. For decades, Bev has been a driving force in Medicine Hat’s arts community, leading the Hat Art Club, founding the Calligraphy Guild, opening art classes to non-members, and even moving classes online during COVID-19 so creativity could continue. She has supported other local clubs, co-led popular events like Art in the Park and Craft Co-Mingle, and is a welcoming presence at exhibitions, teaching and inspiring fellow artists.

Her nominator calls her “one in a million,” and Bev herself says:
"It takes a village of dreamers and doers.”

Bev’s leadership and tireless volunteerism have strengthened the arts community and enriched the cultural life of Medicine Hat. She is a true ambassador for the city’s arts and culture

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