Sophia Young - recipient of the 2023 Cydney Weir Award for Youth Environmental Leadership. Sophia has made remarkable contributions to sparking environmental passion in her community. At her school, Sophia founded and chaired the Miller4Nature Permaculture Club....
Pam Belcher - recipient of the 2023 Bernie Melanson Lifetime Achievement Award. For 15 years, Pam was SES’s Education Coordinator. She retired last year, in 2022. Pam’s favourite part of the job was working directly with students in their project work. This included...
We are very pleased to nominate an “outstanding” candidate for the Bernie Melanson Lifetime Achievement Award.
We would like to nominate Elsa Graupe for the Cydney Weir Award. Elsa is 19 years old and a 2nd year Bachelor of Education Student at the U of S. She is very passionate about land and place-based learning, and keen to develop her practice as a new and aspiring teacher.
Nomination Letter:We are proud to nominate our friend and mentor Dr. Janet McVittie for the Bernie Melanson Award. Janet is presently an Assistant Professor in the department of Educational Foundations, College of Education, at the University of Saskatchewan. Janet’s...
Nomination Letter:
It is with great pleasure that I nominate my student and outdoor education club member Emily Matisho for the Cydney Weir Award.
Emily lives in a small community west of Swift Current, and attends the Swift Current Comprehensive High School as a grade twelve student. At any point in the year, she can be found hiking, paddling, and orienteering across Saskatchewan.
Nomination Letter:
It is with great pleasure that I nominate my student and outdoor education club member Emily Matisho for the Cydney Weir Award.
Emily lives in a small community west of Swift Current, and attends the Swift Current Comprehensive High School as a grade twelve student. At any point in the year, she can be found hiking, paddling, and orienteering across Saskatchewan.
Nomination Letter: We would like to post-humously nominate Dr. Garth Pickard for the SaskOutdoors - Bernie Melanson Award. Garth was an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to outdoor and environmental education in Saskatchewan. Dr. Pickard joined the...
Joe and Lori have been leaders in the outdoor and environmental education community for as long as most of us can remember. When I first started the Greenall Outdoor School program 12 years ago, I had 3 different people tell me that I had to get in touch with Joe and...
I would like to nominate Ivan Thompson, a student at Winston Knoll Collegiate to for the Cydney Weir Youth Environmental Leadership award. Ivan is in his grade 12 year, and he plans on working in the trades and owning his own business in the future. I taught him...
Deborah and Reid individually have strong careers in education and long records of involvement in health, wellness, outdoor and environmental education. Their individual abridged biographies attest to this statement. However, it is together that they shine! Both Reid...
February 11, 19To Whom It May Concern: Cydney Weir Award for Environmental LeadershipI would like to nominate Elan Marsall for the Cydney Weir Award. I had the opportunity to get to know Elan well when she enrolled in the Greenall Outdoor School program (ODS). Elan’s...
The 2017 Winner of the Cydney Weir Award for Youth Environmental Leadership is Mary Grace Hardy. Mary Grace has loved the outdoors since she was a small child. For the past 5 years, she has attended Saint John Bosco Wilderness Camp in northern Saskatchewan. At Bosco,...
The Cydney Weir Award for Youth Environmental Leadership was established in 2014 to honor Cydney, a passionate environmental leader who was active in Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders, and Rangers, as well as Trek School, the Sheldon Collegiate Outdoor Club, and was...
Lori Johnson (Melanson Award Winner, 2017) Lori Johnson works as the Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre’s Owl Coordinator. Lori was nominated for the Melanson Award by Lorne Scott, who won the award himself in 1987. It was clear to Lorne that Lori embodies...
Congratulations to Ryan Poelzer, the 2016 recipient of the Cydney Weir Award for Youth Environmental Leadership. SaskOutdoors Board Member and one of Ryan's former teachers, Jeff Moore wrote this nomination: I would like to nominate Ryan Poelzer for the Cydney Weir...
Jim Taylor (Melanson Award Winner, 2016) Jim is on of the original and long-tem facilitators in the SaskOutdoors “Projects” programs and has been a staunch supporter for over three decades in Saskatoon and northern areas. In the mid-1980’s he worked as a science...
Rhonda Phillips (Melanson Award Winner, 2015)Rhonda grew up in Dryden, Ontario and later moved to Saskatchewan to go to university. She married Dave Phillips and lived on the Cumberland Marshes project near Cumberland House for six years. She then moved to Lumsden in...
Congratulations to Sky Ann Stinson, the 2015 Cydney Weir Award Recipient!
"Lizabeth just never gives up. Her heart for environmental education programs is large. It never shrinks. She is one of a kind!" (from Melanson Award citation, 2014) Lizabeth Nicholls (Melanson Award Winner, 2014) Lizabeth has led a varied career life beginning in...
"To say that Kim was 'innovative' in his teaching practice would not be doing it justice. His lessons looked much less like traditional school and much more like problem solving about real-life situations involving academic subjects based in natural areas."(from...
"Peta lives this day-in and day-out, she lives what we’re supposed to teach. Her activism and leadership is infectious and has brought strength and growth to our association. Her contributions to SOEEA will greatly enhance the learning of so many individuals. Her...
"These earnest efforts just might get us past the train-wreck of the daily news, or the anguish of standing behind a child, looking with her at the road ahead, searching out redemption where we can find it: recycling or carpooling or growing a garden or saving a...
Photo: Great Sand Hills, SK Credit: climateandchange.usask.caEleanor Bowie (Melanson Award Winner, 2008)Eleanor Bowie was born and raised in Saskatoon, but didn’t feel she was raised with a city mentality. She met her husband while working at the research station...
"Lyle was “larger than life”, cherishing every moment with family and constantly marveling at the beauty and wonder of the world around him."(from Lyle Benko obituary, 2016) Lyle Benko (Melanson Award Winner, 2006)Lyle was born and raised in Regina. Lyle’s father was...
“Seeing bright eyes, as a child finds a new treasure under a leaf, comes across a fresh animal track, or tastes a wild onion, is extremely rewarding. Give me my hiking boots and a class of children any day over the office!”(quote from Linda Dodd) Linda Dodd (Melanson...
"Together, Geoff and Judith support one another and the environmental causes they believe in."(from Melanson Award citation, 2005) Judith and Geoff Benson (Melanson Award Winners, 2005)In 2005, two long time members of SOEEA who have always worked together as a team,...
"Dr. Dan Beveridge not only loves the opportunity to learn IN the outdoors, he also knows how to learn FROM the outdoors."(from Melanson Award citation, 2004) Dan Beveridge (Melanson Award Winner, 2004)As a child in rural Saskatchewan, Dan recalled coming to have an...
“That man is richest whose pleasures are cheapest.”(Louise Jones' favorite quote from Thoreau) Louise Jones (Melanson Award Winner, 2003)Louise earned a degree in anthropology from the University of Saskatchewan, followed by ethnographic fieldwork with Northern Cree...
"Joan has a keen interest and knowledge in our natural world. Her enthusiasm and ability to involve, communicate and work with young people is a great asset of which she has given freely over the years."(from Melanson Award Citation, 2001) Joan Hodgins (Melanson Award...
“What drives us to do what we do, is what we value … how we look at the world!”(from Melanson Award citation, 2000) Paul Hart (Melanson Award Winner, 2000)Paul Hart was born in Brandon, Manitoba. He spent part of his childhood there. Most weekends and holidays were...
"Myles is a teacher who walks the talk when it comes to outdoor and environmental education."(SOEEA newsletter, 1999) Myles Radchenko (Melanson Award Winner, 1999)Myles Radchenko is a man of many passions. One passion focuses on learning/teaching about and for the...
“Janet is an eager, enthusiastic educator. Everything Janet taught us was important. She made learning real by touching the natural world, the Saskatchewan world!”(Melanson Award citation, 1997) Janet Galger (Melanson Award Winner, 1997)Over a 30 teaching career,...
"He lived in [Saskatoon] 10 years and had an impact that some people don't make in a whole lifetime."(Peggy McKercher, first Chair of Meewasin Valley Authority, Star Phoenix, 1997) Fred Heal (Melanson Award Winner, 1997)Fred is a Saskatchewan boy – born, raised and...
"Because of his outgoing nature, sense of humor and intelligence, Larry was instrumental in bringing many able people into the Saskatchewan Outdoor Environmental Education Association in its early years."(Melanson Award citation, 1995) Larry Lang (Melanson Award...
Image: Saskatoon's Northeast Swale. Credit: EcoFriendly Sask"In memory of Gordon Silversides:The “grasslanders” who were privileged to have walked with Gordon feel his presence with every return visit to Saskatoon's Northeast Swale."(Meewasin Valley Authority in a...
"Evelyn reawakened a sense of curiosity and exploration in her students that is so essential to learning about and in the outdoor environment. Her students at all levels of education remember her humor, wit and charm and her ability to challenge people to pursue...
"If Mervyn had not personally fought many conservation battles, Prince Albert National Park would not preserve the pristine boreal environment it does today."(from Melanson Award citation, 1988) Mervyn Syroteuk (Melanson Award Winner, 1988)Mervyn served as Chief Park...
"Lorne is a warm, kind-hearted man born and raised in rural Saskatchewan. His life has been filled with concern and care for the environment."(from Melanson Award citation, 1987) Lorne Scott (Melanson Award Winner, 1987)Lorne is a warm, kind-hearted man born and...
"Bill's quick smile, hearty laugh and keen, witty sense of humor give him the edge in helping others to learn about and in the environment."(from Melanson Award citation, 1986) Bill Wood (Melanson Award Winner, 1986)Two of Saskatchewan’s great heritages are its...
“Ches is a true craftsman, a true outdoorsman, a man who cares about people and about our environment.”(from Melanson Award citation, 1985) Ches Anderson (Melanson Award Winner, 1985)Ches grew up among the hills of Tennessee, and it was there that his great love for...
"John is a gentle, concerned person – concerned for the environment and for the quality of life."(Melanson Award Citation, 1984) John Schaller (Melanson Award Winner, 1984)John Schaller taught social studies in New York State (Grades 6-12) before joining the Faculty...
Barry Mitschke (Melanson Award Winner, 1983)Barry Mitschke is an outstanding example of an individual who has made outstanding contributions to outdoor and environmental education in Saskatchewan. His commitment to the ideals of the Melanson Award can be seen in his...
"Max is a person of tremendous enthusiasm, energy, patience, understanding and dedication. He has a deep appreciation and caring not only for the environment but also for fellow human beings."(Melanson Award Citation, 1982) Max Abraham (Melanson Award Winner, 1982)Max...
“Just think, I can do all this, and get paid for it too!”(Ruth Tempel remarking on working outdoors with school children) Ruth Tempel (Melanson Award Winner, 1981)Ruth came to Saskatchewan from Pennsylvania in the early 1950’s as an exchange teacher for one year. Her...
"It has been frequently stated that the most effective leadership in the area of outdoor education comes from those who lead by example, who are involved with nature or who live in harmony with one’s environment. Clare Hume is a fitting example of such a...
“Jack MacKenzie was many things to many people: a world traveller, storyteller, innovator, beloved educator, family man and friend. He left his mark on Saskatchewan and its people.”(Regina Leader-Post, 2018) Jack MacKenzie (Melason Award Winner, 1978) View a video of...