Holly Martin

Holly Martin is one Cochrane kid who is setting the stage for a bright future.

The 17-year-old Cochrane High senior was one of 40 Alberta youth to receive the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award — Gold Level presentation from the Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.

“The honour to meet the Governor General is huge,” said Martin. “I’m overwhelmed — it’s an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the front-running youth achievement program in the world, operating in 130 countries.

The self-directed program is not academically-based, but is centered around four levels of activities — adventurous journey, community service, skills and physical recreation — achieved by youth ages 14-25 in incremental levels of bronze, silver and gold; Martin is an avid English horse jumper, plays the clarinet and has balanced a heavy schedule of volunteer work.

The ceremony was held on the evening of Feb. 14 at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel ballroom in downtown Calgary.

Also attending the ceremony was Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, Red Deer Mayor Morris Flewwelling, various RCMP and Calgary Police Service members and other community and business leaders.

“I’m happy that I’ve accomplished so much and that I’ve learned so much from this,” said Martin, who aims to begin her geography degree in the fall and eventually work in wildlife conservation.

Martin cites her mother, Helen Martin as a major source of inspiration.

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1. Talented youth earn scholarships
2. Community Awards seek nominees for town’s outstanding contributions
3. Hockey program to benefit several youth

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