Samantha Knight receives her medal from His Honour, Col. (Ret’d) the Honourable Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta (PHOTO:  Alberta Culture)

A student from Rocky View Schools was awarded a 2011 - 2012 Queen's Golden Jubilee Citizenship Medal on June 12 during a ceremony at Government House in Edmonton.

Samantha Knight from Springbank Community High School is passionate about helping others and is an active member of One Village, a civic, environmental and social conscience group dedicated to pursuing projects that enhance local and global communities. Samantha has also volunteered locally with Kids Cancer Care, Wellspring Calgary, Oilfields Hospital and Canmore General Hospital.

The Queen's Golden Jubilee Citizenship Medals were established in 2002 to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Medal recipients are honoured for outstanding contribution to their communities through good citizenship, leadership, community service and volunteerism. In addition to the medal, each of the eight students honoured on June 12 also receives $5,000 for their personal development and general education.

His Honour, Col. (Ret’d) the Honourable Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, presented the medals.

“Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has been motivated by one simple yet powerful motto: I serve,” said Lieutenant Governor Ethell. “These remarkable young citizens have already proven that they are driven by the same commitment to serving others and I have every confidence that they will continue to share their strength, compassion and leadership for many years to come.”

Knight graduated from Springbank Community High School in 2011.