Citizen of the Year
Citizen of the Year Carolyn Henrickson
Grasslands Regional FCSS is proud to recognize Carolyn Hendrickson as the 2025 Citizen of the Year. A steadfast community champion, Carolyn has spent nearly two decades shaping young lives through her unwavering dedication to the 4-H program in the County of Newell.
Carolyn’s journey with 4-H began as a member of the John Ware 4-H Beef Club, and her involvement only deepened as she transitioned into leadership roles. For 19 years, she has served as a general leader, assistant leader, project leader, and now, as the Key Leader for the Newell District, a position she’s held for over a decade. In this role, she acts as a mentor, liaison, and conflict-resolution specialist—ensuring clubs, leaders, and members receive the support they need to thrive.
Carolyn’s influence stretches well beyond individual clubs. She is a cornerstone of the Newell 4-H District, playing a vital role in communication between local clubs and the provincial 4-H organization. Her volunteer work has helped elevate the quality and consistency of programming throughout the region. By bringing her passion, organizational expertise, and calm leadership to regional events, she ensures that young people across our area have access to safe, enriching, and empowering opportunities.
Her dedication has opened doors for countless youth to grow as leaders, farmers, public speakers, and engaged community members. Events like public speaking competitions, district show and sales, and workshops run more smoothly and with greater success thanks to her tireless behind-the-scenes work. Whether she’s organizing logistics, mentoring new leaders, or simply showing up where she’s needed, Carolyn is the steady hand and warm heart that helps bring the 4-H mission to life across the region.
Carolyn has shown incredible strength and generosity. After the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Alyssa—an active and passionate 4-H member—Carolyn and her family established a scholarship in Alyssa’s memory. This act of resilience and love continues to inspire and support youth in the community and serves as a lasting tribute to both Alyssa’s and Carolyn’s shared passion for youth development.
Beyond 4-H, Carolyn is known for giving her time to a wide range of community events—volunteering at local rodeos, auctions, and hall gatherings, always with a smile and a helpful spirit. Her contributions touch nearly every part of our region and have created a ripple effect of positivity, mentorship, and kindness.
Carolyn embodies the spirit of “learn to do by doing” and exemplifies every quality this award stands for: dedication, compassion, leadership, and community service. She is a mentor, role model, and tireless advocate for youth, agriculture, and rural life. Our region is undeniably stronger, more connected, and more resilient because of her commitment.
Congratulations, Carolyn, on this well-deserved recognition. Your legacy of service continues to inspire us all.
Junior Citizen of the Year Presley Dyck
Grasslands Regional FCSS is proud to recognize Presley Dyck as the 2025 Junior Citizen of the Year. Presley is a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated, compassionate, and driven young leader. Whether she’s mentoring young students in the classroom, volunteering in the community, or leading her peers through sports and school initiatives, Presley consistently goes above and beyond.
A Grade 10 student at Rosemary School, Presley’s positive influence is felt throughout her school and community. Her volunteer work spans many areas: she has contributed over 75 hours to classroom support in Kindergarten through Grade 4, where she brings patience, initiative, and a natural gift for connecting with children. Teachers praise her adaptability, maturity, professionalism, and her incredible ability to “read the room” and offer support before even being asked. Her leadership and mentoring abilities rival those of seasoned professionals, and her impact on young learners is both measurable and deeply meaningful.
Presley also serves as Vice President of the Student Council, helps build the school’s Yearbook, fundraises for the Travel Club, and leads the Girls Who Lead program—a community initiative designed to foster leadership and confidence in girls ages 6–12. Through this program alone, Presley has donated over 70 volunteer hours as a Junior Coach. She plays a vital role in planning and leading activities, encouraging participation, and being a consistent, supportive presence for younger girls in the program.
Outside of school, Presley continues her leadership as a referee in Brooks Minor Hockey, umpire for Brooks Minor Ball, and a coach and referee in school and community sports leagues. She is a leader on her own hockey and baseball teams and serves as a role model who leads by example, embracing challenges with a strong sense of fairness, kindness, and determination.
Presley’s contributions extend beyond volunteer hours—they shape the culture of every group she is part of. Her kind spirit, strong work ethic, and natural leadership help foster inclusion, confidence, and growth in others. Whether it’s lifting up a peer who feels left out or stepping in when others falter, Presley leads quietly but powerfully, always putting others first.
Her maturity, initiative, and heart have made a lasting impression on everyone she works with. Presley is proof that one person—even a young person—can make a tremendous difference.
Congratulations, Presley, on this well-deserved honour. Your actions today are already shaping a stronger, more connected future for our community.
