Gov. Gen. David Johnston set to honour 11 Islanders at Halifax ceremony

Eleven Island residents will be honoured byGovernorGeneralDavid Johnston at a ceremony in Halifax tomorrow.

They will be part of a group of more than 70 Atlantic Canadians set to be recognized for "excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to service."

One will receive theMeritorious Service Medal and 10 will receive theSovereign's Medal for Volunteers.

Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)

Penny WalshMcGuire, M.S.M.of Charlottetownwas the driving force and executive director of PEI 2014 Inc., a non-profit organization established to commemorate the150th anniversary of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference and its important role in Canadian history. Her ability to mobilize partnerships led to a year of highly successful events throughout P.E.I., attracting Canadians from across the country to join in the celebrations.

Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers

Colleen Bannon ofKensington, P.E.I., is a strong supporter of the Heart and Stroke Foundation and represents the organization at health fairs across Prince Edward Island. As a volunteer and ambassador, she performs blood pressure checks and educates the public on cardiovascular health throughout the province.

Michelle Blanchard ofStratford, P.E.I., has been working to advance the arts and culture of Prince Edward Island's Francophone and Acadian community through Music PEI and the Fdration culturelle del'le-du-Prince-douard. Serving in executive positions with both organizations, she has helped preserve and nurture her culture in Atlantic Canada.

Richard Burns ofCharlottetown has been a volunteerwith Special Olympics Prince Edward Island for 17 years, andhas served as a fundraiser, mentor, and coach forboth floor hockey and bowling. He has also promoted personal development and growth through such organizations as Youth Bowl Canada, where he encourages athletes to reach their full potential.

Edmond Gallant ofMont-Carmel, P.E.I., alongside his wife, Zita, promoted French arts and culture with such organizations as the Cooprative de dveloppement culturel et patrimonial de Mont-Carmel and Communities in Bloom. Through the years, he has brought together P.E.I.'s Francophone community and preserved French language and Acadian heritage.

Zita Gallant ofMont-Carmel, P.E.I., with her husband, Edmond, has long served the Francophones ofPrince Edward Island by organizing concerts and arts and heritage events. As an executive and leader with several organizations, she has worked to preserve and promote French language and Acadian culture.

Sterling "Stu" MacFadyenof Charlottetown is committed to fostering youth development through sport. He has volunteered as a coordinator and coach for the Charlottetown Minor Baseball Association, and helps with both the Spud Minor and the Early Bird hockey tournaments. He is also a Beaver leader and an usher with Holy Redeemer Parish.

Donald McLeodofVernon Bridge, P.E.I., hasbeen canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation for the past seven years, assisting with annual campaigns, distributing information about cardiovascular health and raising awareness. His dedication and ongoing commitment has advanced the foundation's mission of creating a healthier country.

Sarah Paynter of Kensington, P.E.I., after seeing the need for a swimming program,joined Special Olympics Prince Edward Island over 19 years ago to do just that, and she continues to serve as a mentor and coach, both locally and nationally. Respected by both the athletes and her fellow coaches, she continues to providesupport and leadership.

Kaitlyn Reher of Charlottetown has foralmost 10 years,been a leader and a teacher, committing herself to the well-being of others as a Scout leader, and with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Her work has helped generate a sense of community, and she continues to bring people together by connecting with stakeholders.

William Whelan ofCharlottetown hasbeen involved with the Canadian Cancer Society for over 10 years, as well as the Prince Edward Island (PEI) Science Fair and the PEI Home and School Federation. He has promoted dialogue between individuals and expanded community involvement in the province.

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