Congratulations 2016 Award Recipients

The City of Duncan presents awards each year to residents who demonstrate excellence in the fields of arts, sports and long-term service to the community. On December 5, 2016 at the Annual Meeting held at City Hall, this year’s awards were handed out:

Scroll of Honour – Marina Stanko

Marina is a retired elementary school teacher who moved to the valley in 1964. She has volunteered for over twenty years with the Cowichan Valley Association for Community Living, now the Cements Centre Society. She has held many positions in the organization, including ten years as the president. She also volunteered on the executive of Cowichan Valley Special Olympics as registrar and with the Kinsmen and Kinettes Clubs of Duncan. She has worked on countless projects and is committed to helping people.

Perpetual Arts Award – Gia Jane

Gia is a music teacher in the French Immersion Program at Ecole Mount Prevost Elementary.  Throughout her years as a teacher, she has shown drive, devotion and dedication to children’s development. She has worked tirelessly to inspire thousands of students to excel in amazing musical performances and helped them realize outstanding achievements in the arts. Gia gave countless hours to help artists and her efforts will have a lasting impact on the arts community.

The Arts Award is supported by the Cowichan Valley Arts Council and the Duncan Free Press. In honour of her award, Gia was given a piece of art generously donated by a local photographer, Nathalie Mansey.

Perpetual Trophy for Excellence and Sportsmanship – Glen Martin

Glen is the head coach of the Cowichan Division 1 Men’s Soccer Team. He’s been coaching soccer since 1979. In 1998 he started coaching the Cowichan Dynamo Gold Team. In 2002-2003, the Cowichan Dynamo U16 won the provincial championships. In 2004-2005, the Cowichan Dynamo U18 won the provincial championships. During his time with the Division 1 Men’s Team they have won the Jackson Cup four times in the last six years, qualified for the Provincials every year for the last seven years and won the league the last two years in a row. He is truly dedicated to his coach, he recently participated in his 1100th straight practice and game.