The Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association has announced the winners of the 2021 Service and Merit Awards.

A teacher from Maple Creek, who grew up in Shaunavon, has received the SHSAA Senior Service Award for the Southwest.

Tyson Krause says it was a great surprise to be selected but feels it was a team effort. "Honestly, there's so many people that help make the Southwest go around. And we're a big spread-out area, and we've got a good group that helps out with things. It's not all about one person, it's about a group of people. And I'm just happy I'm involved with a good group of people that I get along with really well."

Tami Reynolds, a teacher from Consul, received the SWAC Junior Service Award. She says it's being with, and working with, the kids that motivates her. "I just really enjoy the connection with the kids outside of school. Even like travelling on the bus to another town and teaching them team sport and sportsmanship, as well as skill building and the team work that they can show, and skill development. It's just really fun to watch"

And Kent Stenson from Gull Lake received the SHSAA Outstanding Official Award for the Southwest.

Kent has been a Gull Lake Football official for a number of years and said, "I was shocked. There's so many people in Southwest Saskatchewan that do that, and have done it for many years, just like myself, so there's many deserving people. I enjoy sports and being part of it, and helping out as much as I can. So, I just encourage others to do the same."

Tami Reynolds (on the right) receiving her award. Photo submitted by The Chinook School Division.

Kent Stenson (on the right)  receiving his award. Photo submitted by The Chinook School Division.