Meet our 2026 Youth Leadership Award Winners!

Leadership looks different for everyone, and this year’s recipients prove it!

From quiet acts of service to big community initiatives, these students are finding their own ways to show up, step forward, and make an impact where it matters most. At Conexus, we believe investing in young leaders like these is an investment in the future of our communities and we’re proud to support what comes next!

Catherine Okolita
Catherine Okolita

School: Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre

Community: Fort Qu'Appelle

Post-Secondary Plans:
Catherine will be attending Dalhousie University this fall, where she is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Medical Sciences) program.

Catherine stood out for her exceptional ability to turn compassion into meaningful, impact. As the founder of “Catherine’s Cause,” she has led initiatives that have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of critical community needs, demonstrating both vision and an extraordinary commitment to helping others.


Beyond her accomplishments, Catherine leads with authenticity, purpose, and a strong sense of responsibility to her community. She is committed to creating opportunities for others and making a meaningful impact through her leadership and service. Catherine exemplifies the kind of driven, community-focused leadership this award celebrates.

Elliana Christoffel
Elliana Christoffel

School: Harvest City Christian Academy

Community: Regina

Post-Secondary Plans: 
Elliana will be attending the University of Regina, where she is enrolled in the Bachelor of Education (Elementary) program. 

Elliana made an impact with her strong commitment to inclusion within her school and community. She goes above and beyond to support others, most notably through her work with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, where she uses her ASL skills to support student learning and help foster inclusive environments.


Alongside her academic success, Elliana is deeply involved in extracurriculars and volunteer work - from leading worship teams to participating in school productions and serving in her community locally and abroad. Her ability to turn compassion into action reflects a dedication to making a difference.

Turner Fry
Turner Fry

School: Campbell Collegiate

Community: Regina

Post-Secondary Plans: 
Turner will be attending the University of Regina, where he is enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration program. 

Turner is a strong leader who consistently steps up and gets involved wherever he can make a difference. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or through school activities, he brings energy, commitment, and a positivity to those around him. 

As VP Operations of his student-run business, Turner demonstrated both entrepreneurial thinking and accountability, helping lead a successful venture from idea to execution. He also played a key role on his school’s business case team, contributing to strong results at both the collegiate and provincial levels. Turner brings a collaborative approach to leadership that strengthens every team he’s part of.

Hadyn Francoeur
Hadyn Francoeur

School: St. Walburg School

Community: St. Walburg 

Post-Secondary Plans: 
Hadyn will be attending the University of Regina, where she is enrolled in the Pre-Social Work program. 

Empathetic and thoughtful, Hadyn demonstrates a strong ability to listen, understand, and support others which creates space for voices that might otherwise go unheard.


Across her school and community, Hadyn leads with quiet confidence and integrity. Whether through student leadership, athletics, drama, or volunteering, she consistently shows up with a genuine commitment to those around her.

Judy Missens
Judy Missens

School: Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School

Community: Pasqua First Nation / Regina

Post-Secondary Plans: 
Judy will be attending the University of Toronto, where she is enrolled in the Forensic Science program. 

Judy has a reputation for strong cultural leadership and commitment to representation within her community. She brings pride, confidence, and purpose to everything she does, using her voice and platform to share her culture and inspire others.


Through powwow demonstrations, community events, and her role as Senior Pasqua Princess, Judy connects with diverse audiences while promoting understanding and pride. She is deeply committed to being a positive role model for Indigenous youth and encouraging future generations to see themselves reflected with confidence and possibility.

Noah Welter
Noah Welter

School: École St. Mary High School

Community: Prince Albert

Post-Secondary Plans: 
Noah will be attending the University of Saskatchewan, where he is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology program.

Noah brings a calm, dependable presence to leadership, using his influence to support others in both high-pressure and everyday moments.


As a captain and Team Saskatchewan athlete, he demonstrates a team-first approach- mentoring others while driving performance. His volunteer work in a hospital setting reflects a strong commitment to helping others, where he shows great patience and empathy. His composure and strong sense of responsibility are what make him a deserving recipient of this award.

Anika Elgersma
Anika Elgersma

School: Wakaw School

Community: Wakaw

Post-Secondary Plans: 
Anika will be attending Simon Fraser University, where she is enrolled in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. 

Anika approaches leadership with purpose and authenticity, helping build a more connected community. She brings forward ideas that strengthen inclusion and create opportunities for others. 

From co-leading her school’s student leadership team to supporting mental health initiatives and organizing community fundraisers, Anika has shown a genuine commitment to making a difference. Her involvement across academics, athletics, and the arts reflects both her versatility and her drive to give back. Anika’s leadership is grounded in integrity, making her a strong example of the impact this award represents.

Alliya Dmytruk
Alliya Dmytruk

School: École St. Mary High School

Community: Prince Albert

Post-Secondary Plans: 
Alliya will be attending the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Saskatoon.

Alliya is known for her selfless commitment to supporting the people around her. Whether through athletics, mentorship, or community involvement, she consistently prioritizes the well-being and growth of others. 

From mentoring younger teammates to advocating for individuals with allergies and supporting residents in long-term care, Alliya leads with patience, and a strong sense of responsibility.  She creates environments where people feel supported and empowered.

Morgan Eurich
Morgan Eurich

School: Luseland District School 

Community: Luseland 

Post-Secondary Plans: 
Morgan will be attending the University of Saskatchewan, where she is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program. 

Morgan is recognized for her reliability and initiative to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. No matter the area of her life, she consistently steps up and follows through.


She leads through action. Whether organizing community events, serving on local committees, mentoring young athletes, or contributing to her family farm, she brings a practical, hands-on approach focused on solving problems in her community.

Eman Shahid
Eman Shahid

School: Lloydminster Comprehensive High School

Community: Lloydminster 

Post-Secondary Plans: 
Eman is enrolled in a University Transfer Science program.

Eman takes a thoughtful and inclusive approach to leadership, focused on creating spaces where everyone feels valued and encouraged to participate. She uses her gift to bring people together and foster meaningful connection.


Through organizing Culture Week and leading a multilingual legacy project, Eman has helped build appreciation of diversity within her school. She sees leadership as an opportunity to unite others and turn differences into strengths.

Liam Reeve 
Liam Reeve

School: Wynyard Composite High School

Community: Wynyard

Post-Secondary Plans: 
Liam will be attending the University of Saskatchewan, where he is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program.

Liam takes a well-rounded and highly committed approach to leadership, contributing across academics, athletics, the arts, and community service. He balances a wide range of commitments with discipline.


Liam is deeply engaged in supporting those around him through mentorship, coaching, and student leadership. He also gives back by performing piano at local care homes and contributing to fundraising initiatives, consistently seeking ways to make a positive impact in the community.

Mara Vogel

School: Yorkton Regional High School

Community: Theodore

Post-Secondary Plans: 
Mara will be attending Olds College, where she is enrolled in the Agricultural Management program.

Mara’s leadership is rooted in a strong sense of community and a willingness to step in wherever she’s needed. Growing up in a small-town environment, she has developed a deep appreciation for the role individuals play in bringing people together.


Whether volunteering at local fundraisers, mentoring young athletes, or contributing through her involvement in 4-H, Mara consistently leads through action. She shares her skills, supports those around her, and helps create an environment where community thrives.

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