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Part of Awards and scholarships

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Awards

These awards recognize outstanding young Albertans who demonstrate exceptional leadership, citizenship and community service, or talent in performing and visual arts.

Important dates

The 2026 application intake is now closed.

The 2027 application intake opens March 1, 2027.

Applications must be submitted through the Grant Administration Tracking and Evaluation (GATE) Front Office online application system.

Overview

The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Awards consists of 2 awards – The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Award and Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award for Performing and Visual Arts.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Award

This award honours students who have contributed to their communities through exceptional citizenship, leadership, public service and voluntary endeavour.

Each year, 8 young Albertans receive a medallion and a $7,000 scholarship.

Eligibility

Only Alberta high school students who are selected by their high school to receive the Premier's Citizenship Award can be eligible for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Award.

To be considered for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Award, the student must be enrolled full-time in a post-secondary program for the fall or winter term.

The outstanding attributes that students are evaluated on are:

  • citizenship
  • leadership
  • community service or engagement in volunteer work

The student should have also demonstrated initiative and have had a positive impact in the community or school.

Academic achievement is not a requirement for this award.

How to apply

Your online application must be made while applying for the Premier’s Citizenship award and must be submitted through the Grant Administration Tracking and Evaluation (GATE) no later than June 1 at 11:59 pm (MST). Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Upon completing your Premier’s Citizenship Award application form in GATE, select “Yes” to continue for the application for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Alberta Centennial Awards, and:

  1. Follow steps as prompted by the online form.
  2. Fill out the Record of Accomplishment.
  3. Attach two (2) Letters of Reference as outlined below*.
  4. Ensure all required information is provided.
  5. Submit application.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all attachments listed below are submitted with the application.

*Letters of Reference:

Two (2) letters of reference, no longer than 2 pages each, should be provided by:

  • someone who has known the applicant for at least one year either through school, community or volunteer activities
  • someone who knows the applicant well enough to support or elaborate on the applicant's activities and initiatives as outlined in the Record of Accomplishments

2025 recipients

Baber Akhtar 

School: Fort McMurray Composite High School, Fort McMurray

Baber exemplifies active, engaged citizenship through his extensive servant-leadership and unwavering commitment to his school and community. He has represented student voices with maturity and integrity on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, the School Student Advisory Council and the Superintendent Advisory Council. As a thoughtful communicator and collaborative leader, he is respected by peers and adults alike. Baber also tutors students of all ages free of charge, coaches’ youth soccer and participates in multiple sports (including basketball, badminton and track and field). His compassion is further reflected in his volunteer work at the local hospital and assisted living facility, where he supports seniors with empathy and kindness. Recognized for both his character and leadership, Baber was selected as the Class of 2025 Valedictorian – a testament to his integrity, humility and dedication to serving others.

Kate Hadwin 

School: Consort School, Consort

Kate is an exceptional student athlete and community leader who exemplifies dedication, compassion and a strong sense of citizenship. As an active member of Students Against Drunk Driving and multi-sport athlete – competing in volleyball, basketball, badminton, track and field and archery – Kate’s leadership extends far beyond personal achievement. She gives back to her community by coaching youth volleyball and volunteering with the Consort Food Bank, the Community Club and the Neutral Hills Agricultural Society. Her nine-year involvement with the Consort 4-H Beef Club has been particularly remarkable. Kate has held numerous leadership positions at both the club and district levels during this time, including President, Vice-President and Provincial Ambassador. Through her 4-H experience, she has developed exceptional skills in public speaking, mentorship and agricultural stewardship – all while strengthening her family's ranching legacy. Academically, Kate has been accepted into the Bachelor of Commerce program at The King’s University, where she will also compete as a member of the King’s Eagles volleyball team. Her goal is to apply her education in business and finance to support the sustainability of her family’s ranch, while continuing to serve her community with integrity and enthusiasm.

Jerome Jacob 

School: Christ the King High School, Leduc

Whether through spiritual leadership, acts of service or school engagement, Jerome leads with integrity, compassion and a sincere desire to uplift those around him. His leadership has been transformative for Christ the King High School, where he took it upon himself to revive the Student Representative Council (SRC). Under his guidance, the SRC has become a vibrant part of the school’s culture, hosting events that build school spirit, foster inclusion and promote student engagement. Beyond the walls of the school, Jerome has demonstrated a profound commitment to serving the broader community. One of his most impactful initiatives has been the Backpack Project, which is a program he designed and led to support Leduc’s homeless population. Jerome rallied support from local businesses and secured backing from city council to collect donations and assemble backpacks filled with essential items. In addition to these initiatives, Jerome also led his school’s Rosary Club, founded and directed the school’s choir while continuing to serve as the choir director and pianist at St. Alphonsa’s Parish, mentored young martial arts athletes at Shotokan Karate and provided meaningful input on student concerns to archdiocesan leadership as a member of the Edmonton Archbishop’s Student Advisory Council.

Natasha Murphy 

School: Altario School, Altario

Natasha is an inspiring young leader whose initiative, compassion and service has greatly strengthened both her school and community. At Altario School, she serves as Student Council President, Yearbook Committee Head, Hydroponics Manager and Farm Secretary-Treasurer – roles through which she helps build a vibrant, sustainable and student-centred school culture. Her leadership extends through the local 4-H Club, where she has served as President and Treasurer, and through her participation in the Empowering Rural Female Youth in Municipal Government program. Natasha is deeply committed to community well-being: she tutors younger students, teaches English to newcomer families, co-ordinates a children’s mental-health empowerment program and leads a biweekly community coffee group that fosters connection and inclusion. Through her work with Family and Community Support Services, she contributed to a youth suicide-prevention initiative at her school. A dedicated basketball and volleyball athlete, she also coaches junior high volleyball, further demonstrating her commitment to mentorship and youth development.

Nishka Rai 

School: Westwood Community High School, Fort McMurray

Nishka is an exceptional student leader whose passion for science, cultural engagement and community service reflects her deep commitment to improving the lives of others. As founder and president of MedUnity, she organized free community health talks featuring local professionals and led a successful stem cell awareness campaign with BloodBank.ca. Her scientific accomplishments are nationally recognized, earning awards at the Canada-Wide Science Fair and the Ingenious+ Youth Innovation Challenge. Nishka is equally dedicated to cultural engagement through her long-time involvement with the Sanatan Mandir Cultural Society, organizing mental-wellness sessions for seniors and multicultural community events. As a professional Bharatanatyam dancer, she has used her art to raise funds for charitable causes supporting children with disabilities in India and Africa. She also serves on the Minister of Education’s Youth Council, advocating for student perspectives provincially. Her leadership was recently honoured with the Heart of Wood Buffalo Excellence Award for Volunteering (2025), and she was recognized as one of YMM Magazine’s Future 20 Under 20.

Fatema Riaz 

School: Medicine Hat High School, Medicine Hat

Fatema is an accomplished student leader, researcher and volunteer whose passion for education, science and community service reflects the very best of Alberta’s youth. As the founder of the Medicine Hat High School Debate Club, Fatema created a lasting platform for student voice, critical thinking and respectful dialogue. Her leadership has inspired confidence and public-speaking skills among her peers and strengthened civic engagement within her school community. She also contributes meaningfully to Student Council, SPARK Club and Cultural Day – initiatives that foster inclusion, creativity and school spirit. Fatema’s passion for science and innovation has distinguished her as a leader in research and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) advocacy. Through the High School Youth Researcher Program at the University of Lethbridge, she conducted advanced biochemistry research on antibiotic resistance while promoting access to research opportunities for rural students. She has represented Southeast Alberta at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, earning recognition and mentoring younger students to follow in her footsteps. Fatema is also a devoted volunteer with Alberta Health Services at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, where she has supported more than 3,600 patients, trained new volunteers and demonstrated empathy and professionalism in every interaction.

Kamran Shukoor 

School: Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, Foothills

Kamran is a dynamic and thoughtful leader whose contributions to education, public health and youth empowerment extend locally and internationally. As President of the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir Student Council, he led initiatives that strengthened inclusion, expanded student programming and enhanced school life – including a major book fair, a student talent show, a silent-study space and increased participation in the Calgary Youth Science Fair. Beyond school, Kamran co-founded The MediUnite Journal, which is a global, youth-run publication promoting health literacy across ten countries with more than 200 volunteers. He also supports newcomer families through the Full Access for Newcomers to Sports Foundation and advocates for public health as a Youth Ambassador for Canadian Blood Services. His leadership has earned him recognition as a finalist for Calgary’s Youth of Distinction Awards and as Calgary’s Honorary Mayor for a Day, where he championed greater youth representation in municipal decision-making.

Ameena Taher 

School: Old Scona Academic High School, Edmonton

Ameena’s tireless dedication to improving her community, driven by genuine compassion and a commitment to inclusivity, sets her apart as a next-generation community leader. At her school, Ameena served as Director of the Student Engagement Team, where she organized a mentorship program for more than 200 students, spearheaded a revitalized Career Fair and co‑ordinated numerous special events that strengthened school spirit and connection. Beyond her school community, Ameena created My Favourite Holiday: Celebrations Across Edmonton, a children’s book that highlights the city’s rich cultural and religious diversity. She successfully secured grant funding for its publication and distribution to local schools and volunteered her time to read the book in elementary classrooms. As a passionate advocate for equity, Ameena advances anti-racism education as a presenter with Stop Hate AB workshops – promoting inclusivity, respect and understanding. Her End Hate mini magazine amplifies marginalized voices further by celebrating people of colour and highlighting shared experiences within a multicultural community. Distributed free at book fairs, libraries, cafés and bookstores, End Hate reached audiences across the city. Additionally, Ameena’s Seeds of Change project blended climate science with community health by creating an interactive program for elementary students focused on sustainability and the benefits of urban greenery, inspiring curiosity in environmental and health sciences among youth.

Past recipients

  • 2024 recipients

    Elina Ajamian, Edmonton

    School: Old Scona Academic High School

    Elina is a student that epitomizes citizenship, leadership, and community. In every community she identifies with, she finds ways to contribute her time, and effort. At school, she is a member of several different clubs and programs such as Community Helpers – School Mental Health Council, Lifelong Learners, tutoring program. She was a member of Cyber Patriots where her team had a first-place finish in the National Youth Cyber Security Competition. Elina has become an advocate for vulnerable populations such as children on the neurodivergent spectrum and dementia patients at Lifestyle Options Retirement Home. She also is a voice for young women across the country, co-founding the Flow Project, which is a non-profit that addresses period poverty. In just this year, the Flow Project was able to raise over 24,000 products and over $1,000.

    Sara Iftikhar, Cold Lake

    School: Cold Lake High School

    Sara is a natural born leader; she dedicates herself to her community as well as the pursuit of her own personal ambitions. During high school Sara was an integral member of Cold Lake High School’s Envi-Royals Environment Club where she coordinated Earth Week activities and attended the Youth Summit Climate. Additionally, her volunteer efforts have benefitted various events and fundraisers at the Muslim Association Canada Islamic Centre of Cold Lake, as well as patients at Cold Lake Long Term Care Centre. Sara has served four years as a member of the University of Alberta’s WISEST Youth Council, were she assisted with a project that recognizes and celebrates STEM Role Models.

    Lyric Jesso, Lac la Biche

    School: J.A. Williams High School

    Lyric exemplifies the motto of “Service Above Self” and it goes far beyond his school. Lyric has served as both secretary and president of the Interact Club a branch of the Rotary international organization, establishing himself as a role model for young men. Additionally, he dedicated his time and efforts to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 1 Restorative Justice Committee and Lac La Biche County Indigenous Focus Committee leaving a positive lasting impact on the community. Lyric is also a Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue Cadet Firefighter serving as a Junior Forest Warden with Alberta Wildfire in 2023 and providing ground support at the reception centre for Fort McMurray evacuees in May 2024. His resilience, leadership and contributions resulted in Lyric being awarded the Lac La Biche County Junior Citizen of the Year for 2023 by the Lac La Biche Chamber of Commerce.

    Diya Laha, Fort McMurray

    School: Westwood Community High School

    Diya served all three school years on the school council demonstrating her longtime desire to be an active member in change. As a leader, Diya approaches every challenge big or small with the same focus and dedication, whether it be a local school activity like the Breakfast Program of Canada or larger events like the Canadian Student Leadership Association’s Horizons Conference. Outside of her school, Diya volunteered her time and efforts at the Wood Buffalo Food Bank and the United Way, as well as the Canadian Red Cross and Fort McMurray SPCA. Diya’s leadership and profound sense of civic responsibility shone through during her tenure on the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Youth, offering a strong voice and making a meaningful impact on the lives of youth in Fort McMurray.

    Ayah Mohieldein, Edmonton

    School: Tempo School

    Ayah has served as a youth member on the Minister’s Youth Council and provided the student perspective. As a member of the YEG – TheComeUp youth initiative at the Africa Centre, she plans events for the well being of African, Black and Caribbean youth communities. Ayah draws from personal experience and feelings of underrepresentation to guide her in seeking like minded individuals and groups to enhance the program’s impact. Ayah is a member of various organizations and clubs such as Jack.org, SHAD program as well as Tempo’s UNICEF campus club.

    Emerson Picklyk, Calgary

    School: Rundle Academy

    Emerson is an active member of his community. Emerson has been a volunteer of the Child and Youth Advisory Council at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. This program provides youth a voice for child health programs and services. Additionally, Emerson was part of the Duke of Edinburgh Citizenship awards, his commitment to self-improvement pushed him to complete all three levels throughout his high school career. Emerson is also an active member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program of Canada. Emerson has also volunteered for several weeks with the International Humanitarian Hope society having spent two weeks in Cebu, Philippines, aiding child survivors of online exploitation.

    Nicole Sun, Calgary

    School: Westmount Charter School

    Nicole used her own experience as a minority to build a non-profit from scratch. Despite being born and raised in Canada; the only language spoken at home was Chinese. This created a challenge developing fluency in English and subsequent challenges with her confidence. This experience led her to create STREAM Education Centre (EC), a non-profit dedicated to helping first and second-generation students develop confidence in their English-speaking skills. Through STREAM EC, Nicole hosts charity events to raise money for various causes such as the food bank. Additionally, STREAM EC now holds an annual event STEMC (Speed Turn Elementary Math Contest), an elementary math contest that works in conjunction with the University of Calgary. STREAM EC has impacted over 2,000 students and has raised over 25,000 dollars.

    Fazayl Zahra, Wetaskiwin

    School: Wetaskiwin Composite High School

    Zahra immersed herself in the Hussaini Canadian Educational and Cultural Association as a youth representative. She helped organized various events and activities, such as sporting events for youth, cultural events and fundraisers for the association. Fazayl was also involved in her school, spending three years with the Student Council in roles from the Communications Manager to Vice President and finally President in grade 12. Additionally, Zahra also was a day camp organizer with the Boys and Girls Club, and math tutor for fellow students. She has been an active member of the Kids Help Phone National Youth Council. In this role she attends learning sessions, creates social media content among other tasks.

Contact

Connect with Strategic Stakeholder Outreach:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 587-982-1391
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

Mailing address:
Strategic Stakeholder Outreach
901, 10405 Jasper Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 4R7

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