Students working in museums across Central Alberta were recognized yesterday for their hard work and contributions.

As part of the Young Canada Works and the Canada Summer Jobs Program, students received certificates acknowledging their efforts to preserve and promote our vibrant history.

The presentation took place at the new Wadey Centre in Blackfalds, met by a speech of gratitude from Red Deer-Lacombe MP Blaine Calkins and a tour of the building, which officially opened on July 1st.

One of seven students working with Lacombe Regional Tourism, 19-year-old, Kim Mickelson has spent the last two summers working at the Michener House and said she couldn’t ask for a better job.

“If you just drive by Lacombe, it’s just another small town in Central Alberta, but if you take the time to look very closely at what is actually in Lacombe it becomes really interesting.”

“To have the chance, where it’s my job, to learn more about Lacombe and all the corky, interesting things that have happened, it’s pretty cool.”

Executive Director with Lacombe Regionals Tourism with Marie Peron employs seven students and said they’re an unbelievable help.

“We usually have between 5 to 900 school children come through our programs every single spring and summer so they're vital to accommodate those students and have them have a valuable visit.”

“Also for the public. For instance, on Canada Day we had over 1,500 people visit our three museums in a single day, so without those seven students we would have been overwhelmed.”

The two programs are government initiatives offering students from 16-30 years old a variety of summer jobs and internship opportunities. 

Alix, Rimbey, Red Deer, Lacombe, Blackfalds and Ponoka were all the communities involved.