2003 SaskEnergy Willow Awards Gala

We were privileged to have Her Honour, Dr. Lynda Haverstock, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, as our opening speaker. Nominated authors Arthur Slade, Julie Burtinshaw, Mary Harelkin Bishop, Lois Simmie, and Sharon McKay as well as illustrator Cynthia Nugent and her dog, the model for Arnie in "Mr. Got-to-Go and Arnie" walked behind student-made banners into the gymnasium filled with students from Dr. John G. Egnatoff School and delegates from other Saskatchewan schools who participated in voting for their favourite book.

Ms Donna Douglas-Elliot, Principal, welcomed everyone. Her Honour, Dr. Haverstock spoke to the students followed by His Worship, Jim Madden, Mayor of Saskatoon, and Dr. John G. Egnatoff who brought greetings. The school choir and the jazz band from Evan Hardy Collegiate provided entertainment. Students assumed responsibility for being parking lot attendants, greets, ushers, masters of ceremony, and hosts at the reception and did a superb job.

Winners of the 2002 Awards announced at the Gala were:

• Shining Willow: Mr Got to Go and Arnie by Lois Simmie ; illustrations by Cynthia Nugent, Raincoast Books, c2001.
• Diamond Willow: Power Play in Washington, by Roy MacGregor, McClelland and Stewart, c2001
• Snow Willow: Rebound, by Eric Walters, Stoddart, c2000.

A Willow Tree was presented to the school by Marion Perry, President of SYRCA - The Willow Awards as a permanent memento of the occasion.

Special thanks to Carol Thiessen and Lynn Gilbert who organized a wonderful event.

Pictures from the 2003 Gala