2004 SaskEnergy Willow Awards Gala

Approximately 800 to 900 students, teachers and guests, including delegates from schools in Lake Lenore, Deep River, Moosomin and other Saskatchewan communities celebrated reading and Canadian books at the Gala.

The event began with a grand entrance of banners for the 30 nominated books and the nominated authors in attendance; there was music by the combined St. Gabriel and Jack MacKenzie Choir, student drummers, Umoja...One Heart, One Beat, and a power-point Academy Awards style awards presentation prepared by the students.

In an overwhelming response, over 7521 children and young people representing communities throughout our province, have chosen to award the following books winners of the 2003 Willow Awards:

• TJ and the Cats, by Hazel Hutchins (Shining Willow Award)
• Return of the Grudstone Ghosts, by Arthur Slade (Diamond Willow Award)
• Offside, by Cathy Beveridge (Snow Willow Award)

The 2003 Willow Award authors, Hazel Hutchins, Arthur Slade and Cathy Beveridge were honoured at the Gala.

Congratulations to the Willow Awards Board! The Gala was wonderful! The involvement and commitment of the Willow board, committee members and the two schools was amazing. It was a treat to walk down the hallway to witness the creativity of the students and the recognition of all the authors for their work.

Pictures from the 2004 Willow Awards Gala