On receiving a BC Achievement Award

I was delighted when I found out that I had been chosen to receive the BC Achievement Community Award. 

Well, if I’m going to be honest, I was actually confused when I first found out I had won, because I wasn’t aware that I had been nominated. Once the confusion cleared, I was delighted. 

BC Achievement Foundation is a private organization that pays tribute to exceptional people doing exceptional work in British Columbia. I’m proud and honoured to join many extraordinary Tumbler Ridge residents who have won this award in the past. I think that it speaks to the special sense of community that we enjoy in our little corner of the world.

Fortunately, I was already going to be in Victoria for school when the ceremony at the Government House was planned, and even better, many of my family and friends live nearby and I was able to invite them to be with me that day. I was particularly fortunate that two of them were extremely helpful in getting me ready for the ceremony, picking out my accessories and finding me a place to get my hair looking fantastic that morning. 

When I arrived at the house, I was led to a room with the other people being recognized so that we could get to know one another and hear each other’s contributions. We also had the opportunity to meet with the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor General of BC, who would be presenting us with our awards. 

The ceremony went by quickly and I especially enjoyed being able to look out and see my family and friends out in the audience while standing somewhat shyly on the stage. Afterward, we all enjoyed some delicious food at the reception and had some time to look around the house and have a visit. It was a whirlwind of a day that I’ll look back on very fondly. Many thanks to Charles Helm for nominating me for this award!

Charissa Tonnesen
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