For the second straight year, the month of January has proven to be a memorable one for Squamish resident and super volunteer Katrina Doherty.
Doherty was named citizen of the year in 2012 and she followed that up by being awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee during a ceremony at the Squamish Adventure Centre on Saturday (Jan. 19).
"I was speechless to receive this honour which, as anyone will tell you is shocking for me," she joked after accepting the award from West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Member of Parliament John Weston. "The queen is an amazing person, so it's really an honour for me."
Although she's well known for her work with youth soccer in Squamish, Doherty has also volunteered for the Relay for Life, Squamish Minor Hockey Association, Parent Advisory Council, Howe Sound Minor Ball and Dry Grad, amongst many others
"I accept this on behalf of everyone that works beside me," she said, when addressing the gathering inside the theatre at the Adventure Centre. "From parents who bring their kids to games in poor weather, to the referees and to the coaches who work so hard with our kids."
Doherty said Squamish has a tremendous sense of volunteerism in the town and she feels she is one of many doing their civic duty.
"We're really a town full of volunteers," she said. "There are thousands of people just like me and this honour is just as much about them as it is about me."
Weston said Doherty exhibits all the necessary attributes of a diamond jubilee recipient.
"Little shivers go up and down my spine whenever I think of the commitment of a person like Katrina," he said. "This is a splendid way to put a highlight on the efforts and virtues of a person like her."
Doherty, who was joined at the ceremony with friends and family, said she will be bringing the medal for "show and tell" at Valleycliffe Elementary where she works as a teacher.
