Blackfalds teens to receive Soroptimist International of Central Alberta awards

Published 1:15 pm Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Two students at Iron Ridge Secondary Campus in Blackfalds are this year’s Violet Richardson Award winners.

Soroptimist International of Central Alberta will honour Keevah Rellis and Ella Citrigno with the award during the International Women’s Day Red Talks event on Saturday, March 7 at Festival Hall in Red Deer.

The award recognizes girls between 14 and 17 who makes the community and world a better place through volunteer action.

Citrigno has been volunteering at the Beyond Food Community Hub Blackfalds for more than five years.

“Her dedication and volunteer work has been recognized by being nominated four years in a row for the Leaders of Tomorrow award,” states a post on Soroptimist International of Central Alberta’s Facebook page.

“It is very fitting that the theme this year for IWD2026 is Give To Gain. Through her volunteering, Ella has been able to learn a wide variety of skills such as communication, compassion, teamwork and leadership.”

Rellis volunteers at her school on the leadership team and as a teen mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“The Walk for Wellness and Suicide Prevention and the Anam Rural Youth Association are also a big part of her passion for volunteering,” Soroptimist International of Central Alberta stated.

The International Women’s Day Red Talks event will be presented by Soroptimist International of Central Alberta and the Sendero Centre.

The event will feature keynote speakers and a celebration of women’s art, as well as the presentation of the Violet Richardson Award and the Live Your Dream Award, which is presented to women who have gone back to school.

For more information, or to purchase tickets to the event, visit www.senderocentre.ca.