A Cold Lake school is offering their thanks to a man who puts his auctioneering skills to work for a good cause.
Local auctioneer Steven Charlton was presented with the Friends of Education Award from Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) for volunteering his services for North Star Elementary School's annual art auction and exhibition.
"It's a great honour, and I feel very privileged to be thought of that highly that they would do that," expressed Charlton, who has been taking part in the event for five years now.
In 2010, the NLPS board of trustees created the Friends of Education Award to recognize businesses, individuals, and community groups that make contributions to their community and students.
"It takes a village to raise a child," noted board chair Arlene Hrynyk. "We don't want to do it alone, and so many people are unsung heroes. We as a board wanted to try and acknowledge as many unsung heroes as possible."
Charlton received his award during the Cold Lake Welcome Back Breakfast for school division staff held at Cold Lake Middle School on Friday, Aug. 30.
Nominations can be submitted by schools, staff or council members, and individuals from the community to the board of trustees to consider.
When the call for nominations went out, North Star's fine arts committee raised the possibility of putting Charlton's name forward.
"I think the fact that he's there, and he's so good at being an auctioneer, gets the crowd, all the parents, family members, and everybody, excited about the art pieces and the whole show," noted Jenna Head, kindergarten teacher at North Star and member of the fine arts committee.
Principal Kim MacLeod added, "He just makes the kids feel amazing about what they produce. He puts on quite a show for the parents, guests, and community members... He just puts on quite a show when he does the live auction, he's been doing it for five years, and he never wants anything for it."
The art auction and exhibition raises funds that go directly back to the school. According to MacLeod, the event brings in anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000, which is used to buy supplies and run specialty art classes for students.
After being approached by a teacher from North Star five years ago, Charlton jumped at the opportunity to give back to the school.
"I'm a pretty big supporter of education to begin with. Little kids are really important to me, and... it's obvious those little kids just enjoy what they're doing. You take a look at their art, and you can see they just put their little hearts into it. They're amazing," he exclaimed.
He described his experience with the auction as one he looks forward to every year.
"The teachers are all fantastic. They always make a person feel welcome, that they belong, and it's a big deal for you to come and help out. The whole experience is really awesome for me, because I'm a huge fan of the kids, I like supporting the schools as much as I can, and I love the auction sale."
Charlton has been an auctioneer for about 29 years, and described it as more of a "side job." He has used his skills to give back to the community through the school and other charity auctions.
Head and MacLeod agreed there was no question about Charlton being the guy North Star wanted to recognize.
"His dedication, and the fact that he's very enthusiastic, enjoys what he does, and he just does it out of the goodness of his heart. He never expects any payment, or anything like that. He's just up for it anytime we ask him," Head exclaimed.
Along with Charlton, Dr. Mohammad Al-Bekai from Generations Eye Care and Kristen Shewchuk from Big Brothers, Big Sisters in Lac La Biche were also honoured with the Friends of Education Awards.
