LAC LA BICHE - Lac La Biche County resident Lyric Jesso, who is actively involved with various volunteering pursuits in his community, recently received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee citizenship award.
The award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their communities, particularly through volunteer work, leadership, and promoting values like service and good citizenship.
“It truly felt like a moment of affirmation, not just for me, but for my community and the efforts and organizations I’ve had the privilege to support and represent,” said Jesso. “This honour reinforces the idea that meaningful change is built by many hands over time, and I am grateful to be recognized for my contributions to my community and our province as a whole.”
During the years Jesso attended J.A. Williams (JAWS) High School in Lac La Biche, he was active with the school’s Interact Club, serving as both secretary and then president. This experience, Jesso explained, provided him with early opportunities to get involved in community service and build his leadership skills.
Even though Jesso graduated from JAWS in 2024, he still volunteers his time to support the club and its members by providing mentorship.
For the past two years, he has devoted a lot of time and effort to the Métis Nation of Alberta Region One Restorative Justice Committee, as well as Lac La Biche County’s Focus Indigenous Committee, where he works to support the well-being of Indigenous people.
“These positions have shaped my understanding of the issues we face within the justice system regarding identity, and it really has taught me what it means to create real change in our communities through partnerships and community relationships,” Jesso explained.
Jesso received the award on July 22. During the ceremony, which took place at Government House in Edmonton, he met Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. Lakhani was very welcoming and kind to the award recipients and offered words of encouragement, said Jesso.
“She spoke about the importance of youth leadership and community service and how the future of our society depends on engaged, compassionate youth with a shared commitment towards the betterment of our province,” he stated.
Giving back to the community and helping others will always be a big part of Jesso's life.
In addition to volunteering, Jesso works full-time with Alberta Parks as a park ranger in the Lakeland District, is a fully-operational firefighter with Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue Services, and also works with the Lac La Biche-based organization Little Divide Search and Rescue.
The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award serves as a powerful reminder that every act of kindness, every effort he takes toward reconciliation and community empowerment, contributes to something far greater.
“I’m incredibly grateful to those who nominated me, to the people I’ve worked alongside, my family and friends and to the community of Lac La Biche, which continues to inspire me and support me in all that I do,” he stated. “This award isn’t just mine. In my opinion, it belongs to everyone who believes in me and in my efforts towards public service, my community, and good citizenship.”
In a social media post on July 28, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche Brian Jean congratulated Jesso for receiving the award.
“Lyric exemplifies the motto of ‘Service Above Self,’ and it goes far beyond his school,” said Jean.
