Two citizens from this area were recently the recipients of a great honour – the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal.
According to the Governor General’s web site, “a new commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.”
Don Huxter of Springdale and Mark Small of Wild Cove are local legends in their own rite, as their community involvement is hard to be matched.
MHA Kevin Pollard, in a member statement in the House of Assembly said “Don Huxter is a community stalwart and supporter of civic projects and innovations. Getting his hands dirty with a project has never been a turn off for Don, who is always right there to clean up, put up and stand up for what might improve our town.”
A retired high school Biology teacher, Huxter has served his community at all levels, locally, regionally and provincially for several years.
A past recipient of Springdale’s citizen of the year award and an inductee into the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Hall of Fame were a prelude into him receiving this award last week, and is a testament of Mr. Huxter’s immense contribution not only to his town but also to his Province.
Don coached and mentored many school teams and students in his day, and still remains an active and important part of the community to this day.
As for Mark Small, he is perhaps most well known for his work with the sealing industry.
Small was one of the founders of the Canadian Sealers Association, and was president of this organization for over 15 years. Under his leadership, the association played a major role in revitalizing the industry to one of the most successful stories in the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing industry.
Mark has travelled to many countries as a sealing expert and an advocate for the sealing industry. His passion and vision for the industry is well respected.
MHA Kevin Pollard recently presented both gentlemen with their awards at separate events in Springdale and Baie Verte.
