Vardy receives award. FMPSD supplied media
FORT McMURRAY — A Grade 2 student from Fort McMurray has been recognized among Alberta’s top Indigenous student leaders after receiving a provincial award celebrating cultural pride, leadership and perseverance.
Jackson Vardy, a student at Beacon Hill Public School, was named one of 12 recipients of the 2026 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award presented by the Alberta School Boards Association.
The award recognizes First Nations, Métis and Inuit students from kindergarten through Grade 12 who demonstrate leadership, courage and commitment within their schools and communities.
Jackson was selected from more than 200 nominees across Alberta and honoured during a ceremony held April 20 at Edmonton’s Queen Elizabeth II Building.
His Grade 2 teacher, Christine Littman, nominated him for the award, describing him as a student known for strong character, empathy and enthusiasm for learning.
Littman said Jackson regularly shares stories, photos and experiences from drumming events and powwows with classmates, helping foster a welcoming classroom environment.
“He shares his culture and traditions with joy and pride in a way that invites others to learn, ask questions, and appreciate cultures that are different from their own,” Littman said in a statement.
“His openness helps create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment where students feel valued and respected.”
Award recipients received personalized certificates, congratulatory letters and hand-crafted Star Blankets during the ceremony.
Jackson also received a one-time $2,500 scholarship to support future educational pursuits.
Alberta School Boards Association president Shali Baziuk said the award recognizes students whose actions positively influence school communities across the province.
“Through leadership, personal growth and everyday acts of kindness, they inspire their peers and strengthen their school communities,” Baziuk said.
“On behalf of Alberta’s Public, Catholic and Francophone school boards, we are proud to recognize these remarkable young leaders and the positive impact they are making in their schools and communities.”
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