Centennial Lifetime Volunteer Award
Byron Merkosky
Byron Merkosky, the debate coach of H. Hardcastle School in Edam, spent an amazing 17 consecutive years on the SEDA board! He first joined as a director in 1987, and through out the years, served as treasurer for three years, vice-president for two, president for five years and as past-president for four years.
During this time he was instrumental in developing SEDA into the strong program we know today. Byron will always be remembered for his quiet wisdom that protected the interests of SEDA during the restructuring of SCCO into SaskCulture. His volunteerism extends to service for all people, for he has served as mayor, principal, hockey, golf and debate coach, often all in one year. He has hosted Westerns and Junior Nationals several times, and has always been able to rally incredible community support for debate. It is thanks to his commitment that debate in northwestern Saskatchewan has been so strong over the years.
Wendy James, who served with Byron for nine years on the board, remarked that "Personality wise, he has a commanding knowledge of Robert's Rules of Order, mixed with a strong sense of the ironic which makes his leadership style both strong and dynamic".
For his role in making a significant contribution to the success and development of SEDA, we honour Byron Merkosky with a Centennial Lifetime Volunteer Award.
Centennial Youth Volunteer Award
Dana Brûlé
SEDA instills a strong tradition of volunteering in its youth. From moderating and timekeeping, to organizational assistance, the youngest club members learn to volunteer. As they get older, they become mentors and coaches to younger club members and then judges. At the university level, alumni give back to the debate community by hosting events, facilitating workshops, serving on the board as alumni representatives and continuing their lifelong commitment to judging. In recent years a few former debaters, who are now young professionals, have done remarkable work guiding the future of SEDA as board members.
Dana exemplifies this spirit of SEDA youth. He debated at Holy Cross High School in both English and French, and represented the University of Saskatchewan at university National and World debate championships. Now in his late 20s, Dana always eagerly volunteers as a workshop facilitator and tournament judge. One of his strengths is his lifelong pursuit of the art of rhetoric and his devotion to the promotion of debate.
In just the short time he has been treasurer, Dana has already provided valuable guidance to the board and SEDA in procedural and financial matters. The debate community foresees Dana providing significant organizational leadership in the future.
For his current and future contributions, SEDA recognizes Dana Brûlé as our Centennial Youth Volunteer.
