KENSINGTON, P.E.I. — The Town of Kensington’s citizen of the year award carries extra significance for Marlene Turner.
The 2020 recipient has followed in the footsteps of her late father, Garnett Turner, who was named Kensington’s 2009 citizen of the year.
“This morning, before I left home, I looked on the wall and there was his picture beside the Kensington float,” said Turner following the town’s annual Canada Day celebrations. “I was very proud of him when he received it.”
Lauren Ferguson was announced as the youth of the year. Ferguson said it was an unexpected honour to receive the award while adding it feels great to be recognized.
“We have a great little spot that we live in here and it definitely means a lot,” said Ferguson.
Turner
Turner, a lifelong resident of the town, has operated Kiddie Town Daycare in Kensington for 42 years.
“She has been sharing encouragement, warmth and patience to the youth of our community for all those years,” said Kensington Mayor Rowan Caseley.
Turner is a longtime volunteer with the Kensington Community Harvest Festival and has provided leadership with Girl Guides, Sunday School and Legion events.
“I really like to be involved,” said Turner. “I was involved a lot with the Harvest Festival and anything to do with children I really love it.”
Turner said it means a lot to receive this award. She said she could not believe she was selected when she received a phone call from town employee Kim Caseley.
“I was totally, totally in shock,” added Turner.
Ferguson
Ferguson was the recipient of the Governor’s General academic medal with the 2020 graduating class at Kensington Intermediate-Senior High School. She was praised for her athletic achievements, including winning eight provincial curling championships. She will begin studying engineering at Dalhousie University in Halifax in September and will continue her competitive curling career as third stone with the Taylor Stevens-skipped rink in Nova Scotia.
“Overall, (Lauren is) a great example of a youth with good character and citizenship,” said Caseley.
The 17-year-old daughter of Blair and Lisa Ferguson of Spring Valley said she has nothing but fond memories of living in the Kensington area.
“The way the community is involved and the way it stands behind everything and its members is something really special,” said Ferguson.
Did You Know?
Former Kensington Mayor and current town councillor Ivan Gallant established the citizen of the year award in 2004 and the youth of the year award in 2005.
