Sarah Nelson receives standing ovation. And a special medal

"She's definitely the youngest recipient in the Algoma region," MPP David Orazietti told SooToday.com last night regarding nine-year-old Sarah Nelson, one of 44 area residents who were presented with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals during an awards ceremony at the Legion Hall.

Orazietti went on to say that he's confident she's among the youngest in the entire province.

The young Saultlebrity received a standing ovation when emcee, Mayor Debbie Amaroso, announced her name - rightfully so.

In just 15 months, Nelson has raised just over $5,000 for the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH) through the sale of her adorable candies, cakes, cookies and chocolates, known locally as Sarah Bugs Sweet Treats.

Nelson found out a month ago that she would be awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal, and has a special shadow box set aside in her room to proudly display the honour.

For fans of her tasty confections, there's no fear of the little entrepreneur giving up the endeavour any time in the near future - Nelson told us she plans to keep Sarah Bugs Sweet Treats going for a long, long time.

For more information about Sarah Bugs Sweet Treats, please click here.

For a complete list of last night's Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients, please click here

A joint news release issued by MP Bryan Hayes and MPP David Orazietti follows.

*****************************
Bryan Hayes, MP and David Orazietti, MPP award Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals to Sault and area residents

SAULT STE. MARIE - Bryan Hayes, MP and David Orazietti, MPP are pleased to announce the recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals for Sault Ste. Marie and area.

The medals were presented last night at a celebration held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25.

MP Hayes stated: “On behalf of Prime Minister Harper, I would like to extend congratulations to all Queen’s Diamond Jubilee recipients. I would also like to thank the numerous individuals who submitted nominations for giving of their time to bring to the committee’s attention the many accomplishments of not only the medal recipients, but of all nominees. The quality of candidates is a testament of what an outstanding community we have and one I know we are all proud of.”

“Tonight’s medal presentation honours individuals in our community by recognizing the significant contributions they have made to the Sault and area,” said David Orazietti, MPP. “On behalf of the Province and the Premier, I extend my sincere congratulations to the recipients of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals and thank each of the nominees for their continued exemplary service to our community.”

This 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 and honours her life-long commitment to her responsibilities, by recognizing those who have made significant contributions to Ontario and Canada.

MP Hayes and MPP Orazietti established an independent selection committee to review all nominations.

The local committee, chaired by Mayor Debbie Amaroso included Bryan Hayes MP, David Orazietti MPP, Dr. David Walde, Victoria Chiappetta, Dr. Lou Lukenda and Donna Ford.

This committee selected nominations based on the criteria set out by the Governor General, with final validation being provided by The Chancellery of Honours.

*****************************