SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Sask Polytech students build community inside and outside of campus

During Saskatchewan Polytechnic convocation ceremonies, four students were recognized for their contributions to learning environments and community development.

"Recipients of the Outstanding Citizenship Award are recognized for their leadership, initiative, dedication to their studies and community involvement," says Dr. Larry Rosia, CEO and president of Sask Polytech. "They are genuine role models who inspire and encourage others to make positive changes. Congratulations to each of our exceptional 2026 recipients!"

Regina - Tkeyae Reader

Practical Nursing graduate Tkeyae Reader showed consistency, compassion and accountability throughout her program. Alongside her strong academic focus, she contributed to a positive classroom environment where her peers felt safe to learn and grow.

Reader's support extended beyond her courses, as she also assisted classmates with clinical preparation. When a classmate experienced a serious medical emergency, Reader helped coordinate fundraising initiatives, encouraging unity during the emotional time.

Reader's leadership has shown itself and grown through clinical practice, the classroom environment and involvement in the community. She believes meaningful impact is achieved through service, connection and consistent contribution.

Outside of Sask Polytech, Reader actively participates in local fundraising and volunteer initiatives that support both health care-related causes and broader community development such as TeleMiracle, Pride Ride, community curling events and Kinsmen initiatives. One of her most significant commitments has been her involvement in the Ross Payant Nursing Home Patio Project in Assiniboia. The time she dedicated to fundraising efforts for the long-term care facility where she did her practicum has been particularly meaningful, as the project aims to enhance the outdoor living space for residents supporting their quality of life, providing a safe, welcoming environment for social interaction, fresh air and family visits.

As she continues her nursing journey, Reader is committed to contributing to her community in ways that promote dignity, connection and lasting positive change.

Moose Jaw - Rosby James

Logistics and Supply Chain Management graduate Rosby James demonstrated commitment to Sask Polytech students, serving as president of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Students' Association.

She represented students with honesty, fairness and care, making herself available to students who needed guidance, support and someone to listen to their concerns.

In her role as president, James championed student voices and helped shape conversations on issues impacting students at Moose Jaw campus. Drawing on prior leadership experience in India, she approached the position with a strong desire to make a difference beyond the classroom. During her term, she engaged with city officials and community leaders on topics such as public transportation, student opportunities, and entrepreneurship, always with the goal of improving the student experience in Moose Jaw.

James also represented the SPSA at the provincial level, building relationships with government ministries, collaborating with other post-secondary student organizations and serving as the official spokesperson with the media and the public. In these spaces, James worked to ensure the student perspective was clearly communicated and genuinely understood.

Outside of campus, James strives to make a positive difference in the community, mentoring children with intellectual disabilities through Inclusion Moose Jaw and volunteering with the Multicultural Council of Moose Jaw.

Serving on the Scholarship, Bursary, and Loan Committee for the Ministry of Advanced Education was especially meaningful to her, as she helped ensure students facing financial or personal challenges are treated with fairness, dignity and compassion.

She believes leadership begins with presence and compassion and plans to continue to advocate for people's needs.

Prince Albert - DeAnna Bendig

Practical Nursing graduate DeAnna Bendig successfully balanced her studies with work and family responsibilities while making a meaningful impact on those around her.

Beyond her coursework, she supported classmates by sharing helpful study resources, engaging in class discussion, offering study group sessions before exams and checking in on peers.

Bendig's positive outlook and focus on the good in every situation contribute to the uplifting attitude she brings into every space she enters. For her, leadership begins with being a role model her children can be proud of.

Bendig's leadership approach is rooted in connection, understanding and showing up in ways that make space for others. She actively engages with people from different walks of life, listening and learning from their experiences.

On campus, she demonstrated leadership through her involvement with the Indigenous Students' Centre, Women's Group, and culturally significant events including the Hannin Creek ReconciliAction Event, the Wicihitowin Transition Program and the Indigenous Honour Ceremony, where she served as a speaker in 2025. These opportunities demonstrated that showing up consistently, creating safe and welcoming environments and listening deeply are benchmarks for leadership.

Outside of Sask Polytech, Bendig is involved with Prince Albert Aboriginal Head Start as a parent and volunteer. She also serves as vice president of the Woodland Childcare Cooperative board.

Her work as a direct support professional with Karis Disability Services, promotes dignity, independence and inclusion for people with diverse needs. The role continues to strengthen her skills in advocacy, patience and person-centred care, reinforcing her commitment to inclusive community-centred support.

Saskatoon - Ariel MacKenzie

Veterinary Technology graduate Ariel MacKenzie strived to create the best learning environment for herself and her classmates.

As a student liaison with the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologist's (SAVT), she answered students' questions and spoke up for them when the board sought input on improving student life. MacKenzie took the responsibility seriously, learning as much as she could about the association and bylaws to help her peers.  

She also volunteered in veterinary clinics on free weekends and became involved with the Northern Engagement and Community Outreach (NECO) program, volunteering with the organization at Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. During her NECO involvement, she helped owners and animals, practiced her skills and connected with members of the community. The eye-opening experience helped her learn about the lack of access to veterinary care in many rural and remote Saskatchewan communities and reserves.

She hopes to make a difference by continuing to contribute her time and skills to programs like NECO to bring veterinary care to remote communities.

Recipients of the Outstanding Citizenship Award receive a $500 cash prize and a commemorative glass award.