Bruce Yockey (middle) receives the Queen's Jubilee Award, presented by Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russ Mirasty (left) and Minister of Education Dustin Duncan (right). (Submitted photo/Bruce Yockey)

By Martin Martinson

Dedication and service

JPII principal, Bruce Yockey receives Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal

Jun 2, 2023 | 5:00 AM

North Battleford’s Bruce Yockey has been awarded a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for his positive impact on the community and province.

Yockey, who serves as principal at John Paul II Collegiate, has spent the last 27 years in education – the last 20 of which at JPII. He received the award recognizing “dedication, significant contributions, and service to the province,” something likely to come as no surprise to the many in the community who have crossed paths with him over the years.

In addition to his everyday classroom and administrative responsibilities, Yockey has always been heavily involved in volunteering his time outside of school hours.

This year alone, he helped coach the Crusaders’ football team, as well as the senior girls’ basketball team, and the track and field team. He will also be the administrator for JPII’s new Hockey Academy next fall, teaching the off-ice portion of the program for both the U13 and U15 age groups.

Outside of the school, Yockey also serves as the chairperson for the Battlefords AAA Stars hockey team, and coaches club basketball for U13 and U15 girls in the spring with his wife Val.

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In recent years, Yockey has also been involved with the Saskatchewan Physical Education Association, and was a board member of the North Battleford Golf and Country Club for a number of years, in addition to volunteering with smaller projects and fundraising efforts.

However, when asked about his contributions, Yockey said he’s just doing what he can to pay it forward.

“Growing up I had a lot of good people that volunteered their time and had a huge impact on myself, so it’s always kind of been my philosophy to try and give back in as many areas as I can, and feel I’m qualified or can add something to,” Yockey said.

The medal ceremony was held at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in Regina, presented to Yockey by Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russ Mirasty, and Minister of Education Dustin Duncan.

Yockey said it was special to be a part of the ceremony, celebrating many across the province making a real difference in their area.

“It was an honour and a really great experience to be able to attend that ceremony and just be part of it with some really well-deserving recipients from our province,” he said.

“I think it’s a testament to see a lot of people who have given a lot of time to various aspects of life in Saskatchewan, and I think that’s what our province is built on. Having people who have a vested interest in what’s going on in Saskatchewan I think makes our province a good place to live.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1