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Royal awards for two North Bayites

Vanessa Tignanelli (right), waits to receive her Duke of Edinburgh Award from the Countess of Wessex. PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.

Vanessa Tignanelli (right), waits to receive her Duke of Edinburgh Award from the Countess of Wessex. PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.

A pair with North Bay ties received honourable awards during the Countess of Wessex’s visit to Nipissing University on Friday. 

Vanessa Tignanelli and Michael Martin both were handed Gold Level Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards which were given out by the Countess herself, Sophie Rhy-Jones, who was participating at an Aboriginal Symposium at the University. 

The 24-year-old Tignanelli currently lives in Guelph.  She is a freelance documentary photographer and Office Manager of the Ontarion Independent Student Newspaper. 

Tignanelli received the award for her time spent with Habitat for Humanity, helping in Bilox, Mississippi and Mobil, Alabama after Hurricane Katrina struck the region.   

She also trained a puppy for the Autism Dog Service. 

Her award expedition took her on a journey to Killarney Provincial Park where she took some amazing photographs capturing some of the memories of her adventure.

“The award was intregal in helping me build self-confidence as a young teen and encouraging further confidence to explore new places, investigate new hobbies, and meet new people,” she said in a statement read by presenter Jill Hermant, the Executive Director of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Tignanelli told BayToday.ca that receiving the award was a tremendous honour. 

“I am humbled by the accomplishments of the others who deserved to receive (the award) as well.  It’s just great to see that well roundedness and leadership is being recognized and encouraged through this program.  The activities and trips that I did were for no other reason than for my own pleasure and fulfillment, and I know many others that exude this sort of lifestyle as well.

“I’m no more deserving of this award though I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet Her Royal Highness.  I suppose it’s a good thing to take a moment and be proud of the things you have done for yourself and for your community.”

Michael Martin, an engineer with Voyageur Airways Ltd., received the honour through his work in Scouting as a Youth District Commissioner as well as completing his Grade 8 Piano with the Royal Conservatory of Music.  Martin also holds a brown belt in Karate and competed in Cross Country Skiiing at the Newfoundland Winter Games. 

The Gold level is the highest achievement in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.  Participants must devote more that 50 weeks of activity in each of the Service, Skills and Recreation Categories and complete an Adventurous 4-day Journey. 

The Gold Awards, which have been around for 50 years, are either presented by the Governor General or a member of the Royal Family. 


Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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