A routine Lloydminster service club meeting turned memorable for three unsuspecting community leaders on Monday.
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Ean Bull and Louis Stang are Lloydminster’s citizens of the year, with Gabby Munro named junior citizen of the year. The Lloydminster Lions Club honoured the trio during an April 27 event at the Legacy Centre.
Stang, however, was unable to attend the event as he was in Calgary for work meetings. He was recognized alongside Bull for their joint efforts on initiatives like Geek on the Peak, which has raised significant funds for local causes.
The club recognized 16-year-old Munro for her wide-ranging volunteer efforts and youth leadership in the community.
“It’s your school involvement, the Beba Project — a meaningful initiative dedicated to supporting local families and new parents — that really stands out,” said Lions member Rick Campbell during the presentation.
“Through this work, she demonstrates not only compassion, but also a strong understanding of how grassroots efforts can make a difference.”
Campbell also noted Munro’s work with the Lloydminster Métis Local 18 and her role mentoring younger athletes at the synchronized swimming club.
“She leads with kindness, patience and positivity,” he said. “She’s always the first to say, ‘I will help you.’”
2025 Junior Citizen of the Year. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
The honour caught Munro completely off guard.
“I was incredibly surprised. I had no idea,” she said, explaining she believed she was attending the event to give a presentation on water safety. “Even my mom knew, but she wouldn’t tell me.”
She credited her family for inspiring her commitment to community service.
“Growing up, I’ve always watched my mom do it. My grandma’s also a part of the Lloydminster Métis Housing committee. Seeing how much good they can do just makes me want to do more,” she said.
“My siblings have always supported me and have given me so much courage to be the best I can be. My dad’s also been there whenever I need him.
“Those people are all very important to me and are the reason I am who I am today.”
The citizen of the year award similarly surprised Bull, who expected only to speak about fundraising and digital engagement.
“I had no clue what the evening was to entail,” he said. “Totally caught me by surprise.”
The Lions Club recognized Bull and Stang for their business leadership and community work with Kin Canada and Geek on the Peak.
“Raising $100,000 is incredible, but what matters most is how you did it — bringing people together and inspiring others,” said Lions member Shelley Tatro.
Bull credited the community for those successes, noting one campaign raised more than $100,000.
“This community is amazing,” he said. “People don’t realize how impressive it is and how good we’ve got it here.”
Bull encouraged community involvement from everyone, regardless of age or schedule.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re 21 or 65 — come join the community, come help out,” he said.
Both citizen of the year recipients now join a list of past honourees recognized for their contributions to Lloydminster, a distinction Bull said carries special meaning.
“When you hear some of the names that have received this before, it’s pretty humbling,” he said.
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