City woman honoured as Stars of Alberta Volunteer

A Lethbridge woman has been honoured with one of this year’s Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards.

Imogen Pohl is one of six Albertans recognized on International Volunteer Day in early December.

A neuroscience and psychology student at the University of Lethbridge, Pohl serves as a leader in youth programs as well as a healthcare advocate.

Her involvement with children’s organizations began at age four, with the Girl Guides of Canada. She went on to earn top awards from the organization as well as leading younger groups.

Nicole Anton, a Girl Guides spokesperson who nominated Pohl, says her volunteer roles continued with the teenaged Rangers, instilling the values of citizenship, bravery and leadership.

More recently, the awards judges noted, she organized a Scouts Canada Rover crew at the university.

As an aspiring clinical psychologist, Pohl is also active with the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta, teaching others to look for early signs of the disease.

“She is a strong advocate for those affected by schizophrenia and helps bust the myths and stigma surrounding it,” the awards presenters note.

The Stars of Alberta awards, a program of the province’s Culture and Tourism department, are designed to recognize outstanding youth, adult and senior volunteers.

Winners “exemplify the spirit of community service” while acting as role models for others ready to step forward as volunteers.

By demonstrating “exemplary initiative, leadership and creativity,” they “improve the overall quality of life of fellow Albertans and the community as a whole.”