Three students from Vimy Ridge Academy received Duke of Edinburgh awards during a ceremony held at the Kenilworth Arena. The ceremony took place just before the school’s annual hockey game between teachers and students on Dec. 23.

The recipients, Victoria Wright, Alexander Wright and Erika Hurl, secured the awards by exhibiting exceptional skills outside their regular classrooms. The program focuses on four components — physical fitness, outdoor adventure, community service and skill development.

“The program is great fun because you get to choose what you want to do in each module,” said Alexander Wright, a Grade 12 student who chose to pursue his interest in miniature building as part of his skill development.

“One of the first projects I undertook was building a diorama of Vimy Ridge.”

Alexander’s sister Victoria Wright, a Grade 10 student, believes the award helps develop healthy lifestyles for students.

“It helps you become a well-rounded person and learn all aspects of what it takes to be a good person,” she said.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an internationally recognized three-level program starting with the bronze medal, which all three students received. All students between the ages of 14 and 24 are eligible for the program.

In Edmonton, the program has been in the place for years but hasn’t received the traction expected, said a board member for the awards program.

“Vimy Ridge Academy is the first school in Edmonton to get the program going,” said Terry Godwaldt, board member for the Duke of Edinburgh Award for Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. “They’re really flag-bearers as the rest of the city comes on board for the program,” he added.

Godwaldt hopes to reconnect with the local schools.

“Edmonton public schools are looking to have a leadership role with respect to bringing the program for the students.”

The three award recipients have together completed more than 200 hours of volunteer work. For Erika Hurl, a Grade 12 student, community service was her favourite part.

“I volunteer once a week with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and it’s been a great experience.”

It also helped her try out camping, which she hadn’t done before. “I’m really glad I did it. It opens the door to new experiences that you wouldn’t generally try.”

All three students plan to complete their silver and gold levels of the program.