Three local women are nominated for a 2018 YWCA Women of Distinction Award. 

"I was very surprised," shared Evanne Wilhelm. "I was excited as well but I was super surprised and humbled because the people who nominated me did it in secret until they got to the final submission when I had to sign off on it. So I didn't know that they were working on it behind the scenes. I was very touched."

She was nominated in the Education and Mentorship Category and she was nominated by one of her students from ECS.

"I do a lot of work in the Fine Arts, that's the subject area that I do most of my teaching. I thought that would have been the category but when I read through the things that they were talking about, it made a lot of sense. It was how I changed kids' lives through the classes I teach. It wasn't the subject matter, it was the effect that it had on them through the subject I was teaching."

She added that with increased publicity, it may inspire others to try and make a difference in others' lives.

"I think it will open that door for girls and other women to be aware that there is a great opportunity to recognize women in our province. I think it will have more of an impact once it gets out there, at least I hope it will."

"Sometimes you feel that you might be a little bit small especially coming from the southeast corner and living in Estevan your whole life but it's nice to see that this is happening next to me, or this is happening just down the road, all of these huge things and that we do have a global community happening in Saskatchewan and women doing things all over the world."

"It is such a tremendous honour to be recognized. For a teacher to be recognized by their students at this stage in the game is such a huge deal. It's so meaningful."

In addition, Brady Johnson is nominated for Contribution to Rural Community and Brenda Lyons is nominated for Wellness, Recreation and Healthy Living.

The Awards Gala will be held in Regina on April 26th.