A lifetime Petrolia resident has been awarded the Province of Ontario Senior of the Year award for 2022.
Diane O’Dell was recognized during Monday's regular council meeting.
Mayor Brad Loosley presented her with the award.
"She was the Arts Director of the Lambton Kent School Board for many years and mentored many children in the arts and music," said Loosley in a statement. "Over the past 24 years, our children have benefited from her knowledge, teaching, resources, and mentoring. She is always thinking of ways to touch and enrich other people’s lives."
The Ontario website said the award is given by a municipality "to recognize an outstanding senior who, after age 65, enriches the social, cultural or civic life of the community."
In an interview with Sarnia News Today, O'Dell said she was "actually shocked" to receive the award.
"There are so many people in our community, seniors who do so much for the community and I was just absolutely shocked and honoured to be selected," she said.
The Town of Petrolia said for nearly 25 years, Diane and a group of directors have volunteered and mentored youth with vocal talent.
"We call it the 'Lambton youth choir family' because that's what it is, the adults who work with the young people. We just continue to enjoy doing that and we're just amazed that children still want to sing and share the joy of music with the community."
O'Dell also supports Victoria Playhouse Petrolia (VPP) in any way she can. She and her late sister would offer support by giving space for artists to stay in Petrolia.
Over the past ten years, O'Dell has also incorporated her efforts with the choir and VPP together to put on Starbright Christmas professional performances.
O'Dell said "it's a joy to be part of" the VPP.
She thanked the theatre along with David Hogan and David Rogers for allowing her to remain part of the VPP. She also thanked those who have supported Lambton Youth Choir over the years.