Commissioner Geraldine Van Bibber will present a number of exceptional Yukoners with awards at the annual Commissioner's New Year's Levee on Jan. 1.

Ten Yukon students will receive the Governor General's Academic Medal, her office announced Thursday.

It is one of the most prestigious awards a student in a Canadian education institution can receive.

A medal is awarded to a Yukon student in each secondary school who graduates with the highest standing, as determined by the final marks on their grade transcripts.

'It is my pleasure to recognize these hard-working students for their achievements,' Van Bibber said in a statement.

'Honouring our next generation of scholars and future leaders is a New Year's tradition that I very much enjoy.'

Two people will receive the Commissioner's Award for Public Service. That honour is presented to Yukoners in recognition of their significant and lasting contribution to the economic, social, academic, political or cultural life in Yukon.

In addition, the Commissioner's Award for Bravery will honour two citizens who have demonstrated acts of courage and determination at great personal risk to save the life of another.

The levee takes place from 2 -4 p.m. Jan. 1 at the Yukon Government Administration Building foyer in Whitehorse.

'I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy New Year, and to invite all Yukoners to participate in the New Year's Levee on Tuesday,' Van Bibber added.

Here is a list of the 2008 Commissioner's Levee Award recipients:

Commissioner's Award

for Bravery

Kimpton Gagnon and Louis Paul Courbron for rescuing a child from drowning in the Yukon River in Whitehorse last August.

'Through their quick response and compassionate action, these men were successful in returning a young boy to his mother's arms,' the Commissioner's office said.

Governor General's

Academic Medals

Charles Brunner, Vanier Catholic Secondary School, Whitehorse;

Jennifer Bryn Knight, F.H. Collins Secondary School, Whitehorse;

Jessica Burien, Robert Service School, Dawson City;

Jordan Lutz, Watson Lake Secondary School, Watson Lake;

Chantalle Desroches, Tantalus School, Carmacks;

Staci Magnuson, St. Elias Community School, Haines Junction;

Lovejoy Fulton, Del Van Gorder School, Faro;

Morgan Traynor, Porter Creek Secondary School, Whitehorse;

Nicole Hutton, J.V. Clark School, Carmacks; and

Erik Umbrich, …cole …milie-Tremblay, Whitehorse

Commissioner's Award

for Public Service

Judy Pakozdy for her tireless work over two decades as a champion of people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

'Judy has been a source of ongoing support, information and inspiration to individuals with FASD and their caregivers,' the Commissioner's office said.

'Her advocacy work in this field is unsurpassed, and her unflagging energy in seeking resources for this cause is admirable.'

Dave Stockdale for his inexhaustible efforts over nearly two generations to promote, coach, and organize soccer and table tennis in Yukon.

'Dave has been a key contributor to numerous Arctic Winter Games and the 2007 Canada Winter Games,' the Commissioner's office said of the man who's also been a city councillor since 1983.

'His enthusiasm and sense of fair play have helped to instill a love of sports in many individuals.

'In addition, Dave organized all aspects of the popular Yukon-wide Polar Games, a highlight for elementary school students in Grades 5 and 6.

'Through his efforts over many years, children from all Yukon communities have enjoyed an opportunity to gather together in friendship as well as sport. Dave's passion and dedication to the Yukon community is remarkable.'