A woman from Grunthal received special recognition earlier this month at the Manitoba Legislature. 

At the age of 48, Coralee Warkentin decided to make a career change and she returned to school to focus on hairstyling. That was a passion she had put on hold for many years while she pursued other interests. 

Warkentin recently graduated from college, and then found a surprise in the mail. 

“I received the Highest Achievement Award for Hairstyling,” she says. I had just actually graduated. I went to school in 2019, did my apprenticeship, got my Red Seal in November and then all of the sudden this award shows up. And I had no idea that they even did such a thing.” 

To get this award, a list of criteria had to be met, including exam results, recognition from employers, classroom accomplishments, among other things.

Warkentin says she just wanted to do well in school and in her trade. She graduated with excellence from MC College. 

“So already that was a milestone from me,” Warkentin says. “I was so excited about that, just to do well this could go to school late in life and do well. So that was kind of my goal. Yeah, I achieved that and I just kind of thought that was it. I'm just going to go into the business and just work on my trade and do the best I can. And then, yeah, there was more to it.” 

Her hard work was celebrated on June 9th with a special ceremony at the Legislative building.