Joan Sperle holds her Citizen of the Year award after the ceremony at the Unity Community Hall on May 30, 2025. She was honoured as part of the town’s Western Days celebration for more than 30 years of volunteer service with the Unity Agricultural Society. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

COMMUNITY HERO

Joan Sperle named Unity’s Citizen of the Year following decades of dedication

May 31, 2025 | 11:00 AM

“It just feels good when you do something for the community. It feels really good. It gives you a sense of pride. You’ve accomplished something. You’ve done something good for the community.”

That’s what keeps Joan Sperle going — and after decades of service to Unity, she’s been named the town’s 2025 Citizen of the Year.

A familiar face at countless community events, Sperle has volunteered with the Unity Agricultural Society for more than 30 years, organizing the fall fair, trade show and other events that bring residents together.

“People always see me out there doing stuff. And before the Agriplex got burnt, I was always cleaning. I was always doing something out there to make it better.”

Of all her efforts, it’s the fall fair that holds a special place in her heart.

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“Every year, it’s always the first weekend in October, and there’s a lot of work,” she said. “And not just those two days, it’s a lot of work going up to those two days.”

Sperle has already begun planning for this year’s fair, which features everything from baking and vegetables to homemade preserves and crafts — a way for local businesses and families to showcase what they do best.

“It just gets the community involved,” she said. “It brings everybody together and people really like doing it.”

The award was announced during the opening of Unity’s 42nd annual Western Days. Sperle was nominated and selected by the event’s organizing committee.

Organizers also said part of the proceeds from this year’s three-day celebration will support efforts to rebuild the Agriplex, which was severely damaged by fire in January and recently demolished.

Sperle said she doesn’t yet have updates on the rebuilding, but she’s hopeful the work will move forward.

While she’s grateful for the recognition, she said she’s never volunteered for awards.

“I enjoy it… I give my heart and soul to do whatever I have to do,” she said.

Sperle believes the Citizen of the Year honour is especially meaningful at a time when fewer people are stepping up to volunteer.

“Because volunteers are so hard to find right now, and nobody seems to ever want to commit,” she said. “And it’s nice to give that award so that people give a little bit more and pass it on to somebody, hopefully.”

Her message is simple, but heartfelt: “It just feels so good to give back.”

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com