The family and friends of a young Weyburn dentist who died tragically at the age of 23 have presented awards in his memory for the 10th year to U of S Dentistry students.

At the College of Dentistry's fall welcome banquet on Sept. 18, the Dr. Kirk Johnston Spirit of Dentistry Memorial Awards in the amount of $5,000 each were awarded to second-year student Nathan Nieviadomy of Weyburn, and third-year student Craig Humber of Gravenhurst, Ont.

Dr. Johnston had graduated from the College of Dentistry at age 22, and died in an accident three days after his 23rd birthday in August of 1994.

Shortly afterwards, his parents, Gaylene and Murray Johnston, along with friends established the annual award. Since 1995, the award has gone to 18 Dentistry students "for enthusiasm, healthy and positive attitude, creativity, leadership, humanitarianism and motivation."

The award was presented this year by Dr. Johnston's parents, Gaylene and Murray Johnston.