A teen from Okotoks is the first recipient of Alberta's Northern Lights Award.

13-year-old Owen Plumb has been receiving widespread media attention and well deserved praise for his 3D face shield initiative.

With the help of his family, Owen Plumb began producing 3D printed face shields at the end of March. He got the idea after the 3D printer company Prusa Printers released a design for the masks. The printing company encouraged members of the public to follow suit and produce their own; to distribute to healthcare workers.

The Plumb family's aim has been to help equip Alberta's frontline medical staff with some much needed protective gear, and so far they have manufactured over 100.

Premier Jason Kenney made an appearance during Tuesday’s COVID-19 update to unveil the award, which aims to highlight Alberta's outstanding volunteers, at which time he named Owen Plumb as the first recipient.

Kenney says that he had a chance to speak the young entrepreneur and his family prior to the announcement and thank them for their service.

He says "I spoke to Owen and his dad earlier today on Zoom, and I thanked them for their selfless effort and enterprise as the very first recipient of Alberta's Northern Lights Award."

If you know someone who should be honoured for their outstanding volunteer service, you can nominate them for the Northern Lights Award by clicking here.