Meagan McGrath was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship award by the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers on Thursday, March 4.

The Paul Harris Fellowship award is one of the highest honours the Rotary can bestow on a person, a press release from the club explained.

People who are given this award are examples of placing "service above self," the ideal behind the Rotary.

"McGrath is an inspiration and exemplary role model to youth in Sudbury and around the world," stated the press release.

"She exemplifies dedication, determination, and persistence."

McGrath, a major in the Canadian Air Force, is originally from the Greater Sudbury area. She has completed several feats, including the seven summits, competing and finishing the Marathon des Sables, a trek to the North Pole and a solo trek to the South Pole.

The Seven Summits challenge requires the scaling of the highest mountains on seven different continents. There are two different versions, and McGrath is the only Canadian woman who has achieved both.

The Marathon des Sables is a six-day, 254 kilometre ultramarathon. An ultramarathon is the equivalent of six regular marathon. The Marathon des Sables crosses the Moroccan desert in Africa.

McGrath became the first Canadian to ski solo to the South Pole when she reached the pole on Jan. 15, 2010. She completed the journey, despite an early mishap after she fell into a crevasse and had to be rescued, and a lung infection.