A group of Grande Prairie area teens are being honoured for their leadership in the community. On Thursday, seven high schoolers accepted the Leaders of Tomorrow Award from the Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau.
Recipient Torann Mecham is president of her 4H club and is part of Girl Guides. She says it means a lot to get this award.
“I’m really excited, this is so much fun. I love volunteering. It’s fun for the community, fun for me [and] I love helping.”
The program first started in 1998 to recognize students ages 13-18 who have made outstanding contributions to their communities through volunteering. Each teen is nominated by a family member or teacher and the award’s purpose is to inspire other youth to follow in the winners’ footsteps. That’s just what winner Jenna Noullett hopes will happen.
“It’s really big to see that my work is finally being recognized. It’s nice for other people to see how you’ll be recognized and it’ll get other people out there to start volunteering more.”
Each winner receives a trophy, a certificate, $100 for themselves and $100 for the charity of their choice. Torann chose Bandaged Paws and Jenna chose The Salvation Army.
Two students under the age of 13 were also given an award called the Upcoming Leaders of Tomorrow. Those went to 11-year-old Martin Moerike and 12-year-old Jadyn Anderson. The remaining winners and their charities of choice are:
Anna Cuff- St. Lawrence Centre
Shubh Patel- 3D Hockey Charity
Larissa Okimaw-Keels- Youth Fund Grande Prairie Friendship Centre
Mark Debre- Children’s Wish Foundation
Nathaniel Kim- The Salvation Army
Earlier this week, the County of Grande Prairie also presented the Clairmont Volunteer of the Year Award. Resident Patty Brehmer was celebrated for her ongoing commitment to community organizations such as the Clairmont Senior’s Centre and the Sexsmith and Area Food Bank.