A dozen Grande Prairie-area teens have been recognized for the outstanding contributions they made in their communities.
Beaverlodge Region High School student Jackson Sweder received a Leaders of Tomorrow Award. He says not only does he enjoy the volunteer work he does, it will also pay off in his future.
“I do a lot of volunteering that involves history, and I’m just really avid about history. Volunteering at the Pipestone Creek Museum is going towards my paleontology idea for a career.”
Jesse Gunderson says he got started through his school’s leadership team and now loves to coach sports.
“Volunteering’s awesome; you get to go meet lots of people, you have lots of fun, you know you’re always helping out, getting stuff done, and you don’t have to worry about getting paid. It feels great.”
Faith Nayako says she takes the time to volunteer as it’s important to give back.
“I think it’s great because we are so privileged to live where we do, so to be able to give back both in our community and beyond is really great.”
The annual awards are presented by ATCO, as the wrap up to National Volunteer Appreciation Week. The winners are nominated by schools, community groups, and organizations, and are chosen with the help of FCSS representatives and the Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau.
The recipients receive a $100 award and a matching donation goes to the charity of their choice. It’s hoped other youth will be inspired to follow in their footsteps.
