The room was packed with proud parents, family members and friends as 19 Cochrane youth were recognized for their volunteer efforts within the community during the annual Leaders of Tomorrow award ceremony last Thursday.
“It felt good and kind of fulfilling to be recognized for work I’ve put in over the years, especially recently,” said Gabie Pilling, one of the award recipients.
“It not only makes you feel good inside, it benefits the community as a whole and sets an example for the kids younger than them to better the community in anyway they can.”
The 19 were nominated for a variety of volunteering acts throughout the community including mentoring for the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area, sitting on the Cochrane Youth Council board, lending an ear to seniors at the Bethany Care Centre, providing suggestions for the Cochrane Public Library, or organizing games for children at the Will for Riding Foundation, a therapeutic riding program for children/youth with disabilities.
One 12-year-old was nominated for her six-year commitment to cutting her hair and donating it to cancer patients along with presents for children at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
“(Tonight) felt really good,” said Maddison Tory.
“The smallest thing you can do can make a big impact on someone’s life.”
One guest speaker, Maryon Markos reminded the youth just how big of an impact volunteering can make on a life like hers.
The crowd grew silent and some guests got teary-eyed as the Cochrane businesswoman detailed how it was her job to carry one of her younger brothers as her family fled Iraq in the 1990s when she was a teenager.
On the run for seven days and six nights then living in the mountains for 15 days, Markos said her first interaction with volunteers was when refugee aid workers helped keep people living in the mountain alive during those couple of weeks.
“They dropped parachutes of food for us,” Markos explained.
Markos said once the family came to Canada, not knowing how to read or write English, she didn’t want to attend school until a volunteer student brought her to the library.
“She did it for experience for her resume but for me it was way more than that,” Markos said.
Going to the library helped Markos learn English at her own pace and introduced her to the world of Disney movies. Throughout the years, the family also appreciated the help from the food bank during difficult times and Christmas hampers where Markos and her siblings received “gifts from strangers.”
“I cannot tell you how much volunteers touched our lives,” Markos said.
Other guest speaker Cochrane High alumnus and current Calgary Stampeder Rob Cote, who admitted to not volunteering much in his youth, remind the next generation that it is not always “about the jersey but it’s about your voice.”
“Moments like this are significant … (but) it’s not about the moments of recognition but consistently being the person you want to be – every morning it starts again,” Cote said.
“Keep doing what you are doing. You make the world a better place.”
After reading each future leader’s nomination, the ceremony wrapped up with groups photos and loved ones pulling out their smartphones to capture the moment.
“It’s really nice to be recognized and know what I am doing is making a difference in the community,” said Cameron Hughes, award recipient who heads his school’s tech crew and helps with microphones, speakers and all audio visual needs at school events.
The event is hosted annually through the Town of Cochrane as part of National Volunteer Week festivities in the community.
Future leaders of tomorrow:
Katie Knox – nominated for her help at the Bethany Care centre through Seniors for Kids Society program, and lending a ear to the Grade 4 class to listen to concerns about vandalism to take to the next youth council meeting, the middle schooler is described as a “great student and dedicated.”
“Those who know Katie know she will continue on her journey to become a great leader … we know she will inspire others to become involved in leadership or service learning projects,” her nomination read.
Sydney Lacasse – nominated for her help with the library, the middle schooler made the suggestion for the staff to utilize outside of the library programming to enhance youth engagement.
“Sydney’’s initiatives and feedback have made the Cochrane Public Library better prepared to respond to the needs of Cochrane’s youth and has been an absolute joy to have sitting on our board,” her nomination read.
Faith Marsh – nominated for great leadership skills at Mitford School, the middle school student participates in a semi-weekly girls group where she play cooperative games with peers of various ages.
“Faith is patient, kind, empathic, and always goes the extra mile to include others. She appreciates everyone’s individuality and can brighten a day with her care and support,” her nomination read.
Faith O’Brien – nominated for her volunteer work with Will for Riding Foundation, a therapeutic riding program for children/youth with disabilities, the middle school student is responsible for grooming horses and cleaning the tack, while also taking advantage of interacting with the student by organizing games and sing-a-longs.
“Faith is an advocate for providing opportunities for all youth, no matter their level of ability,” her nomination read.
Finn Pitman – nominated for his volunteer work at the Bethany Care Centre, the young man is described as a good listener to seniors who shows great attentiveness to each and every person he speaks to.
“Since Finn is in Grade 8 this year I know that he will continue to do great things within his school and community and it is hoped that he continues in service learning opportunities like the Seniors for Kids program,” his nomination read.
Jorja Powers – nominated for her leadership in the classroom, the middle school student is known for helping teachers, assisting in organizing events, helping with sports teams, volunteering at the Bethany Care Centre and at the Tiny Town Montessori School with younger students.
“Jorja has tremendous potential – what separate her from the rest is that she puts the interest of other people first and will do whatever it takes to improve her community,” her nomination read.
Maddison Tory – nominated because of the teen’s history as a donor to “Locks of Love” and the “Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation Kids Helping Kids Birthday Program” the middle school student has donated presents to the birthday program since she was six years old.
“Maddi is also an advocate for positive self-esteem and body image, and continues to create and sell positive self-esteem bracelets to fund-raise for Girls' Education in Africa,” her nomination read.
Keely Anderson – nominated for her volunteer work as a fantastic x-country ski and mountain bike coach, the high school student also help with community events including fundraising, baking and assisting to support local group/charities.
“As a coach, youth adore her, as she carries herself with confidence and a nurturing demeanor. And adults respect her because of her model behaviour, her gracious giving and her continued dedication and dependable behaviours,” her nomination read.
Brady Church – nominated for his volunteer work, the teen is described as always looking for ways to help people and programs, steps up whenever needed and has “genuinely added to the school culture in a positive and productive way.”
“He’s the kind of friend and student that is highly sought after and deeply cherished. Cochrane High is a better place because Brady is in it,” his nomination read.
Valerie Cote – nominated for her volunteer work with the Leadership Team, Helping Hampers program and the annual Halloween Costume contest, the teen is also a literacy tutor at a local elementary school and volunteers with the Big Brothers Big Sisters at Manachaban.
“The strength of Valerie’s commitment to making her school and community a better place is extremely admirable,” her nomination read.
Kassidy Gerhardi – nominated for her Boys and Girls club volunteer work, the teen is also a representative of the Cochrane Youth Council and is involved with the Cochrane Activettes, the Mustard Seed and volunteers heavily with her high school.
“Kassidy is very deserving of this recognition. She cares deeply for her school, her peers and her community,” her nomination read.
Summer Gibbons – nominated for her leadership work to organize spirit and fundraising events, the teen has also been with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program for more than four years.
“Summer connects with just about everybody she meets and she is able to make people feel welcome whatever their age,” her nomination read.
Cameron Hughes – nominated because of his mentor work with the Big Brother and Big Sisters program, the teen is also the head of the school’s “Tech Crew” and volunteers at every school event to “help it run smoothly.”
“Cameron is an amazing young man who gives his best to make his corner of the world a better place,” his nomination read.
Gabie Pilling – nominated for her work with the Cochrane Youth Council, the teen is also actively involved with her school and a volunteer and caption of three different sports teams.
“She is passionate about community involvement and wants to help create more youth involvement in our community,” her nomination read.
Sydney Stene – nominated for her volunteer work at Cochrane High School as a contributor to the school’s Senate and the Psychology Club, the teen is known for creating videos in honour of Remembrance Day and creating posters for “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“I meet many talented and bright young people in my capacity as an Art teacher at Cochrane High School, but Sydney stands out as a socially committed and talented young person,” her nomination read.
Tia Verch – nominated because of her junior leadership at the Art and Drama camp last year, the teen is described as helpful, informative and especially adept at organizing the campers with daily activities and chores.
“As the camps are dynamic and high energy, Tia was more than capable in keeping up with the demands of this position,” her nomination read.
Nicole Walker – nominated for her volunteer work with youth through the Big Brother and Big Sisters program, and as the mentee with Manachaban School, the teen has also donated her time to help wrap presents for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and most recently at the Bethany Senior Care home.
“Nicola goes above and beyond the expectations to get the job done,” her nomination read.
Emyrson Weder – nominated for her volunteer work for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the teen also gives her time as a leadership student and helped organize a successful charity hockey for the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank.
“She is also a tireless leadership student who has organized and successfully run fundraising events within her school and community,” her nomination read.
Shelby Wunder – nominated for volunteering as a leadership student, the teen is also the chair of her high school’s Senate and she gives her time as a literacy tutor at Elizabeth Barrett for the past three years.
“She is hard working and dedicated and plans many events that make her school a better place,” her nomination read.
