Despite celebrating his 18th birthday earlier this year, Jordan Tilma was able to receive one last youth award as he was named Cochrane’s Youth of the Year at the Cochrane Community Awards.
“It felt cool to know who I am matters,” Tilma said over coffee, as he was days away from preparing for his Grade 12 final exams.
Tilma was nominated for Youth of the Year because of his numerous volunteer activities, including his involvement with the Mayor’s Youth Council since its inception in 2013.
“(Jordan) leads with great energy, passion, humour and humility that his presence as a student leader is felt every day. Jordan’s genuine energy, enthusiasm, positive attitude, leadership abilities and willingness to help out others make him a strong role model to younger youth and everyone around him,” his nominate read at the award ceremonies.
The Town of Cochrane also nominated Tilma earlier this year as a “Leader of Tomorrow” an award presented to recognize the exceptional youth in the community.
The soon-to-be-graduate is known in the community for his volunteer work in several Bow Valley High School initiatives, the annual Footstock race, bottle drives, serving breakfast at the Calgary Drop In Centre, and the Bow Valley’s annual Time for Hope fundraiser.
And to top it off, Tilma said he was also named a “Mover and Shaker” in his high school.
“It is an award given to a person of influence – to highlight those who stand out,” Tilma explained.
The teen celebrated his 18th birthday in April with a small get-together with friends but said the biggest goodbye to his youth was the last Friday of classes at Bow Valley High.
“That was the biggest shift for me,” Tilma reflected.
Now the 18-year-old will be focusing on obtaining his teaching degree from the University of Calgary, while also keeping up with his volunteering lifestyle, recently registering to work with the Roots for Empathy program.
“Life is less about what you do and who you are, if you follow your heart it will take you further,” Tilma said.
And before the Youth of the Year left to study for his final high school exam, Tilma gave some parting advice to the next generation.
“Do lots of volunteering, you will learn lots about yourself and others,” Tilma said.
Tilma was selected as Youth of the Year after being nominated by Cochrane residents and chosen by a selection committee.
