Cochrane youth agree awards ceremony will inspire current and future generations to give back to their communities.
“It is nice to be recognized and know that I am appreciated for what I’ve done (in the community),” said Natalie Power, leader of tomorrow award recipient.
“The award ceremony is more than just a thank you, it goes so much deeper. It is good and makes others want to get involved … you realize the little things matter.”
Power is one of 22 youths from Cochrane who were awarded at the 13th annual Leaders of Tomorrow celebration last Thursday at the Cochrane RancheHouse.
“We need to recognize the first step in creating leaders is to recognize the youth,” said Brenda Dennis, town of Cochrane co-ordinator of volunteer services and organizer of the event. “Leaders of tomorrow, thank you for sharing your gifts with Cochrane.”
The celebrations included live music, pizza and dessert, with a presentation from Shawn Gray, past president and co-organizer of Calgary Rotaract club.
“You are all at a great stage doing amazing things,” Gray said. “I’m sure you will do great things for the rest of your volunteering future.”
Award recipient Jordan Tilma said the ceremony helped give him perceptive in life.
“They are basically saying they are proud of who you are,” Tilma said. “It helps define who you are and helps you develop a sense of pride.”
Coun. Gaynor Levisky attended the event as deputy mayor thanking the “exceptional” youth for all they have done.
“It is incredible to see all these amazing individuals,” Levisky said.
“It is not easy to be a leader, it takes courage and bravery so take a moment to feel proud of yourselves.”
Cochrane’s leaders of tomorrow
Daniel Hill, nominated for his “outstanding” contributions to his classroom and the greater community. Hill demonstrates leadership through participating in all school events at Mitford School, while also always looking for ways to support the class team environment and volunteering his time for jobs in and out of the classroom.
Erica Noel, nominated for being a “stead-fast” member of Mitford School’s safety patrol program. Noel is described as punctual and typically shows up early for her volunteer work with the AMA safety program at her school. Her “excellent leadership qualities” always shine through.
Bradley Moore, nominated for being a “natural born leader” likes to help others. Moore is a teen mentor in Big Brother Big Sisters, who gives up his lunch hour once a week for his “little brother.” Moore is described as kind, welcoming, generous and always takes the time to include others in whatever he is doing.
Dallas Pace, nominated for his work with the teen mentoring program with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Pace gives up his lunch hour to meet with a “challenging” little brother for the past year and is still described as calm and accepting. Pace also helps coach his younger brother’s hockey team while helping out at school.
Malia Comba, nominated for her part in the initial pilot mentoring program between Elizabeth Barrett Elementary School and Manachaban Middle School. Comba is still part of the mentoring program with the same “little brother” and volunteers to take on other kids while their mentors are away. Comba is described as a “kind and generous young woman” who has a bright future.
Mikaela Murphy, nominated for her part in the Mitford School’s Bethany Care volunteer team. Murphy is described as patient, considerate and “skilled at making seniors feel special.” Murphy also volunteers with any students that need extra peer support, while also meeting with her peer buddy once a week.
Alex Singeris, nominated for his “positive spirit” at Cochrane High School. Singeris has been involved with school projects and fundraisers – while also volunteering with hockey fundraisers, food bank drives and other community events. Singeris is described as “dependable and driven.
Annamaria Novello, nominated for her involvement with the Leadership course at Cochrane High School. Novello was the ambassador for Cochrane High at the Canadian Student Leadership Conference, helped run the school’s Christmas Helping Hampers campaign, volunteers with kindergarteners at Holy Spirit, and also helped raise $2,000 for the Cochrane Classic hockey game earlier this year. Novello is described as having great work ethic while she “gladly helps out with a smile on her face and positive attitude.”
Charles Cook, nominated for his volunteering with Seniors for Kids Society and Seniors on the Bow inter-generational program. Cook is described as having an enthusiasm for volunteering that inspires those around him.
Claire Forbes, nominated for her volunteer work in and out of school. Forbes is a mentor with Big Brothers, Big Sisters program, was key organizer for anti-bullying campaign at Cochrane High, volunteers at the Bethany Care Center and also helps with the Helping Hampers campaign, the Diabetes Foundation, Unicef and Terry Fox. Forbes is described as reliable and always gives 100 per cent of her time to “make positive changes.”
Emilie Roth, nominated for “continually stepping up and stepping in.” Roth sits on a variety of boards including the Cochrane High senate, student representative for student council, the sustainable development committee, and communications coordinator for the grad committee – while also volunteering with Footstock, Cochrane High School open houses, local food drives, teaching Sunday Circle at her Church and tutoring students at Ecole Elizabeth Barrett Elementary School.
Jessica Pumilia, nominated for being a “tireless leader.” Pumilia works with the Cochrane High School sustainable development committee, the school senate, and organized several Terry Fox events – while also volunteering with Big Brothers, Big Sister, the Cochrane & Area Humane Society, the Bethany Care Centre, the school’s Helping Hampers campaign and several school spirit projects.
Jordan Tilma, nominated for his volunteering with several school-based initiatives. Tilma has volunteered with the annual Footstock race, bottle drives, serving breakfast at the Calgary Drop In Centre, the Bow Valley’s annual Time for Hope fundraiser, and many school-based projects. Tilma is described as a teacher and leader with “great energy, passion, humour and humility.”
Keira Branch, nominated for her volunteer in and out of school. Branch was part of the committee that founded the Cochrane Classic hockey game, while also part of the teen mentoring program for Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. Branch is mentoring one youth who constantly testing those around her, but Branch is described as strong, kind and determined.
Laura Pope, nominated for her volunteer work with the Cochrane & Area Humane Society. Pope has worked at the shelter for the past three years with rescued animals and mentoring children in the society’s education programs. Pope is described as kind, patient and always bringing a “positive attitude.”
Malachi Davis, nominated for his volunteer work within his school. Davis was part of the committee that planned the Cochrane Classic hockey game, is a teen mentor with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, while also an active member in the school’s psychology club, helping organizing a variety of events related to mental illness. Davis is described as very dedicated and is making a “positive change” in the life of his little brother.
Natalie Power, nominated for her volunteer work in and out school. Power is active member in the school’s leadership class, participating in many school projects including candy grams, school decorating, and Christmas Helping Hampers event – while also volunteering at Cochrane Home Treasure and is a Cochrane High School leader with the Syrian Family Project, where Power raised money and awareness sponsoring a Syrian refugee family who moved to Cochrane earlier this year.
Reed Durrell, nominated for his volunteer work with Seniors for Kids Society and Seniors on the Bow inter-generational program. Durrell has also donated his time to floor curling, bowling, baking, and the Alberta Wildlife Institute. Durrell is best remembered for his St. Patrick’s Day outfit, he wore at drumming circle.
Sophie Nicholson, nominated for her work with the leadership program. Nicholson is a literacy tutor, has volunteered as a camp counsellor at Back Yard Kids Camp, and has been involved with a variety of school spirit projects including Welcome Back week, Christmas week, March Madness, Helping Hampers, and the Terry Fox Run.
Thane Kondrat, nominated for his work with Big Brother and Big Sisters of Cochrane. Kondrat is described as someone who is mature, confident, a natural leader, who has strong values, great character. Kondrat is “not scared to speak up and advocate for the well-being of others.”
Tim Tetreault, nominated for his work with Seniors’ for Kids Society and Seniors on the Bow Centre inter-generational program. Tetreault was the most requested student to help teach seniors computer technology and organizers said his volunteer commits for Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 was nothing short of “outstanding.”
Zoe Cinnamon, nominated for being an “outstanding” young leader. Cinnamon is a member of the Student Council at École Manachaban Middle School and is described as an “instrumental member” of the mentoring program with Elizabeth Barrett.
