Students at Centre Wellington District High School played an elimination game here April 16 as the principal read the accomplishments of this year’s Youth Citizen of the Year.
Amanda Shore was one of those trying to figure out the winner, and a lot of names went through her mind.
“I was trying to connect the dots,” she said of the announcement.
When Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj spoke her name, she was in shock, even though it was her accomplishments described.
Shore, a grade 12 student, was “ambushed” by the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce officials.
The Youth Citizen of the Year is sponsored by the township’s Parks and Recreation Department. It recognizes outstanding youth age 20 and under in Centre Wellington.
The winner must maintain a high level of proficiency in their activity and give back to the community.
Shore said, “I had no idea at all.”
Besides being on the honour roll, Shore has been busy. She has played in the band, been a part of the Amnesty International group, been involved in hunger banquets and a Sustainable Futures conference in Elora, helped arranged a Co-operators Youth Conference for Sustainability Leadership at the University of Guelph, where, she prepared welcome kits for delegates from across Canada.
Principal Maggie Roe noted, “Within the school, this award winner is involved in all aspects of the school life, including student council, social justice, Amnesty International just to name a few, while still managing to play in the band, organize fundraising events, and stay on the honour role.
“This young person soars above the crowd and is clearly well deserving of this prestigious award.
Shore has also volunteered at the Heritage River Retirement Residence for the past year.
She has also been involved with Camp Mi-A-Da for girls for eight years, first as a camper, then counselor in training, and then as a staff member.
Shore was also the liaison for the school’s clubs on the student council.
Shore’s parents, Blaine and Jeannie Shore, were at the school for the presentation. They noted it had been difficult to keep the secret from her. As well, Shore’s sister, Casey, is travelling in Southeast Asia, and knew about the award. The sisters planned to talk by phone after the presentation.
Shore said in an interview that she hopes to complete her final semesters at CWDHS and then travel for several months to help her determine what she will when she seeks a career.
I don’t know what I want to do with my life,” she said. “I just want to keep exploring things, discovering.”
She plans finish high school and then travel for several months, and then to attend King’s College in Halifax, where she will study a number of wide ranging subjects from English, history sociology and philosophy.
Ross-Zuj said of Shore, “She’s done amazing work here for the high school and the community.
Shore received nominations and letters of support from English teacher Catherine Moorfield, last year’s winner Nishin Nathwani, Director of Sustainability and corporate Citizenship Barbara Turley-McIntyre, of The Co-operators Group Ltd., Judy McClennan, the recreation manager at Heritage River Retirement Residence, and Pam Lamont, the owner of Camp Mi-A-Da.
