This year’s Youth Citizen of the Year in Centre Wellington is Jenna Tofflemire.
The announcement was made on May 1 in front of Tofflemire’s classmates at Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS).
“She’s done some great things this year and the award is well deserved,” said Mayor Kelly Linton, who congratulated Tofflemire on her achievement.
Each year, the award, sponsored through the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce, recognizes an outstanding youth in the community.
In his letter of nomination, CWDHS principal Chad Warren said “Jenna contributes to this school and community in a positive, well rounded manner. She is a leader in the classroom, community and (on a) global scale.”
Warren lauded Tofflemire’s willingness to take on leadership roles in the classroom and noted she is a student council member and volunteer for events, including Relay for Life and semi-formal dances.
“I’m just super honoured by this,” Tofflemire said upon receiving the surprise honour at the school.
As a student senate member, Tofflemire provides input and is involved in school board initiatives.
Warren added Tofflemire is also a leader on a more global scale, as a Me to We volunteer on a mission trip to Ecuador and the Amazon, where she immersed herself in new cultures and helped build houses and septic systems for three families.
In December, Jenna received “18 Under 18” recognition at the school, which rewards students who make the school a better place.
Tofflemire has competed in swimming, lacrosse, soccer, track and field, figure skating, hockey and baseball.
“Jenna has respect and love for Sports of all kinds as a team player, working at the pool and through Sports at school,” Warren stated.
“She is self-motivated and works well independently as well as part of a team” and her “kind, helpful persona encourages her peers to participate more fully,” the principal noted.
Tofflemire earned the highest grade in Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Education in the 2016-17 school year.
“Jenna takes education extremely seriously,” stated Warren, noting Tofflemire has been an honours student throughout high school and “is working hard to achieve above 90 per cent average in Grade 12.”
He noted that while marks are important to Tofflemire, “each moment of each day, she makes an effort to be kind and compassionate to both her teachers and classmates.”
He said Tofflemire balances her life as a student and as a community member.
“Jenna has a reputation for being one of finest and hardworking students, and without a doubt, I believe Jenna is one of our school’s best,” Warren concluded.
Tofflemire thanked the chamber for the award and said she looks forward to the gala. “I love people and love being involved in the school and community … making the most of it,” she said
Now in her final year at Centre Wellington, Tofflemire plans to attend Queens University for kinesiology.
