A Moorefield-area youth was among the nominees for the Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Awards.
Matthew Rumph, 13, a Grade 8 student at Community Christian School (CCS) in Drayton was nominated by his mother, Teresa Rumph, in two categories: performing worthwhile community service and contributing to the community while living with limitations.
“Learning for me requires a lot of concentration. Math is my hardest subject, gym class is my favourite. It’s hard to sit still for a long time. I really enjoy helping with the sound system at school when we have assemblies,” Matthew said.
CCS principal Raymond Verburg noted on Matthew’s nomination form that “Through some of the responsibilities that Matthew has taken on at school, he has shown a tremendous amount of growth. He is responsible for setting up and running sound equipment at special events at the school. Matthew steps forward to help and serve whenever possible. I have seen his confidence grow and I have seen his leadership skills blossom.”
Teresa noted Matthew is a happy young man who is unusually sensitive to the needs of others and will almost always put others before himself. She said he will slip away unnoticed and complete chores his siblings choose not to do.
He plays with younger family members and takes time to answer questions they ask or to explain things to them.
Matthew joined the Air Cadets after being inspired by his grandpa. Two uncles have also completed the program. At five years of age Matthew’s grandpa, a pilot, took him flying and told him that things may be harder for him than it would be for others who do not have ADHD, but that Matthew should not let the diagnosis stop him from being all he wants to be.
In September of 2014, Matthew joined the 895 Fred Campbell V.C. Squadron, Air Cadets based in Mount Forest. Each Wednesday evening for a couple of hours, he learns drills and attends classes.
The squadron sells poppies for the Legion around Remembrance Day and helps with the Mount Forest Optimists Santa Claus Parade. Matthew encourages first year cadets and pairs with younger cadets to assist them with fundraising.
In 2015, Matthew volunteered with his squadron to stand vigil at the Mount Forest cenotaph during Remembrance Day services. To prepare for this hour-long event he attended extra practice every Monday night for 90 minutes over a one month period and two Sunday afternoons for two hours each. As standing still does not come easy for Matthew, his peers and family were surprised when he volunteered for this role serving the community.
“It was nice to honour the soldiers who died in the war, at the cenotaph and I also went to a local nursing home and stood at another service. The school work I missed had to be completed at home but it was worth it,” Matthew said.
Cadet instructor Cynthia Comeau supported Matthew’s nomination, stating, “Matthew is a very dedicated cadet. He puts forth a great effort in everything he does. He recently volunteered to stand vigil at the cenotaph.
“This requires cadets to learn different maneuvers with rifles while standing very still the rest of the time. Matthew worked very hard at learning and doing his very best at standing still.”
Outside school and cadets, Matthew volunteers at Drayton Christian Reformed Church in the nursery, Sunday School and is learning to operate the sound board, allowing him to volunteer in that role also.
“I play golf whenever I get a chance and hope to get my pilot’s license through the cadet program. I don’t want to fly large passenger planes but would like to fly for fun. Cadets has taught me how planes fly, (how) airports function, leadership skills and volunteering in the community, “ Matthew said.
The Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award process is a public service organized by the Ontario Community Newspapers Association. Nominees between the ages of six and 17 are recognized for:
– performing worthwhile community service;
– contributing to their communities while living with limitations;
– acts of heroism; or
– being good kids who are making life better for others and doing more than expected of someone their age.
A committee comprised of community Newspaper publishers, editors and sponsors select the award recipients from nominations submitted. Awards will be presented to at least 12 junior citizens at a ceremony attended by recipients and their families in Toronto in March. Winners were announced in January.
