2010 Future Leader
story and photos by Carl Patzel
Selected from among a dedicated group of nominees, Bert Church High School Grade 12 student Kirsten Dyck was the recipient of the Leader of Tomorrow Award. The honour-roll student was praised for her desire to enact social change through involvement with several committees and organizations – she is president of student council, editor-in-chief of the yearbook and member of the Christian Club and Students for Change committee.
“My passion and motivation for volunteering has never been to elicit praise or recognition. [My goal] is to give back to my community for generations to come,” says Dyck.
She has also represented her school at many training and leadership forums, including youth summit and youth mentoring forums. Dyck has displayed quality leadership and spearheaded fundraising activities through wake-a-thons, World Vision 30-Hour Famine and Operation Christmas Child, as well as volunteering with Airdrie Food Bank.
“My belief is that our volunteering and developing a sense of community caring starts with one-on-one interaction,” says Dyck, who has been mentoring younger students at several elementary schools in Airdrie. “I believe that by providing a positive role model to children [who] I mentor I can make an impact, however small, in that individual. Impact just one life and you will see the positive changes.”
Also nominated in the Leader of Tomorrow category were: Amy Wheeler, Anna Fei, Cora McEachern, Danica MacDonald and Sabrina Niesman.
Airdrie-Calgary Transit
The Bus Stops Here. Transit service between Airdrie and Calgary becomes a reality.
Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation
Caring Community. AIWC's volunteers devote their time, effort to saving wildlife.
The Airdrie Farmer's Market
The Airdrie Farmers Market brings vendors and lovers of fresh home-grown goods together
For the Love of the Game
Chris Simnett comes out swinging, as he promotes the sport of tennis in his community
