Four Okotoks students were lauded for their leadership and volunteerism at the annual Leaders of Tomorrow awards banquet held April 20 at D’Arcy Ranch.
The Okotoks Rotary Club, Town of Okotoks and Okotoks Western Wheel presented the awards to Bethany Hartman, Maria Hutt, Zach Tuttosi and Gabrielle Gibbs who were chosen from 69 candidates nominated for the awards.
Taylor Ardriel was also honoured at the banquet with the Rotary Club’s scholarship.
Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson said the students who were chosen for the awards are deserving because they are not only committed to their communities but also tireless volunteers in a variety of initiatives.
“Your achievements in areas of volunteerism show great character,” said Robertson at the banquet. “This is a chance for your schools and organizations to celebrate the choices you have made through your volunteer work.”
He said these students clearly made positive choices, have shown positive attitudes and they are backed by a purpose.
Gibbs was honoured as the Leader of Tomorrow in the Elementary category and she was nominated by teacher Kelly Brennan. Gibbs is a Grade 6 student at Good Shepherd School in Okotoks and is active with her Peewee girls hockey team, Salvation Army Christmas Depot, her church and other school and community projects.
“She embodies the true spirit of volunteering,” said Brennan. “You name it Gabrielle has done it and she does it with a generous heart and asks nothing in return.”
At her school Gibbs was instrumental in starting two recycling programs including the Earthworm project where students rummage through the garbage finding recyclables like plastic utensils. The students then sort the garbage and take it down to the recycling centre.
Gibbs said she was speechless when she heard she would be honoured with a Leaders of Tomorrow Award.
“I didn’t know what to say,” she said. “I just volunteer because I know that it helps people. That’s why I do it.”
In the Junior High category Tuttosi earned two nominations from teachers at Ecole Okotoks Junior High School. Laurel Reid and Ann May both nominated Tuttosi because of the leadership he has shown at his school.
“He defies the stereotype you think of with today’s teenagers,” said Reid. “He is caring, helpful and a very responsible young man.”
Tuttosi has been involved in school council, fundraising projects and other initiatives outside of school. He is also a strong public speaker and talks to students about his school’s philosophy of responsibility, respect and commitment.
“He understands his responsibilities at school and he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in,” said Reid.
For Tuttosi, he said he was shocked when he was told he would be honoured at the banquet.
“This feels great,” he said. “My golden rule is do unto others as they would do unto you.
“If you want to do something just try and do your hardest — get out there and do it.”
In the High School category judges had a difficult time, so much so, they elected to present the Leaders of Tomorrow to a pair of worthy candidates.
First, Hartman was nominated by Holy Trinity Academy teacher Kevin Crawford who said he could have written a book on all the accomplishments of this Grade 12 student.
“She has dedicated countless hours to volunteer for her church and school,” said Crawford.
Hartman has helped organize the school’s 30 Hour Famine, has helped coach volleyball and basketball, is a camp counselor and is a leader with her church’s young women’s bible study program.
Hartman said she was honoured to be named as a Leader of Tomorrow.
“I am almost in disbelief,” said Hartman.
She said she is an active volunteer because of the impact it has on her community.
“I really enjoy being around people and knowing even a small act can make someone’s day better is great,” she said.
Hartman’s classmate Maria Hutt was also honoured at the banquet after being nominated by teacher Dr. Jason Olynyk.
Olynyk, who turned Hutt’s toast into a roast as well, said the Grade 12 student’s service to the community is immeasurable.
“Maria is a world class volunteer,” said Olynyk. “Her responsibility and her faith are amazing. She is a great role model — she has angels all around her.”
Hutt said it was exciting to be honoured by the community.
“I am excited and proud,” she said. “It feels good knowing you are affecting someone’s life. There is always something you can do and there is always something that needs to be done in the community and it will always be appreciated.”
In addition to the Leaders of Tomorrow awards the Rotary Club also presented a $1,000 scholarship to Taylor Ardiel who will be using the funds to pursue his post-secondary education in sports medicine.
