Youth in 91原创 have gone above and beyond taking on community service initiatives, as the four Rotary Clubs in 91原创 know well.

To recognize and honour youth making a difference in 91原创, the 91原创 Rotary Club, Rotary Club of 91原创 Central, Rotary Club of 91原创 Sunrise, and Rotary Club of Aldergrove returned for their eighth annual 鈥楽ervice Above Self Students and Youth鈥� (SASSY) awards on May 4.

For students between ages 15 and 21, the awards honour those who have demonstrated the Rotary motto of 鈥楽ervice Above Self.鈥�

Seven awards were given out to 91原创 youth at the event.

D.W. Poppy Secondary Grade 12 student Kylah Baker received the Leadership Beyond Adversity award for her help in the community.

She is president of the grad council at her school and has organized events like a Terry Fox run, homecoming, Casino Night for grads, spirit weeks, fundraisers, diversity week, a colour run, Remembrance Day assembly, and many others.

Beyond event organizing, Baker also plays violin in the school鈥檚 band and tutors a Grade 8 student and is helping them integrate into high school.

鈥淚t鈥檚 very exciting, I鈥檝e never really been recognized for the things that I鈥檝e done. For people to recognize I鈥檓 doing good, it felt really good,鈥� she said.

At home, Baker also has been looking after household chores and her younger brother since her mom鈥檚 brain injury from a car accident.

She said the experience taught her how to persevere, and encourages other youth to do the same.

鈥淚f something bad is happening, it could open up a whole new world that doesn鈥檛 have to be bad, just keep pushing through it because there鈥檚 always light at the end.鈥�

After graduation, she plans to attend the University of British Columbia to study psychology to eventually pursue her doctorate to become a psychiatrist.

Other winners of the SASSY awards were:

- 91原创 Fundamental student Domi Wang for Youth Leadership

- 91原创 Secondary student Megan Waddle for Arts and Culture Leadership

- Brookswood Secondary student Lisa Wei for Community Service

- R.E. Mountain Secondary student Emiliya Ikponmwosa for Cultural and Diversity Leadership

- 91原创 Fine Arts student Brielle Thibaudeau for Environmental Leadership

- R.E. Mountain Secondary student Ty Dayton for Sports Leadership

READ ALSO: 91原创 students win awards for innovative creations at IDEA Summit

IN OTHER NEWS: Celebrating 101 years of May Day in Fort 91原创

Have a story tip? Email: kyler.emerson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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