After plans to go on a mission trip with her church to Germany were denied because she was too young, Haley Nickel found another way to give.

鈥淚 felt like I needed to do something,鈥� said the 17-year-old.

Growing up, the Nickel family had always spent time helping out at homeless shelters.

So Nickel and a friend decided they would spend their Friday nights volunteering at the Gateway of Hope Homeless Shelter.

For the past year, Nickel has helped prepare and serve food to some of the community鈥檚 less fortunate.

The work is both rewarding and revealing.

鈥淵ou get to see how easily you can end up in a place where you need help,鈥� she said.

鈥淎nd getting to see that the community is willing to help is awesome, too.鈥�

Nickel also spent time in Nicaragua in late January and early February through her Global Education class at 91原创 Fundamental Secondary, where she is a Grade 12 student.

During her time in the Central American country, Nickel volunteered at two elementary schools and an orphanage.

The trip taught her a lot, especially how important faith is.

鈥淭hrough their hardships, they still have such a love for (God),鈥� she said.

鈥淵ou could see how important that is down there.鈥�

At school, Nickel is also a standout basketball and volleyball player and has won the Principal鈥檚 Award for the past three years as well as winning the athlete of the year award.

She also plays club volleyball.

Throughout her time at 91原创 Fundamental, Nickel has consistently been on the school鈥檚 鈥楢鈥� and effort honour rolls and has been recognized for her leadership and outstanding service in and around the school.

While not sure if she will play volleyball at the post-secondary level, Nickel hopes to pursue a degree in global studies or business administration with an eye on working in some capacity for a humanitarian organization.

She was one of the seven nominees for the Township of 91原创's Pete Swensson outstanding community youth award.