Kurtis Layden has been named this year's Rotary youth citizen of the year. The 2012 graduate of Olds High School said it was a great honour to join a long list of exemplary youth, humanitarians and ordinary citizens that have been chosen in previous years.
“It was an honour for me to be chosen as the youth citizen (of the year), someone who contributes to the community. To join a proud history of youth citizens, humanitarians and other citizens in that award was an honour for me,” he said.
Layden said he enjoys volunteering, as it helps to grow the causes he gives time to.
“And the fact that as a youth, I can play a role in that means a lot to me. I hope it inspires other youth to get involved and shows them that you don't have to be … older to volunteer or help make a difference. This community's full of volunteer opportunities and different ways to help the community,” he said.
Layden was extremely involved with Olds High School while there. In 2011-12, he was co-president of the student council and was also involved with the council for two previous years. In 2009, he was part of the organizing group that hosted the Canadian Student Leadership Conference. He was also a charter member of the Interact club (junior Rotary) at the high school in 2008 and was a member of the club all through high school.
Layden said he gets a lot of energy from volunteering with other volunteer-driven youth.
“When you get together with so many like-minded youth that want to help improve the school and the community, it's a great atmosphere and it just helps you grow as an individual,” he said.
Layden will officially receive his award on Oct. 27 at the annual Rotary Harvest Ball.
