This year's Youth Citizen of the Year, Shaelyn Moritz, kept her speech short and sweet after receiving her award from Olds Rotary Club president Norm McInnis Saturday night.
The event was held Oct. 25 at the Olds College Alumni Centre.
Olds Rotary Club president-elect and MC for the evening, Terry Cody, described the criteria for the award.
He said it's given to an individual in the community between the ages of 17 and 24 “who demonstrates the willingness to consistently put the community and people's needs ahead of their own, a person who shows a desire to make our community a better place and is heavily involved in making that happen, a person who is involved in a number of community-wide projects and a person who does not hesitate to serve for the betterment of his fellow man.”
During an on-screen tribute, an announcer said Moritz “believes that change can happen if action is taken. The large amount of time she spent volunteering at the Mount View Lodge has enriched the lives of residents and staff.
“She has served as a student leader on student council and assisted in organizing major student projects that have enhanced the culture of the Olds High School.
“Shaelyn's selfless willingness to help and positive leadership exemplifies our vision of the Youth Citizen of the Year,” the announcer said.
“I am so honoured to receive the Youth Citizen of the Year award. Thank you so much to the Rotary Club for honouring me with this award,” she said.
“I would also like to thank my parents, my family and friends, and my teachers and my advisors who nominated me for this award; I really appreciate it.”
