The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer Volunteering for half her life has brought one local teen into the spotlight. Assisting with an extensive list of groups, activities and events, Melissa Wasylciw has been named the first recipient of the Spirit of Trout Festival Award. Nominated by the Flin Flon Lions Club, of which Wasylciw became the youngest and first honourary member, the teen was presented with a $500 cash prize for her efforts throughout the community. In a first for the Trout Festival this year, high school students were nominated for making a difference in their community. And Wasylciw has done just that. Among her long list of accomplishments, Wasylciw has helped with cook-ups, battery collections, selling tickets, garbage pickups and the Purina Walk for Dog Guides. Previously, Wasylciw spent her Mondays after school at the Northern Lights Manor playing bingo and bean toss with the elderly residents, for two years. 'Give back' Through volunteering, which the 16-year-old says gives her a chance to "give back to the community," she has helped with school windups, National Aboriginal Day, the Flin Flon Bomber Tailgate Party (through the Lions Club) and the Bakers Narrows pancake breakfast. When the call came June 16 that she was the recipient of the award, Wasylciw was busy volunteering in the kitchen for the Aboriginal Head Start graduation. When news finally reached Wasylciw, she says she "was speechless" and excited. Wasylciw accepted her award on Saturday, June 25. As for the cash prize, she says that will be going towards her new Ford Escape, which she picked up last week. "Her dad (Andy) and I are very proud of her and the work she has done," said mom Valerie. "She's always been a helper, ever since she was little." Valerie even mentioned a funny story where Melissa helped to build a neighbour's deck Ð at the tender age of three. Melissa is the first to accept the Spirit of the Trout Festival Award, but she hopes to set an example for others by earning this recognition. "There are rewards out there for them," said Melissa. Valerie said "the award shows other kids to get out there and contribute to their community." "It's so worthwhile," she said. Melissa's list of accomplishments continue in the volunteer world as she was on hand to help out with the SPCA, cadets, the Border Explorers Snowmobile Club, the annual Million Dollar Hole-in-One and Flinty's Birthday Bash.
