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Getting high on life vital for award winner

Zander Brown’s zest for life and positive attitude are a big reason why the Hapnot Collegiate student received an award for healthy living and positive choices.
HYRM
Zander Brown (middle, with plaque) receives the Healthy Youth Role Model award from members of the National Addictions Awareness Week council at Hapnot on Nov. 29. - SUBMITTED PHOTO

Zander Brown’s zest for life and positive attitude are a big reason why the Hapnot Collegiate student received an award for healthy living and positive choices.

Brown is this year’s recipient of the Healthy Youth Role Model award, given out by the National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) council on Nov. 29.

He was nominated by staff members at Hapnot, who took note of his sunny disposition and decisions with personal health.

“I was very surprised and very grateful to get the award. I had no idea it was coming,” he said. “I’m truly thankful for the people I see every day, to be nominated by some amazing people I see.”

Brown is a teetotaller, a person who does not drink alcohol or use recreational drugs. He said that he’s seen both appear from time to time during his time as a high school student, but chooses to avoid partaking himself, taking a “live and let live” approach.

“I’ve seen a little bit of it, but I don’t think it’s too much of a problem, as long as it’s controlled in a way. It doesn’t really apply to me, but people can do what they please and that’s alright with me,” he said.

“I just tend to try and stay away from those things, like alcohol and drugs. I really don’t think it’s the right choice right now. There isn’t anybody in my family who’s like that, either.”

Brown works at the Flin Flon Aqua Centre, teaching swimming lessons to young children, a job he enjoys greatly. Right now, Brown hopes to work in carpentry once he graduates high school, adding he is part of a class currently building ice fishing shacks at the school’s shop facility.

“It’s been going really good. We’re pretty far right now. We’ve got the whole frame done right now. We just have to get a couple of doors on there and the people who are purchasing it will be putting on the rest,” he said.

Staying sober in a town where social activities and outings often revolve around alcohol isn’t always easy, but Brown said he avoids snide comments and, instead, aims to help people through his own confidence and conviction.

“I just try to ignore that kind of thing from people,” he said. “I really just want to spread a positive message to everybody and help spread positivity by doing my own thing.”

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