The Lynn Papp Community Service Award winners have both shown ample community spirit and involvement.
The awards are given out each year by the Pitt Meadows Day Society.
Nicole Cusick is this year’s senior award winner. Ryann Bickle-Harvey is the junior winner.
Cusick, 17, attends Pitt Meadows secondary and was nominated by Penny Griffin, a work experience co-ordinator and academic advisory at the the school.
“Throughout her secondary career, Nicole has built a strong reputation as a community and school leader,” Griffin wrote in her recommendation of Cusick.
“Academically, Nicole is a standout, receiving numerous hour roll and ’Super G’ certificates. Scanning her marks from grades 8 through 11, it is evident has gotten stronger with each passing year.”
In her Grade 12 year, Cusick is taking 10 courses, with medicine as her established career goal.
“Nicole has taken advantage of every career exploration opportunity. Nicole spent a week in Ottawa for the Encounters with Canada program in the focus area of medicine and health.”
Griffin also said Cusick’s passion is to help children with health issues, and until she is able to work in the profession contributes by fundraising for B.C. Children’s Hospital.
“Nicole’s list of volunteer experiences far exceeds any other member of her grad class.”
She has helped with the Terry Fox Run at Pitt Meadows elementary, as well as that school’s Hoops for Hearts and Winter Carnivale events.
She has also spent three year’s on the Safer City Committee, and volunteered with SFU’s Science Alive program, as a camp counselor.
And during the 2014 teachers dispute, Cusick started #TrappedInTheMiddle, which expressed student concerns about the issue.
Cusack is also a member of Pitt secondary’s student council and the District Student Advisory Council.
She is also a volunteer with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization, and was accepted for UBC’s annual Minerva Foundation Learning to Lead.
And, as a senior, she formed a Red Cross Club at school.
‘Inspiring young students to get involved with humanitarian issuess, Nicole’s group is bringing attention to global terror such as landline usage.”
Griffin said Cusick has many fine qualities that will contribute to her future success.
“Nicole is a rare blend of intelligence, talent and grace. Few students carry themselves with as much eloquence.”
Bickle-Harvey attends Pitt Meadows elementary. She was nominated by her teacher, Nancy-Kay White, and principal Stephanie Dand.
“Ryann exemplifies the essence of community in and out of the classroom at Pitt Meadows elementary,” they wrote.
“Her dedication and commitment to the school are evident through her involvement with the leadership club, volunteering/assisting office staff on her own time at recess and lunch, spearheading the dance troop for the Terry Fox Run, organizing the henna face-painting station for school fundraising [Le Carnival], spearheading the organics program and ensuring the organics bins are ready for pick-up at PME, and assisting with the hot dog fundraiser for the Grade 7s.”
They said Ryann puts the needs of others ahead of her own, and that she values and supports her peers daily.
“She is always ready to assist eagerly and willingly; offering directions, first aid and friendship.”
They said Ryan always ensures her peers are included.
“Ryann shows us all what kindness, understanding and inclusion are about here at Pitt Meadows elementary, and this makes her a natural candidate for this service award.”
• Pitt Meadows Day is Saturday, June 3.