NU student earns provincial volunteer award
Michelle Schenk is a person who loves to get involved, especially if it means helping others. The geography and concurrent education student was recently celebrated for her efforts by the province of Ontario with an Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers, the highest honour young Ontarians can receive for volunteer service.
Schenk was one of 10 Ontarians who received the award.
A dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities, Schenk served this year as the President of the Nipissing University chapter of Best Buddies, an on-campus club that works to create lasting friendships between students and people with intellectual disabilities. Previous volunteerism on campus includes the Biidaaban Academic Support Tutoring Program and NU Reads.
“I was drawn to the Best Buddies program in my third year, attracted by the prospect of creating genuine relationships with adults who have intellectual disabilities, within the North Bay Community. After my first year with Best Buddies, I was eager to join the Executive Team, so I could give back to a program that helps promote qualities I believe in such as; inclusion, friendship, and belonging.”
As president of Best Buddies, Schenk managed fellow volunteers while also planning and facilitating numerous events, from basketball games and board game nights to bake sales, concerts and a talent show.
The announcement regarding Schenk’s award states that in Best Buddies she “has sought to create new opportunities and experiences for the participants, empowering them to set goals and achieve greater independence.”
“Receiving the Medal for Young Volunteers was an incredible and surprising honour. This award was truly earned by all who participated in the Best Buddies North Bay Chapter,” said Schenk. “I am extremely proud to have been chosen for such a wonderful award for a program I truly believe in. The Best Buddies program is built on the values of inclusion and belonging. We strive to make the community a welcoming place for all. I hope that this recognition can highlight the importance of volunteering by young people in Ontario, and the positive impact they can make within a community. I intend to be a lifelong volunteer within my community and continue to give back to the inspiring individuals who have assisted me in my growth as a young citizen of Ontario.”
Schenk is set to graduate this June and is already looking to the future, planning to utilize the knowledge, skills, and lessons learned during her time at Nipissing into her future endeavours as an educator.
She is planning to attend the French Language Learning Exchange Explore program in Quebec, and hopes to have a career as a special education teacher.