Local teen a woman of distinction

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/04/2014 (4501 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If you look up the word community in the dictionary, you might just see the name Amanda Vermette.

Vermette, 17, is among the nominees up for the Gerrie Hammond Memorial Award of Promise at YMCA-YWCA Winnipeg’s 38th annual Women of Distinction Awards, which will be held at RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg on Wed., May 7.

Organizers say the awards program is an inspirational celebration of talent, achievement, imagination and innovation and honours women in the province who have made a unique contribution to the development of others in their communities.

The Grade 12 Dakota Collegiate student, who lives in St. Vital, was nominated for the award by Carly Friesen, a member of the school’s student services team, for her various achievements in the school’s community and beyond.

“Part of the nomination is for my leadership with the student council and my work ethic,” Vermette said, noting she hopes to attend the University of Manitoba upon graduation and one day work in the fields of medicine or education.

As well as her work for the student council, the teen also organized an event focusing on mental health awareness, which included a guest speaker from the Youville Centre.

“We talked about the stigma of mental health. A lot of students face depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, which can lead to bullying. Bullies will say it’s their fault, but it’s not. The goal is to educate people by raising awareness,” Vermette said.

And right now, Vermette is busy organizing a team for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event.

“It’s in support of cancer survivors. We actually have students who have survived cancer, so this is a positive thing for the school to be involved with. It’s a broad subject that affects a lot of people and cancer impacts people of all ages and backgrounds.”

When she’s not busy organizing group events at the school, Vermette mentors a young female student at Victor Mager School for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg during her lunch hour.

“It’s important for me to be there for her, (be) a positive role model and be there to listen to her and talk to her,” Vermette said.

Having three younger siblings, Vermette knows how much they “learn and absorb” from their older sister.

“Maybe someone out there doesn’t have an older sibling to look up to, so it’s about striving to be the best you can be,” she said.

Vermette’s excellent time-management skills mean she can still find the time to work as a lifeguard, as well as supervise swimming lessons, at the YMCA-YWCA location at 5 Fermor Ave. 

“It really flatters me to be nominated for the award, as it’s about leadership and being a positive influence in the community. It feels great that someone thought of me and took the time and effort to nominate me. I feel like being a leader comes naturally to me and I’m grateful for the support from my friends, family and teachers,” she said.  

 
For more information about the awards, go online at ywcacanada.ca

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

Facebook.com/TheLanceWPG
Twitter: @lanceWPG