A grade 10 girl from Ste. Anne Collegiate has been recognized provincially for her countless hours of volunteerism and community service.

Carmen Trudeau has spent time helping senior citizens at her local personal care home, helping pets at her local canine camp, and helping people have fun at local festivals. Whether she is painting faces at Summer in the City, reffing bubble soccer at Dawson Trail Days, or selling souvenirs at the Richer Rodeo, wherever the crowds gather, Trudeau can be expected to be serving somewhere in their midst. Her stated reason for doing so is simple: “It gives me joy to help out and to volunteer in places like that.”

Trudeau began volunteering by spending time with seniors at Villa Youville in Ste. Anne when she was only 12 years old and since then has never lost that desire to bring smiles to people’s faces.

Trudeau was one of five individuals to receive this year’s student citizenship award from the Manitoba School Board’s Association for her exemplary and outstanding role in her community.

“To me, citizenship means that you are willing to go above and beyond to make your community a better place to live for everyone,” noted Trudeau during a virtual awards ceremony published to YouTube just last week. “Volunteering is important because, without volunteers, communities wouldn’t be able to have the activities that are available to enrich the lives of families.”

Trudeau was nominated for the award by her school. Two of her previous supervisors also sent in letters of support, wanting the young woman to be honoured for her efforts.

In acknowledgement of Trudeau's benevolence, the Manitoba School Board’s Association gave her a signed certificate and prize winnings of $1,000. Trudeau plans on investing half of that sum into her post-secondary education and spend the rest on something fun.