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Beeton teen receives John Simcoe Award for volunteerism

April 6, 2016   ·   0 Comments

Beeton resident, Piper Dedels, 17, was recently recognized by the Honourable Kellie Leitch with the John Simcoe Award for recognition of exceptional citizens in the area of volunteerism. Piper is a lifelong resident of New Tecumseth and a Grade 12 student at Banting Memorial High School.

By Wendy Gabrek

 
Piper Emma Dedels, a 17-year-old Beeton resident, was recently recognized by Simcoe-Grey MP, Dr. Kellie Leitch, with the John Simcoe Award.
“The John Simcoe Award is presented to constituents who have made a difference in building Canada in my riding of Simcoe-Grey,” said MP Leitch. “These people have gone above and beyond to make a positive difference in the lives of others in my constituency, selflessly volunteering. This award is an opportunity to show appreciation for the people of my community who truly have made a difference in the lives of others.”
At such a young age, Piper already has quite a full resume. With both work and volunteer experience brimming over, it’s easy to see why her contributions and accomplishments made her the right choice as the recipient of this prestigious award.
Dedels was nominated by Penny Coleman, president of the Beeton Honey & Garden Festival Committee – a committee on which Piper is the youngest member.
“Helping others and giving back to the community are values that were instilled in me at a young age,” said Piper. “My parents explained to us that the wonderful things we enjoyed as children growing up in Beeton, were only possible through the kindness and generosity of others. They told us it was our responsibility to pay that forward so other children could enjoy the same.”
Piper’s parents – Tina a well-respected local business woman, and Matt, an elementary school teacher and artist – have instilled these beliefs in Piper using more than words.
“There are many things we do together as a family,” confirms Piper. “We have served meals to the less fortunate on Christmas Eve. We Marshal the Annual Santa Claus Parade. We volunteer at community events such as the Beeton Honey & Garden Festival, Beeton Fall Fair, Meet Your Neighbour Picnic, Canada Day Celebration, and more. This has inspired me to look for opportunities to become involved in every area of my life. The truth about volunteering is, that you get much more out of it than you put in. It is a boost to your own sense of self. The pleasure that comes from pitching in, lending a hand, and being of use to others is one of the most gratifying I have ever experienced. The relationships you build along the way are priceless and irreplaceable.”
More than gaining work and volunteer experience, Piper also knows the value of her education.
“I am an active member of my school community. I have earned 10 times the school requirement of volunteer hours without even being aware of it.”
Piper maintains a 90 per cent grade average, and will be graduating Grade 12 from Banting Memorial High School this year.
At Banting, Piper also serves as an Ontario Educational Leadership Camp Counsellor; she is president of the BMHS Athletic Society; serves Banting’s School Council as a Student body representative; was a competitor in the Science Olympiad at McMaster University; and founded the Female Youth Support Group.
If that weren’t enough, Piper also serves on the announcement club; plays for the Banting badminton team/varsity girls’ rugby team/varsity girls’ hockey team (assistant captain)/Flag Football (team captain) and junior girls’ volleyball team. She is also a peer tutor.
Rolling up her sleeves, and donning her skates, Piper has also been a field worker at Murphy’s Homestead in Alliston, and taught figure skating to younger children.
Piper has even had her own television show, “Teen Vibe,” which aired on Rogers TV, channel 65.
“That show gave a voice to local youth, profiling teens on subjects such as education, careers, finances, family life, health, and hobbies,” said Piper.
In addition to the John Simcoe Recognition Award, Piper has also received five academic awards at Banting for achieving over 90 per cent in her course subjects; was named Athlete of the Week, MVP and Most Sportsmanlike in Flag Football; was the recipient of the Rugby Spirit Award; and took home three Grade 8 Graduation Awards for: Outstanding Leadership, Citizenship, and Honour Roll.
In her down time, Piper says she likes to public speak, play hockey or volleyball, go wakeboarding, and snowboard.

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