A Drumheller native was recognized for her outstanding commitment to volunteerism.
Taylor Bertamini, who graduated from St. Anthony’s School in June of this year, was awarded the annual Western Communities Foundation Exceptional Achievement Citation Bursary Award. Bertamini was recognized with 72 other exceptional youth.
Taylor Bertamini, who graduated from St. Anthony’s School in June, was awarded the Western Communities Foundation Exceptional Achievement Bursary Award for her commitment to volunteerism. Bertamini was awarded in recognition of her five years of volunteering at Sunshine Lodge.
“It was for volunteerism in the community and it was so nice to be recognized,” said Bertamini, who is now in Calgary attending Mount Royal University.
Over the past five years, Bertamini volunteered at Sunshine Lodge. She also has helped during the Salvation Army Food Drive, on Student Council, and for various causes.
“I knew (activity coordinator) Marcel (Augey) through guitar lessons, I had a grandparent at the lodge, and it was always a job that interested me, so I went in one afternoon and then just kept going,” said Bertamini.
“I volunteered in the activities department and did everything from playing games, throwing birthday parties, to serving snacks. It was a really good experience for sure. It was so neat to meet all of them and hear what they had to say. It was a really cool experience.”
Her help over the years was greatly appreciated.
“She’s very good with the residents and knows everyone by name. We and the residents really appreciate her help. She’s a great person to have around,” Karen Lunden, activities coordinator at Sunshine Lodge. “She still stops by occasionally and helps out.”
The students selected to receive the award are nominated by a member of the school teaching, support, or administrative staff, or a member of the school council.
In Alberta, students are required to volunteer to obtain their high school diploma. Bertamini, however, kept going back. At Mount Royal, she is doing courses in social work and may pursue a career in the field.
“Even after I finished the hours, it was something I wanted to keep doing,” said Bertamini. “It’s definitely an option. I would like to pursue something in the filed of geriatric social work.”