Strong qualities of caring and generosity have earned seven-year-old Mecca Glen student Kaelyn Weiler a Great Kids Award.
Sixteen Alberta youths, Weiler being the youngest, received the award at a special banquet Saturday, May 2 at the Fantasyland Hotel at the West Edmonton Mall.
The event is part of a Government of Alberta initiative to recognize young leaders within the province and Weiler was nominated by teacher Jenny Ronnie. In her nomination letter, Ronnie said Weiler is a model school citizen.
“It has been my pleasure to experience the genuine and heartfelt girl that she is every day to the people around her,” said Ronnie.
Receiving the award was a complete shock to the young student.
“I felt proud,” she said simply of receiving it.
While she was shy during the interview, it is clear Weiler takes leadership to new levels in her school.
“She is the first one to encourage a struggling student, or stand beside their desk and tell them what a great job they are doing,” continues Ronnie in the letter.
Further, when in Kindergarten last year, Weiler wanted to host a bake sale and lemonade stand for the Ponoka Food Bank. That effort succeeded in raising $500 and was held at the same time as the Terry Fox Run. She decided to give the money to the Terry Fox Run Foundation.
“Kaelyn helped teach all students, staff and community members that life is about giving and sharing with others,” said Ronnie.
“She is one of the most genuine and caring children I have ever taught,” she continued.
Weiler is now in Grade 1 and she said the awards night was a fun experience and she was pleased to bring Ronnie and family to the event.
Kids six to 18 years old are eligible for the award and Weiler was six at the time of the night making her the youngest of the pack this year.
The awards website states that Weiler has a genuine concern for others and examples of her generosity started at the age of three.
“Although she is shy, she never lets that stop her from making sure people (and animals) around her always feel included and loved,” the site continues.
Award recipients also received a night stay at the hotel and breakfast in the morning.