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LLI GOLINE/NORMAN WELLS - A self-described guy who brings a lighter mood to everything - especially at speedskating practice - Myles Erb lives to give.

“One of the coaches asked if I wanted to help out and I just stayed with it,” he said, adding he has been coaching for almost four years now. "I teach the younger kids. I’m the guy who brings a lighter mood to everything. I’m the goofy one with goalie skates, speedskating with goalie skates.”

Myles Erb, a Grade 12 student at Mackenzie Mountain School in Norman Wells, has been nominated as the NWT’s youth volunteer of the year. Erb’s enthusiasm and lightheartedness is something teachers, fellow students and community members appreciate. - photo courtesy of Wanda Quigg

The Grade 12 student at Mackenzie Mountain School in Norman Wells has been selected as youth volunteer of the year by the GNWT. Through the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, nominees are selected based on a criteria surrounding community involvement.

An official announcement is expected later this month.

An avid athlete, whether it be soccer, speedskating or hockey, the laid-back youth tries to give back to the community’s youth, something he said makes me feel really good.

“I like helping out and giving back to my community,” he said. “It makes the community better. It makes you feel good about yourself to give back.”

Erb says it’s the story of his life - sports, volunteering and work. He works part-time at the youth center, also giving his time as a volunteer whenever he can. Last summer he ran a soccer program in the community and after graduation this year will be working with the local day camp program offered in the community.

“It makes other people feel better,” he said. “It’s satisfying. If you portray a good mood it ends up reflecting on the people around you. That’s really what I try to do.”

An upstanding member of his community, Wanda Quigg of Mackenzie Mountain School said all teachers at the school see a bright, optimistic young man who does so much and asks for nothing in return.

“He volunteers for a lot of things and the little kids really look up to him,” she said. “He’s a really well-rounded person.

He gets along with anyone of any age, any interest. He sets a really good example for the younger kids.”

With a good head on his shoulders, Erb tries to pass on his attitude and optimism to those around him.

“I’m a very optimistic guy and try to shine that out on everything I do. I’m just trying to have fun.”

With every budding youth there is someone who helps offer support and guidance and Erb credits his mother with helping him get involved in volunteering.

“My mom was behind me the whole way,” he said, adding she was one of the contributing factors of getting him into speedskating. “It’s just gone from there.”

As youth volunteer of the year, Erb will be given $500 to donate to a charity or organization of his choice. He plans on donating the entire amount to the youth center, an integral part of his experience as a youth growing up in Norman Wells and a place he sees as important in any community.

“It’s been a important part of my life,” he said. “I liked spending time with my friends and with the younger people. I feel like I’ve done good to the community and the people in it and I care about the people around me. It’s my chance to give back a little.”

As for his future after graduation, Erb hasn’t decided on a career path at this point, but doesn’t seem worried about making that decision just yet.

“I’ll cross that bridge when the time comes,” he said.