TSIIGEHTCHIC/ARCTIC RED RIVER
Thomas Norbert is only 10 years old, but his work in his community proves there's no minimum age when it comes to dedication.

Premier Bob McLeod presents Thomas Norbert with an Outstanding Youth Award from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs on May 9. Norbert, a Grade 5 student at Chief Paul Niditchie School in Tsiigehtchic, always lends a helping hand in his community. - photo courtesy of David Maguire

Norbert received the Outstanding Youth Award from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs on May 9.

The Grade 5 student at Chief Paul Niditchie School in Tsiigehtchic said he was surprised to learn he had been selected for the award.

"I didn't know that I was going to get an award," he said.

Norbert said telling his parents was one of his proudest moments.

"They think it was great," he said.

Norbert's volunteer work in the community is second to none, said principal Darcy Douglas. He helps out with everything from running the school's breakfast programs to supervising canteen sales during community events.

"He'll arrive extra early, even if he's not designated to help," Douglas said.

Norbert is also an excellent student with a great attendance record.

"Thomas never misses a day of school," Douglas said. "He excels when you give him a challenge."

Challenging himself often means doing work above his grade level, Douglas added.

"He's a hard working student," he said.

Norbert attended a ceremonial luncheon in Inuvik along with other award winners to recognize his achievement, said Dawn Moses, youth and volunteer officer with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA). He was presented with $500 to donate to the charity of his choice, as well as a jacket embroidered with his award title. Norbert decided his winning should go to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Norbert also received a certificate signed by MACA Minister Robert C. McLeod, which was presented by Premier Bob McLeod.

Norbert was flown by helicopter from Tsiigehtchic to Inuvik to attend the ceremony, which Moses said was arranged by MACA.

Moses said Norbert is the youngest recipient of the award since she started her role in the program five years ago.

"I've been working in this program probably since about 2009 and I think in those years he's the youngest that I've seen, so I was pretty excited when I heard that he was only 10 years old," she said. "I thought it's pretty amazing that somebody that age is so committed to doing volunteer work and is being recognized by his community."

Douglas said he knows the community appreciates Norbert.

"He's always volunteering," Douglas said. "He's got his hand in everything."

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