Heather Latter
Mira Donaldson has another accomplishment to add to her list.
The multi-talented 13-year-old from Fort Frances last week was selected as one of 12 recipients of the annual Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award.
“I’m really honoured and proud,” Donaldson said quietly after receiving a certificate of recognition from Fort Frances Times’ publisher Jim Cumming on Friday afternoon.
She had no idea she even had been nominated for the award.
“It was quite a surprised,” Donaldson remarked.
“When I heard, I was pretty confused because I didn’t know what it was.”
Upon learning more about the award, Donaldson is thrilled with the honour.
The Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award is co-ordinated by the Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA), with the support of its 300 member newspapers, including the Times, and sponsors such as the TD Bank.
The award aims to recognize young people who either are performing worthwhile community service, are contributing to their communities while living with limitations, have performed acts of heroism, excellence in personal achievements, or are “good kids” who are making life better for others and doing more than expected of someone their age.
This year, more than 130 nominations of eligible youth, aged six-17, came pouring in from across Ontario.
“These young people represent a diverse group ranging in age, interests, and backgrounds,” noted OCNA president Gordon Cameron.
“But one thing they all share is their desire to make a difference, both locally and globally.”
“It’s a pretty elite group,” enthused Cumming, who has attended the awards ceremony in the past.
“Sitting at the table with some of the recipients, I felt humbled.”
And Cumming said the selection committee couldn’t have made a better choice in choosing Donaldson.
“She’s a pretty remarkable young lady,” he said, noting the nomination form submitted on her behalf was very impressive.
“Mira inspires people around her with her work ethic, positive attitude, confidence, and humour,” wrote her dad, Guy Donaldson.
In sports, such as swimming, fastball, and volleyball, he said she listens to advice from coaches, gives 100 percent, and works hard to include teammates.
“In school band, she is often called upon to demonstrate,” her dad added in the section under leadership abilities.
“Her classmates are amazed that she plays piano, violin, trumpet, trombone, flute, and piccolo.”
Living on an island on Rainy Lake has given the teen a unique upbringing, allowing her to appreciate the beauty of nature and the challenges of bad weather.
She is in Grade 8 at Robert Moore School, but travels to Fort Frances High School each day to take Grade 9 English and Math.
She also takes Grade 9 French through an online school.
She even has entered a province-wide essay contest for Grade 9 and 10 students.
Last year, Donaldson served as a page at Queen’s Park in Toronto, and later placed third in the district speech contest speaking about her experience.
She even owns and operates her own business, “Island Dweller Creations” on Scott Street, which features items she has made from nature.
The teen was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 10.
“Mira has never let her diabetes limit her,” her dad stressed.
“It has brought so many positive changes to her life.”
While each nomination required at least two supporting nomination forms, Donaldson garnered seven.
“Her life experiences are endless,” wrote Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis.
“She has become an excellent spokesperson for our town in trying to get the mill restarted,” he noted.
“When our delegation went to Queen’s Park, she participate in the news conference and delivered a compelling message on how families are being affected.”
“Mira is a very eager, highly-motivated, competent individual and leader,” wrote math teacher William Fisher, citing she consistently is among the top three in the Grade 9 math program.
“I admire her energy, commitment, and leadership.
“Mira is one of those exceptional students that a teacher encounters only rarely in their career,” he added.
Doug and Blair Anderson of Betty’s praised her musical abilities and business smarts.
“Throughout the summer of 2014, Mira has been outside her parents’ store playing her flute and piano to the delight of onlookers,” Blair Anderson wrote.
“She has encouraged children, such as herself, to participate in musical endeavors.
“Her crafting abilities have allowed her to sell product to raise money for her future endeavors,” he added.
Donna Erickson, her Grade 9 English teacher, former teacher Julie Ste. Croix, and music teacher Michelle Cain all highlighted Donaldson’s academic, athletic, and musical achievements.
“Mira is a positive role model and example of a dedicated student and friend,” Ste. Croix enthused.
“She has a positive attitude and displays a desire to learn more about the world around her.”
Donaldson read the nomination forms after it was announced that she was a recipient of an Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award.
“They all had such nice things to say,” she noted.
“It made me feel really good.”
“Youth are so important to our future,” said TD manager Eric Blondin, who also was on hand Friday to present Donaldson with the certificate.
“She has really amazing talent and is a worthy candidate.”
While others have been nominated from the district, Cumming said it’s been several years since someone locally has won the award.
“We are so proud of her,” enthused her mom, Kelly Spicer.
Donaldson and her parents will attend a ceremony in Toronto on March 9, where she’ll be presented with the award and meet the other recipients.
For more information about the Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award, visit www.ocna.org/juniorcitizen
