Michelle Schultz said it warmed her heart to be recognized for the contributions she makes to her community.

Schultz volunteers at the Coquihalla Gillis House once per week, painting the nails of the ladies who reside there, she said.

“I just love it so much,” Schultz said.

“A lot of people are uncomfortable around older people, but I mean, some people are at different stages of dementia and things, but they’re still people and they’re so fun and so funny and it’s really interesting to hear about things that they’ve lived through and they just bring such a light to my day when I go,” she said.

The 17-year-old is one of 10 children in her family and in addition to helping out at Gillis House, she also home-schools her four younger brothers.

“I help them with every subject, really, so their science, their math and their English, and their social studies and me and my mom work together to get those kids learning stuff,” she said. “And then when I finish with their school, I go and I do mine,” she said with a laugh.

A total of 31 Merritt youth were congratulated for their philanthropic services to the community. The nominees were awarded with certificates of recognition, journals and pins. Michael Potestio/Herald

A total of 31 Merritt youth were congratulated for their philanthropic services to the community. The nominees were awarded with certificates of recognition, journals and pins. Michael Potestio/Herald

She is also involved with Smart Step, community church, a youth group, vacation Bible school and referees community soccer.

Schultz is one of 31 Merritt youth who were recognized for their philanthropic contributions to the community last Thursday at the second annual Youth Celebration Night.

“It’s for things that are outside of your regular school events – so school and sporting events that they normally get recognized for – so they could be recognized for volunteerism, working in the community with their families or whatever the nominees wanted to nominate them for,” RCMP Const. Tracy Dunsmore told the Herald.

The event was hosted by the asset development committee – a group of organizations whose goal is to promote developmental assets in youth in areas such as social competencies, empowerment and support.

About 100 people gathered at the Merritt Civic Centre for the event, where they were treated to a performance from the Merritt Secondary School jazz band and jazz choir before the nominees were awarded certificates of recognition, journals and pins.

When it comes to finding the time to volunteer, Schultz simply said she makes the time.

“When it’s something that I love, I don’t let anything get in my way,” she said with a laugh.