Jordan Muileboom always tries to stay positive and help younger generations thrive.

The Grade 12 student from Port Colborne High School was given the Youth Citizen of the Year Award at Port Colborne-Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce’s annual President’s Award reception, held Wednesday night at the Italian Canadian Cultural Centre.

James Brennan from Grant Thornton, who introduced Muileboom, said he was nominated because of his tireless efforts to improve the lives of others in the community.

“He shows concern and caring for all members of the community,” Brennan said. “He demonstrates a maturity beyond his years.”

Muileboom is a supervisor and mentor in the Youth to Youth program that matches Grade 9 students with senior students who become mentors. He was responsible for promoting the program, recruitment and training mentors.

He spends his study period at Port High volunteering in the School to Community Program, he takes part in anti-bullying campaigns, is a member of the Blue Bears football team and an honour roll student.

“My absolute goal is to always to stay positive and my hopes will always be high for the next generation because I know we can all make a small difference in the world and a bigger difference in the wonderful city of Port Colborne,” he said.

Muileboom works at Community Living with a five-year-old with mobility issues. He supervises Community Living’s cooking club, teaching children about cooking and healthy food choices. He also volunteers as a mentor at public schools and at Port Cares’ Reach Out Centre.

He thanked the community for helping to make him the person he is.

“The truth is, I really don’t deserve this award because I was just doing my job and in the end I will always be there for the special needs of the children of Port Colborne,” he said.
Victoria Gray, Tribune