Central Collegiate student Jordyn Montgomery has received a provincial award recognizing her volunteer activities, school commitments and dedication to overcoming the hurdles in her life.
Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty presented Montgomery and three other youths with the Junior Citizen of the Year Award on June 8 at Government House in Regina, with each recipient receiving a $3,000 bursary.
These prestigious awards were established 46 years ago and have been awarded to more than 180 Saskatchewan youths. The Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association sponsors the award in partnership with SaskPower and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
Based on the biography from the lieutenant-governor’s office, Montgomery, 16, is a deserving candidate.
The bio explained that the Grade 11 student has autism and a learning disability but has not let those slow her down. Instead, she has become an inspiration to students with special needs.
Meanwhile, her community involvement includes Students Against Drinking and Driving, Journey to Hope and its suicide prevention initiatives, her school’s Innovation Club and Art Club, and the Free To Be Me Animal Sanctuary.
Furthermore, Montgomery maintains an average of 95 per cent despite facing a heavy academic workload, while she learned sign language to speak to her school’s hearing-impaired caretaker. At home, she helps her younger twin brothers with their schoolwork, her father with their horses and fencing, and her mother with sewing and mending.
Montgomery said she was thrilled to receive the award after the Moose Jaw Express contacted her.
“I am honoured more than words can describe, like, it’s crazy,” she chuckled. “I heard the other girls’ stories because four of us got picked, and there were like 50 candidates out of all of them who I’m sure have wonderful stories to tell.
“Honestly, it’s difficult to see the little things I’ve done as so grand. It (the recognition) makes me feel amazing. It gives me pride to know that others have recognized my struggle.”
Montgomery will use the bursary for her first year at the University of Saskatchewan. She is considering going into animal science — potentially veterinary medicine — because she loves animals.
“I want to help those who can’t speak out about their own pain,” she said, noting the animal sanctuary is a wonderful place to help the four-legged residents with their issues.
The 16-year-old has volunteered at the sanctuary since Christmas but plans to help much more this summer.
Besides animals, Montgomery also enjoys volunteering with humans, ensuring they have other people on whom to rely for support and that they flourish where they are while promoting ideals like safe driving and suicide prevention.
The teen began volunteering last year but plans to become more involved this year. She wants to do more for the community — “I love Moose Jaw (and) I love my home” — before she moves to Saskatoon for university.
Montgomery’s learning disabilities have affected her schooling, with the teen joking that she can’t spell to save her life, making English classes difficult but not impossible.
“And with the autism, I know I’m quirky. I know I do strange behaviours. And I was severely bullied for it in elementary school,” she said. However, supportive teachers and friends have ensured she makes it through her worst days.
Montgomery is humbled to inspire students with special needs, while it has been a fulfilling experience to speak with her caretaker via sign language.
“We all have our own struggles and … demons, but in the end, we’re all human and we all bleed the same blood,” she added. “If you can see that (commonality) in someone else … maybe you can help each other get through (the challenges).”
