“I wanted to give back to something that gave me so much; the positive experience I had when I was a camp participant years ago is truly what made me want to be a key contributor to my community today.”

Kendra, a Gleneagle Secondary student, has been a catalyst for the Arts & Culture and Special Events area as a Recreation volunteer. This summer alone, she has volunteered in events such as Canada Day at Castle Park, contributed to the Port Coquitlam Farmers Market as a community vendor, and volunteered with the “Kids in the Studio” Arts Camp for children in Leigh Square; this camp itself originally inspired Kendra to give back and volunteer, as she herself was an art camp participant when she was a child. Kendra’s impactful contribution to camp participants has been inspiring, as has her engagement with the community and patrons at local, community-focused special events.

Kendra supports an impressive 4.0 GPA, including subject excellence and Honors with distinction. When Kendra’s head isn’t in the books she finds the time to run her own blog which highlights hair and nail design; she also enjoys drawing, painting and working with graphic design and photography. Her career aspiration is to become a journalist; Kendra currently writes for her school’s newspaper and yearbook.

Kendra’s passion for the arts, community and giving back is beyond evident. This passion has given the opportunity for her to grow and develop skills that she can use in other areas of life as well; seeing the full-circle she has taken experiencing recreation, and now helping facilitate it in her community has been inspirational.

The City of Port Coquitlam’s Recreation Department would like to thank Kendra for making a positive impact in our community!

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

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