November 28, 2003
Bancroft This Week
Mellisa Pogue is one busy girl - and her community has taken notice. The 16 year old North Hastings High School student and Bancroft wonder-teen was recently awarded for all her involvement in community, volunteer church and school activities. Ms. Progue was presented the Community Futures Development Corporation “Celebrate Youth Award” last weekend, during regular services at St. Paul’s United Church.
“It was such a surprise” said the Grade 11 student. “They’d kept it from me. Lynda Connell got up in church and introduced Bruce Walker from Community Futures and said that they had a nomination.”
Ms. Pogue had been nominated by the St. Paul’s United Church women. “At a recent UCW executive meeting, a suggestion was put forth by Marg Musclow-Young to nominate a member of the congregation for the youth-of-the month award in Bancroft” explained Lynda Connell, who officially submitted Ms. Pogue’s name for consideration. The list of Ms. Pogue’s activities is amazing, but the 16 year old claims she still does have time to sleep. To begin with, while only needing 40 hours of community service to graduate high school, this student has already logged 375 hours. Ms. Pogue explains that the bulk of those hours came from being a volunteer councilor at Quin-Mo-Lac Camp in Tweed, a summer camp she has attended for many years. In addition, Ms. Pogue volunteers with Santa’s Village House, often particularly in the Santa Claus parade and appears in community concerts at the Senior Citizens Park.
Music is a big part of Ms. Pogue’s life and she has been a member of the Hastings-Prince Edward Children’s Choir out of Belleville since she was in Grade 8. This means she has to make it down at least once a week for practice. “It’s a lot of community,” says Ms. Pogue. “It’s a big responsibility.” Through this involvement, however, Ms. Pogue has traveled and performed in Europe.
In addition to the choir, Ms. Pogue has studied piano since she was a small child (and is currently working on her Grade Six Conservatory Certificate), plays flute and piccolo for the NHHS band, sings with NHHS choir and has long been involved in school musicals.
Ms. Pogue also offers her musical talents to her local church, St. Paul’s’ United, where she is also a Sunday School Teacher. She appears as a soloist and with the St. Paul’s senior choir as required, and prepares and accompanies the Junior Sunday School choir as well.
“I really love music and arts and drama. I don’t think I’d do it as a career, but it’s a good way to deal with the stress of school.”
With such a full schedule, Ms. Pogue says it can be hard to find time for school work. “If you do things at night that doesn’t leave a lot of time for homework.” But she seems to be managing just fine, maintaining a 92% average in Grades 9 and 10. “I just balance everything,” says Ms. Pogue, who describes herself as a high energy kind of person.
As for the future, Ms. Pogue says that she will continue doing these kinds of activities - and is also currently working on learning to drive. She plans to go to university to study business administration.
The “Celebrate Youth Awards” were developed through the Community Futures Development Corporation to recognize the achievement and contributions of area youth. Local people, 18 or younger, are nominated by members of their community for achievements in any area of interest, or leadership. Community Futures is seeking nominations on an ongoing basis.
Contact Bob Cloes 613-332-5564 for more information