Medicine Hat teen recognized for his contribution to the community with Great Kid Award

Symmonds also volunteers in the community and works to address food insecurity with the highest quality food available. Three years ago, he volunteered for We Day.

“You can actually make someone’s day from doing just a small thing for them,” Symmonds says.

The Great Kid Award is awarded by the provincial government to Albertans aged five to 18 who help build stronger communities and exemplify the qualities of resiliency, leadership, determination and strength. Additionally, recipients have overcome a wide variety of challenges to make a positive impact.

Symmonds lives with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, but it doesn’t hold him back. He approaches obstacles as an opportunity to build new skills.

“Dylan has had a lot of struggles in his life but he has persevered throughout them and he has done that by giving back to others, and he’s just the kindest guy you’ll ever meet,” says Celina Symmonds, Dylan’s mom.

His mom says the award is a great reminder to Dylan that his efforts do not go unnoticed.

“People appreciate all the hard work that he’s done to help others,” says Symmonds. “I hope that it encourages other people to help out and give back to our community.”

The award was presented by Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA, Drew Barnes, who says it was an honour to present Dylan with the recognition.

“I’m so proud of Dylan, Medicine Hat is proud of Dylan,” said Barnes. “I’m sure that Dylan’s accomplishment will give other young Albertans the confidence to step forward and do the same.”

Symmonds hopes his leadership will inspire others to find causes they care about and to give back to the community.

“It really doesn’t matter what age you are, you can volunteer for anything you think of.”

by Meghan Cobb

Medicine Hat teen recognized for his contribution to the community with Great Kid Award

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