Rindge resident Katrina Wilson showed up to the town’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday expecting to dance. As the night progressed, however, she realized she was there for a different purpose.
Wilson was named Rindge’s 2016 Young Citizen of the Year, an award given annually by the Rindge Athletic Men’s Social Club and TD Bank to a young citizen that exhibits strong values and has made lasting contributions to the town.
“I’m extremely honored,” said Wilson, a senior at Conant High School. “It’s great to see that hard work pays off and that community service is greatly appreciated.”
Al Lefebvre, who was crowned Rindge’s 2016 Citizen of the Year, said he was standing in the crowd during the announcement, when he began putting the pieces together.
“I was very surprised and honored to know people think highly of me,” said Lefebvre. “When they started reading, I said ‘What’s going on here?’ I realized the description kind of fit me.”
Wilson’s resume includes a number of school leadership positions and scholastic achievements including: being a part of the Conant High School National Honor Society, being involved with Conant’s Interact Club, student counsel, and envirothon, and being a committee member on Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
“She is an outstanding young woman,” said Rindge TD Bank Store Manager Monika Diab. “She encompasses all that good citizenship represents.”
Wilson said Friday that she has a passion for volunteering and helping others out, something she hopes to be able to apply in her future career of choice: being a physical therapist.
“Helping people is my main life goal,” said Wilson.
Lefebvre was recognized for his contributions to a number of town committees and projects. Lefebvre was previously involved with the budget advisory committee, a representative to the school district budget process, as well as working on a number of anti-pipeline efforts and volunteering to help the town’s youth through Boy Scouts and Recreation Department activities.
“I like this town, so I do what I can to give back,” said Lefebvre. “I don’t know if I’ve made anything better, but I try.”
Matt Despres, a members of the RAMS said Friday that Lefebrve’s middle name must be “service to Rindge.”
“He is very well respected as a volunteer with many town committees and a willingness to serve when called,” said Despres.
The award recipients must be nominated for the award, with the criteria focusing on those who contribute to the betterment of the town. After applications have been submitted, the RAMS and TD Bank personnel select the winners.
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.