More Than Just Hours in the Logbook at CCHS

At Canmore Collegiate High School (CCHS), volunteering isn’t just a box to tick before graduation. It’s a gateway to discovering new passions, developing lifelong skills, and building a stronger sense of connection, with others and with oneself. As a condition of their graduation, students must log a minimum of 20 volunteer hours, with many far exceeding that number by the time they cross the stage in Grade 12.

This year, three graduating Grade 12 students - Chloe Kestle, Lily Burden and Jon Williams - are being recognized as the school’s top volunteer hour earners. Together, they’ve contributed more than 800 hours of service, and each has followed a unique path to that accomplishment. Their efforts, along with 12 other CCHS students will be honoured at a special Rotary Club breakfast on June 4 and again during commencement.

Chloe spent a summer volunteering at a YMCA camp in Ontario, transitioning from camper to pre-counsellor. “I went there first as a camper, then came back the next year to help,” she said. “I still keep in touch with one of my campers through snail mail letters. It’s really cute. She’s 10 now, and it’s kind of like having a little sister from across the country.” Chloe’s hours didn’t stop there. She also supported local running events in Banff and Canmore whenever she could fit it in. “You can’t really go wrong with volunteering,” she added. “Just get out there and try everything.”

Lily’s volunteer journey took centre stage - literally. “I found a love for performance through figure skating, and then I discovered the theatre community,” she said. She’s been a part of Pine Tree Players for five years, not only acting but mentoring younger cast members. “I’m playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz this year, and I’m assistant choreographer for Treasure Island. The younger kids jokingly call me mom. They gave me a Mother’s Day card this year, and honestly, it meant everything.” Balancing volunteer work with school wasn’t always easy. “I didn’t do dance this year because rehearsals conflicted. You really have to set priorities and then work everything else around them. Sometimes I’m backstage doing homework, just squeezing in what I can.”

For Jon, the cadet program opened the door to a wide range of community service. “Cadets promotes strong citizenship, so volunteering is a big part of what we do,” he said. “I’ve helped the Legion a lot, especially during Poppy Days. Standing out in the cold collecting donations, you see how generous people are. It changes how you see your community.” Jon also balanced his hours with part-time work. “I had a really flexible manager last year who let me switch shifts when I needed to volunteer. That made a big difference.”

All three students reflected on how volunteering has changed them. “It taught me how to communicate with people I might never have talked to otherwise,” said Chloe. “That kind of connection is really powerful.” Lily noted that she’s learned how to read a room and adapt to different situations. “Some days in rehearsal are full of energy. Other days, no one’s focused. You have to figure out how to meet the group where they are.” Jon added, “What I’ve seen from older members of the community is that the good work you put in now, it comes back to you later. It’s not immediate, but it matters.”

Their advice to younger students was simple but heartfelt. “Start early,” said Jon. “Don’t wait until Grade 11 or 12 to scramble for hours. Find something meaningful and stick with it.” Chloe echoed that, adding, “There’s no wrong way to help out. Just say yes to new things.” Lily smiled as she summed it up: “Follow what you love. That’s where you’ll find the time and energy to keep showing up.”

These students have given their time without expectation of reward, which makes their recognition all the more meaningful. The Rotary breakfast is not about prizes, it’s about pausing to say “thank you.” A quiet moment to honour young people who have shown leadership, commitment, and heart. Their legacy at CCHS is more than the number of hours they’ve logged. It’s the community they’ve helped strengthen along the way.