At some schools, it is easy to see which students stand out as leaders..
But that is not the case with Sumara Stroshein-Blagborne.
There is no denying that the 17-year-old is a leader at R.E. Mountain Secondary School, but for those not familiar with her, it would be hard to know just how much she does.
“She is quiet, she is unassuming, she is humble,” said Cora Pickering, a counsellor at the school.
“You would never know she is doing all this stuff. She is not someone to pat herself on her shoulders.
“Her leadership, organizational and communication skills enable her to successfully juggle her many activities. Very reflective, very principled, and she is highly respected by absolutely everyone.”
“She is a workhorse, but she is also a quiet leader. She just gets things done,” Pickering added.
And her ability to get things done has resulted in Stroshein-Blagborne winning the 2015 Pete Swensson Outstanding Community Youth Award.
Stroshein-Blagborne was one of eight nominees for the award which is given to a Langley secondary student in recognition of their athletic, scholastic and community efforts.
The other nominees were: Alix Johnson (D.W. Poppy), Cassi Sauer (Langley Fundamental), Emma Harrison (Walnut Grove), Marieke De Vynck (Langley Christian), Michael Pratt (Brookswood), Shannon Walker (Langley) and Terrisa Inthapanya (Aldergrove).
Stroshein-Blagborne received her award at the Township of Langley’s volunteer and appreciation awards evening last week (April 2) at the Langley Events Centre banquet hall.
Pickering wrote a nomination letter in support of the Grade 12 student.
Stroshein-Blagborne is part of the international baccalaureate program at Mountain and she has maintained straight A’s throughout high school and is one of the top four students in the IB program.
She is the founding member and president of the school’s Green Team, spearheading the annual Green Team conference, serves on the Township’s Youth Advisory Committee. Stroshein-Blagborne volunteers with the Quest Food Exchange and has participated in the Model United Nations and the Red Cross Global Issues Symposium for Youth.
An accomplished violin player, Stroshein-Blagborne has taken up the fiddle and performs with the Langley Community Music School’s fiddle group.
She ran cross-country the past two years at Mountain, and used to compete with the Langley Gymnastics Foundation’s competitive team, capturing four all-around provincial titles. While she now longer competes, she is still involved at LGF as a coach.
Stroshein-Blagborne admits it is a challenge keeping such a busy schedule.
“But I chose to do things that I enjoy so you are motivated to put everything into them that you can,” she said.
Perhaps her biggest passion is the environment, which prompted her to form the Green Team at her school two years ago.
“It is inspiring how many people are committed to the environment,” she said.
“It is just a commonplace thing, but obviously there is more that needs to be done.
“It is not just social activities or local activities, it is more about global and political issues. Just contributing to that on a small scale has been a good experience for me and I look forward to continuing with that because I think it is something that really needs to be pushed forward.”
Stroshein-Blagborne grew up in the Kootenays, has spent time in the Gulf Islands and was able see the beauty of Mount Everest.
“I have had the opportunity to enjoy a lot of beautiful, natural environments,” she said.
“That kind of thing really gives you perspective on the importance of supporting our natural world and doing what we can.”
“The environment should be important to all of us,” she added. “A lot of people talk about saving the earth and that kind of thing, but essentially we rely so much on the earth that through our efforts, we are saving ourselves.”
“That kind of perspective is very motivating. It is essential for us all. The injustices that are done are really frustrating and I for one want to do something about them.”
Stroshein-Blagborne also had the opportunity to volunteer in Nepal and India during her Grade 10 year with Medical Mercy Canada, which provides medical services to remote populations. She led a children’s camp while there.
Pickering said that despite being away for seven weeks during the school year on that mission, Stroshein-Blagborne’s grades did not slip.
As for her post-secondary plans, Stroshein-Blagborne will attend either SFU, UBC or the University of Alberta where she will study health sciences.
Stroshein-Blagborne wants to focus on biology and the connection between environment degradation and people’s health, a very important topic that is emerging, she said.
