Rotary Youth Leadership Award 2009 given

The award, given annually, is presented to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to youth in the area.

In both his personal and professional life, Kent commits his time and effort to engaging youth and promoting youth leadership. A resident of Old Barns has been a singer most of his life and enjoys participation in both the Cantabile Singers of Truro and Old Barns United church choir.

In addition to music, Kent is passionate about the theatre and established the Youth Drama Club in Old Barns 20 years ago, which is still going strong today under his leadership. He generally has 12-20 young people from the ages of six– 18 years of age who perform twice yearly - an annual Christmas play and springtime presentation. One of Kent's young performers has made acting a career and is currently a cast member at the Stratford Festival in Ontario.

For the past ten years, Kent has been leading NSAC's Theatre Society (ACTS). Starting with a small group of interested students in the initial years, there is now approximately 20 in the cast with an additional ten involved in the production.

Each year Kent selects a different play to accommodate the talents of his group and the interests of campus and community audiences. The students enjoy the weekly rehearsal sessions in preparation for the March production as Kent shares his experience and passion for the performing arts in a very humorous and meaningful way.

In his day job, Kent enjoys his interaction with NSAC students at the Langille Athletic Centre. He is very involved with the hosting of league games, tournaments and on a daily basis interacts with student-athletes, students in recreational events and community young people who are members of the facility.

Kent exemplifies the caring, professional person we all want working with young people.

Congratulations!

(NSAC news release)