SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — As her name was called to accept the 2019 Youth Volunteer of the Year Award during last week’s Mayors Heritage Tea, a smile never left Dominique LaPierre’s face.
LaPierre was presented with the award by Summerside Mayor Basil Stewart. She, along with eight others, were given a variety of awards at city hall on Feb. 22.
“Amazed” and “shocked” is how LaPierre described her feelings about receiving the award.
“It came in the mail and at first I thought it could have been something to ask me to vote. I wasn’t quite sure until I opened it and realized what it was.”
The passion LaPierre has for the performing arts started at the age of three when she was signed up for dance class.
“After that, it was just about finding what kind of performing I like to do. I joined acting class and started taking voice lessons. It turned out I really enjoyed everything.”
Since the age of 11, LaPierre has been volunteering at the Spotlight School of Arts Inc., but the interest started when she was a student at the school.
It began with helping them with the sets and props but then moved into her helping out with the younger children classes.
“Eventually, I started voluntarily teaching the younger classes and now I get paid to teach them.”
During the summer performances, her schedule is busy, starting at 9 a.m. Although it should end around 5 p.m., LaPierre often stayed later to make sure everything was done.
As the for the future, she hopes to continue working with Spotlight for as long as the school exists.
Following are the recipients of this year’s Summerside Heritage Activity Awards
Heritage:
- Allan Graham, in recognition of his documenting railway history of Summerside and Prince County
- Mary Ann Green, for the restoration and repatriation of the Dalton-Green piano
- Eddy Schwartz, for his artistic interpretation of Summerside`s Heritage buildings
Natural Heritage Activity:
- Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association, for revitalizing `the old ice pond’
Volunteer of the Year Award:
- Wendell Cameron, in recognition of his developing concerts and artists venue Trinity United Church
Youth Volunteer of the Year Award:
- Dominique LaPierre, for her many hours dedicated to the arts education
Publication of the Year Award:
- Katherine Dewar, for “Called to Serve: Georgina Pope - Canadian Military Nursing Heroine”
Award of Honour (heritage activity):
- Windsor Corney, in recognition of decades of historical research and record keeping
Award of Honour (cultural activity):
- Harold and Marnie Noye, for their impact over decades in music and community leadership
