KENORA – Tyson Grinsell, a Lakehead University concurrent Honours Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education student, has received the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers from the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

“I’m proud of what I have accomplished and this has been such an awesome experience,” said Grinsell. “I’m happy that I am able to represent my hometown, my university and Northwestern Ontario.”

Young Volunteers Recognized in Ontario

Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, said, “When people volunteer their time to noble deeds, that is the truest form of giving. It’s even more pleasing when youth like Tyson give so much of their time and inspire others to do the same.”

The Fort Frances native, who is completing his HBA/BEd requirements, was one of nine young people to receive the award on April 22, 2013. Tyson’s volunteer activities include the development of a math tutoring program for grade 9 students in his high school.

Grinsell’s tutoring program improved his classmates’ grades and confidence. He focused on meeting the individual needs of each student and eventually expanded the program to include all high school math students preparing for exams.

Grinsell has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Thunder Bay, the Lakehead University Student Union’s Food Bank, and Best Buddies.

Grinsell has also volunteered as a tutor for foster students in partnership with Lakehead University’s Psychology Department and the Children’s Aid Society, and as a student note-taker for Lakehead’s Student Success Centre.

Established in 1998, the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers acknowledges outstanding contributions made by youth between the ages of 15 and 24 who have given a large amount of time to a charity, not-for-profit organization, or person, and who have inspired other youth to volunteer. It is the highest honour a young person can achieve for voluntary contributions to the province.