College Heights secondary school student Gurbind Singh Deo already has a laundry list of accomplishments for his age, but he has just added one more.
The Grade 11 student has been named the youth of the year for the City of Prince George.
Deo accepted the commemorative plaque from Mayor Shari Green and a $250 award from Prince George Citizen publisher Colleen Sparrow.
The Youth of the Year award is handed out annually to a Prince George student between the ages of 13 and 18 who has made significant contributions to the community in addition to a high-level of school involvement.
"It's very exciting and with pleasure to be able to present Gurbind with the 2012 youth of the year plaque for such outstanding achievement," said Green.
Deo, a straight-A student, plays a major role in organizing his school's Terry Fox run, fundraising barbecue for cancer research and Christmas hamper drive for the Salvation Army. He also represents College Heights secondary on School District 57's student advisory council and education advisory committee.
In addition to his school-related activities, Deo volunteers at the University Hospital of Northern B.C., the Prince George Library's youth advisory board, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Guru Nanak Sikh Society, and Exploration Place.
If that wasn't enough, Deo - who has plans to study science at the University of Northern B.C. - is a champion debater, soccer player, swimmer and he holds a black belt in taekwondo.
"I would like to congratulate you on behalf of the Prince George Citizen," said Sparrow. "An outstanding member of our community already, I can only see great things for your future."
