Will Schmidt took home the Community Youth Award for June, from Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA).

Schmidt, 15, has been a PEEC volunteer since 2012 volunteering regularly, caring for the educational animals and conversing with visitors, participating in public outreach events and sharing his enthusiasm for nature with people of all ages.

The staff describes him as having a wonderful sense of humor making him fun to work with. He is eager to help others and completes tasks efficiently and without complaint. The PEEC staff and volunteers who work with him the most describe Schmidt as capable, funny, pleasant, reliable, and conscientious.

As soon as he signed up to be a PEEC volunteer, we could tell that his values closely aligned with PEEC’s mission of connecting people with nature. Schmidt shows a deep appreciation for the wellbeing of the natural world and a desire to share those ideals with others.

The June Award was sponsored by Claire and Martyn Swinhoe and Rich Welding LLC.

“I think it is important to motivate the youth of today by recognizing them when they do a good job and encouraging others to follow suit,” Martyn Swinhoe said. “It makes students feel valued and appreciated.”

The Swinhoes made a donation through LANL and their support of the United Way of Northern New Mexico, receiving a match to better support the efforts of C’YA and the effort to highlight the good work of youth in the community.

Ronquillo sponsored the monthly youth recognition in addition to being the artist that creates the Spirit of the West Award. The Spirit of the West Award won back in February by PEEC volunteer Sue Watts at the annual Community Asset Award event sparked a monthly award program for local youth.

Schmidt was nominated by Beth Cortright and is the son of Lisa Roig and Joseph Schmidt.

To nominate a youth for doing good work, email Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) at cya.org@att.net or call 505.695.9139 and request a nomination form.