As reported in The Cambridge Times

While many kids were focused on the last day of school, one Grade 7 student was awarded for making a lasting impact throughout the year.

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Emra Patterson, a 12-year-old, Grade 7 student at St. Michael Catholic Elementary School was selected from among elementary pupils in Cambridge and North Dumfries to receive the 2013 Compassionate Kid’s Award from the Rotary Club of Cambridge Sunrise.

The award recognizes the outstanding contributions and achievements of a young person in the community and was presented at the school’s year-end mass on June 21, at St. Clement’s Church.

Patterson is part of the Me to We campaign, serves in the children’s ministry at her church and helps as a media projection volunteer.

At Christmas, she joined members of her church and family to deliver cards and sing carols to residents at the Fairview Mennonite Home and she regularly corresponds with her “Compassionate Child” in the Phillipines.

Patterson said she is also a lunch buddy for a fellow student with Down’s Syndrome and was nominated by an educational assistant at the school.

School education assistant Nela Mawdsley says, “in addition to academic excellence, Emra has been recognized for her contributions in drama, camp club, and has won the Leader of Virtue for several years. Emra is kind, generous and caring to all. She is a student that makes a positive and lasting impact on those she meets.”

Despite her long list of involvement helping others, she was humble in acceptance by explaining she was surprised to actually receive the award, which the local Rotary Club introduced in 2011.

It is intended to recognize and honour youth in our community who show a commitment to making the world a better place for others. It includes a plaque and $500 for the winner’s charity of choice.

Patterson has chosen to donate the money to The King’s Way Outreach Centre in Hamilton.

“They help feed 200 people a day and help people with addictions and job (seeking),” she explained.

As for the summer, Patterson’s looking forward to spending time at her cottage, attending camp and going to Darien Lake.