When Michael Guidotti got the call to come to the Wellington Advertiser office for an interview, he had no idea he was about to be named a nominee for Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year.
“I didn’t know about the nomination at all,” Guidotti said. “I’m honoured.”
Nominees are young people, between the ages of six and 17, who are recognized for “performing worthwhile community service, are contributing to their communities while living with limitations, have performed acts of heroism, or are good kids who are making life better for others and doing more than expected of someone their age.”
The award process is coordinated through the Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA), as part of the industry’s public service program.
Guidotti is one of 150 young people nominated in the month of November. The announcement of the 12 finalists will be made on Jan. 25.
The 17-year-old grade 12 student has several letters to support his nomination, each one outlining the unique ways Guidotti contributes to his family, his community and his school.
Katy Mason, Guidotti’s mother, remarked that her son has faced certain obstacles resulting from a disability since birth.
Despite the challenges he’s faced, Mason said, “He has managed to overcome these challenges and managed to outperform his peers,” she wrote in a letter of support.
“His determination, dedication and commitment should not go unnoticed and should be an inspiration to other children who face similar challenges.”
Guidotti’s positive outlook on life helps him take on any obstacles in stride.
“There is no point being sad,” he said. “I know it sounds cliche but … I take it with a grain of salt.
“If something seems difficult, you are better off to try it for yourself for personal growth. But if it is too much, you ask for help when it is needed.”
It is that attitude that his nominators credit for his sense of independence and responsibility.
Mason acknowledges both the emotional and physical support her son has offered her over the years as she suffered a debilitating injury resulting from an automobile accident, followed by other ailments that have limited her mobility.
“She hasn’t been able to do much for over a year,” Guidotti said, adding sometimes he just knows the little things she needs to help ease her discomfort. “She may ask for help, but other times you just do it for her … like making her a tea or getting her a hot pack, helping to clean up.”
It’s the same attitude he takes into his volunteer work, supporting the organizations who have supported his family.
In his neighbourhood, Guidotti helps do landscaping, snow removal and general maintenance of homes for two elderly neighbours all year.
When asked why he helps others or performs good deeds, Guidotti said, “Because other people aren’t going to do them. Sometimes you wait for others and step in to fill their shoes, other times you don’t wait; you do it before someone else does.”
Guidotti’s step-father, Steve Muller, knows firsthand the challenges his step-son has faced.
“He’s gone through a lot from birth to today. Nothing has come easy; it’s all been work,” Muller said. “From a personality standpoint, the way he handles things, I know that I, at 46 years old, couldn’t handle as well.”
Sports has been an important outlet for Guidotti, who plays basketball, soccer, ultimate frisbee and is a volunteer coach for the Friday night Celtic basketball league.
In one of his nomination support letters, Guidotti is recognized as a leader.
“Michael’s leadership ability is most evident during Sports play. Michael constantly cheers for all his teammates and acknowledges every player’s efforts. He takes it upon himself to never give up regardless of the score and is a true motivator both on the bench and on the field.”
Balancing a part-time job at Zehrs Markets with his volunteering, Guidotti is also an honour student at Centre Wellington District High School, specializing in business courses, with a plan to go into marketing.
Muller has every confidence in Guidotti, saying, “He’s got a good head on his shoulders. He knows what he wants and how to get there. We know he’ll do well in the future. My role and Katy’s now is to keep him on the right path and he’ll do the rest.”
Recognizing the role his family plays in his personal success, Guidotti said, “How I was raised really reflects this reward. Although it is a big honour for me, it will be a big one to my mother as well.”
Muller is proud to see Guidotti recognized. “To see something positive, celebrating youth is a great thing.”
The finalists will be announced on Jan. 25 online at www.ocna.org.
The Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year is sponsored by TD Canada Trust and Direct Energy.
