For the past 26 years, Creemore’s Norma Friest has been “keeping the music alive” for countless kids at Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School (NCPS). Now the province’s Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration has recognized her dedication with a Senior Achievement Award.
The award recognizes seniors who have made an outstanding contribution to their community through voluntary or professional activities. It is Ontario’s highest honour for seniors over 65.
With characteristic modesty, Friest, a longtime community volunteer, said she was surprised when she learned she had won an award. “I’m very honoured, but I don’t like the publicity,” she said.
Kathy Whitley, a former teacher at NCPS, nominated Friest for her work managing the school’s instrumental music program, encouraging after-school activities and promoting the importance of accepting people with different abilities.
As well, Friest has been raising funds for musical instruments for the school since 1986.
As Chairman of the Band Association at the school, Friest organizes fundraising events such as silent auctions. The group is currently holding a poinsettia sale for December.
“I think children need music,” Friest told the Echo this week. “I think it teaches them to interact together, and to enjoy something that’s extremely gifted. Music also takes away barriers like race or handicaps.”
And music is not her only passion. At NCPS, where she has volunteered for 23 years, Friest works with students from kindergarten to grade 8 who need extra help in subjects such as math and English.
“I enjoy it or I wouldn’t be doing it,” Friest explained simply.
At a ceremony and reception on Monday, October 21 in Toronto, Lieutenant Governor David Onley presented Friest and 20 other recipients with their awards.