By Angelique Fawns
Madélyne Girard is the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies Youth of the Month for October. This award celebrates our future agricultural leaders and recognizes outstanding contributions.
The 17-year-old Keswick resident has logged more than 720 volunteer hours with the Sutton Agricultural Society, which runs the annual Sutton Fair and Horse Show. She hopes to become its president one day.
“I could not imagine a life without the Sutton Fair,” said Girard.
Girard now serves as an intermediate director with the Sutton Agricultural Society, and these days she is busy getting the Sutton Fairgrounds ready for next season. This includes filling holes, organizing the barn to store equipment, and fundraising through events like the Sutton Fair clothing sale.
When Girard first approached the Sutton Agricultural Society about volunteering, she was 13 and looking to complete her high school community service hours. What began as a school requirement has grown into something she never saw coming.
“If someone had asked me why I was volunteering four years ago, I would have said, ‘to earn my high school community hours,’ but now it is so much more,” Girard said. “I have seen the amount of work that goes into pulling off such a large event as the Sutton Fair. But I also have made friends that will last me a lifetime, skills that I will take to university, and most importantly, I have learnt the importance of teamwork.”
Emma Paisley, president of the Sutton Agricultural Society, said Girard embodies the qualities the organization hopes to see in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“Maddie exemplifies the very best of today’s youth and represents everything we hope to see in the next generation of agricultural leaders,” Paisley said.
“She is always willing to jump in and lend a hand wherever she is needed, and she brings an eagerness to learn, a sharp mind, and a willingness to take on just about any challenge.”
That willingness was especially evident during this year’s fair, when heavy rain turned the parking lot into a muddy challenge for visitors. Girard helped free 27 patrons’ vehicles from the mud, getting thoroughly dirty in the process.
Jason Kay, the society’s former president and the person who nominated Girard for the OAAS recognition, said the muddy rescue effort was a perfect example of her attitude.
“Maddie, or ‘Mads,’ as we call her, is quite the character,” Kay said. “She’s always willing to try new things. Her dedication to the Agricultural Society is top-notch and she’s not afraid to get dirty and do things no one else wants to do.”
Girard volunteered 11 consecutive days during fair time, regardless of the weather.
“Youth participation and volunteerism are so important to the future of our fair and agricultural societies, and Maddie is a wonderful example of the difference that the next generation can make,” Paisley said.
Girard plans on attending University of Guelph after high school and pursing a career in law.
“I will continue to dedicate my summers to the fair for as long as I can,” said Girard.
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