A 13-year-old Okotokian has been recognized by the province for doing great things while overcoming difficult circumstances.

Maryanne Leathwaite was one of the recipients of the 2017 Great Kids Award, for helping, inspiring and changing the lives of others.

As a young girl, Maryanne had a number of serious health complications, and now volunteers her time to make a difference in the community.

Leathwaite shares receiving the award was a very rewarding experience.

"It was really awesome, I had a great time," she says. "It was amazing to see a bunch of different people there like me receiving the award."

Leathwaite's tremendous determination to succeed, along with support from her family, friends, and doctors helped her overcome hardships early on in her life, she now dedicates time to a number of organizations.

"I do the Alberta Children's Hospital Youth council, and we do an event every year in support of mental health called The Metamorphosis, so all the money will go to the mental health unit, and kids who need treatment. I've been an ambassador for the Children's Hospital for a while, and I've done a lot of charity work, like DQ Miracle Treat Day, Joggin For a Noggin, Run For Little Ones and a bunch of other stuff, it's really nice to do."

Leathwaite volunteers to make a difference, she says people volunteered their time for her when she was sick, so she will always pay it forward.

"I love volunteering because it makes me happy, I like seeing how I can help people, when they smile it makes me feel good."