Prabhleen Jagdey, an immensely gifted, industrious and altruistic Grade 12 student at Princess Margaret Secondary School is Rotary Student of the Month for March.
In recognizing Jagdey, the Rotary Club of Penticton Sunrise praised her inspiring leadership initiatives and impressive community service record, while excelling in scholastics and field hockey.
Born and raised in Penticton’s vibrant Sikh community, Jagdey has been well-coached at home in life skills promoting exemplary citizenship. With her mom, a kind-hearted licensed practical nurse at PRH as an inspirational role model, Jagdey has developed a genuine love for helping others and having a positive impact on their lives.
Consistent with her caring nature, Jagdey is passionately committed to making her school a better place through her strong leadership role in numerous fund-raising and school-spirit-enhancing activities. Last year, for example, she led a Winter Clothing Drive for Penticton’s homeless resulting in the collection of 14 large boxes of clothing and footwear items for distribution to those in need.
Currently, Jagdey is overseeing the annual Soup Fundraiser. She has also championed various school spirit events and she won Top Citizen Award in Grade 11.
Last year, Jagdey eagerly stepped up to serve as chief editor of the school yearbook, a monumental task given that there were only three others assisting her. She was always cheerful and upbeat, even when under the extreme pressure of a pending deadline.
“As yearbook advisor, I observed Prabh’s natural leadership skills that inspired others to focus and work hard. By embracing my motto of ‘every problem has a solution,’ she faced challenges head on and freely sought guidance to overcome them,” Maggie principal Roger Wiebe said.
Despite her jam-packed schedule, Jagdey is fervently dedicated to her academic studies, sets high standards for herself, and attains them. Last year, for example, she recorded a grade average of 94%.
“Mature beyond her years, Prabh is an absolute steward of positivity – a fitting quality given the grim global optics facing today’s youth. She views life’s adversities as providing an opening to work outside one’s comfort zone and gain new experiences and develop new skills,” said science teacher Cory Hogg.
School is very important to Jagdey, as “it opens countless doors to acquire new knowledge, pursue new activities and develop new skills.” To this end, she has been a valued member of Maggie’s women senior field hockey team since grade 10 and last year joined a regional group of students that practised to develop better skills. In grades 10 and 11, Jagdey was also part of the Mustang Theatre’s ensemble that produced “Mamma Mia” and “Beauty and the Beast” musicals.
Field hockey coach and teacher Christy Bevington said Prabh has worked tirelessly to keep events going and spirits up during COVID restrictions.
“A born leader with a big heart and wide smile, Prabh truly embodies Maggie’s motto: ‘AIR: accountability, integrity and respect.’ Her graduation will leave some big cleats (and shoes) to fill,” said Bevington.
To fulfill her childhood dream, Jagdey participated in Miss Penticton 2020. Although a COVID-19 resurgence forced its cancellation after only five months into the training program, she is grateful for the experience.
Jagdey works twice a week after school as a dining room server at Southwood Retirement Resort.
Southwood Resort General Manager Maureen Palm said: “Prabhleen is one of our most loyal and dedicated dining room staff: thorough, patient, and empathetic with a welcoming smile for our seniors who love and adore her. She exemplifies leadership, self-confidence and esprit de corps.”
She also loves playing the harmonium, a reed organ popular in her rich Punjabi culture.
Jagdey plans to obtain a BSc in Nursing degree towards becoming a nurse practitioner and follow in her mom’s footsteps to pursue a productive and rewarding career in healthcare.