Q&A: Camille Chabot, Dublin's Young Citizen of the Year

On Tuesday night, the Dublin City Council honored its 2012 Young Citizen of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Organization of the Year.

Patch traded emails with Dublin's Young Citizen of the Year, Camille Chabot, and talked about what she did last year and what motivates her. Here's our interview:

Were you surprised to hear you were named Young Citizen of the Year? How did it make you feel?

Yes, of course I was surprised! And I felt honored!

What are you being honored for? What have you doing in the community in the last year?

I'm being honored as a youth citizen who applies the Dublin Traits of Integrity to how I live in our city.

Ever since I was little, I've had to be very organized with my time because of the many activities my family is involved with. But in the same way, I think the more you do, the MORE you do! This year I'm a non-paid teaching assistant through the ROP program for a second grade class at Green Elementary school. I look forward to going to that job every day.

Also, I am a performing  Irish dancer and because the city has an Irish heritage it is always with pleasure that I volunteer my time to perform at city-related events. When I was asked by former Vice Mayor Kasie Hildenbrand to be one of the 30 delegates to travel to Kansas City for the All America City Awards, I knew I'd have to change my work and vacation schedule because of the time involved, but we made it happen. It was one of the best opportunities I've ever been a part of — and we won! 

I'm also a contributing writer for the OneDublin.org educational blog where I have written about my experience with Irish dance in our city, as well as school spirit and my leadership role as captain of the DHS competitive cheer team.

Why do you think it's important to give back to the community? What motivates you?

It just comes naturally. I enjoy living here. My mom has always been very active with the city and with the schools, so I'm exposed to a lot of volunteer opportunities. Often times volunteering will go unrecognized, so the motivating factor for me is that I really enjoy it, and know that what I do is helping the community- so it is a win-win situation!  And this recognition is the icing on the cake!

Editor's Note: Chabot donated her $300 award from city to the Brian Beasley Athletic Scholarship Foundation at Dublin High