Abby Sensabaugh is a leader.

The Grade 12 W.H. Croxford High School student has attended the Canadian and Alberta National Leadership Conferences for the past two years and helps run the Rocky View School Division Middle School Leadership Conference through her work in the Rocky View Leadership Academy.

“I love both of these programs equally as they align very well with my passion for adding value to other people’s lives every day,” says Sensabaugh.

“I would say that a good leader isn’t always the one on stage presenting a massive project; it’s those who work to get them to that point.”

Sensabaugh says the youth in the community are often viewed as reckless or careless. The youth in Airdrie, she adds, have the potential to change the world but are often forgotten because they are seen as ‘too young to understand.’

“She is a massive part of our leadership class and spends countless hours making sure our school culture is positive,” says Carol Smith, leadership teacher at the school.

“She leads by example every day and although she may not know it, every younger leadership student goes to her to get advice.”

Sensabaugh also spends countless hours volunteering with Stephen’s Backpacks, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Rotary Club of Airdrie, Big Brother Big Sisters, Airdrie Food Bank and Volunteer Airdrie.

After high school, her goal is to go to the University of New Brunswick for the leadership program to minor in education or business.