Congratulations to Madeline Jollimore of Hilden, Nova Scotia, for being awarded our $1,500 Jim Hayter Memorial Scholarship this year. We at Metalfab present this award annually in memory of the late Fire Chief and CVFSA charter member Jim Hayter who was extremely active in his community, not only through the fire service but in additional roles such as that of Deputy Mayor. We know Jim’s commitment to building community and dedicated servant’s heart would be made proud by the community-oriented public servant we’ve selected to take the 2024 award home.
Madeline is a much-deserving and perfectly suited candidate to receive this year’s scholarship. Not only does she meet the criteria of being an active volunteer firefighter, she performs exceedingly well against our standards for community service. Madeline is very committed to her role in the fire service and to helping her community. Here’s some insight on why we chose her to walk and learn in Jim Hayter’s memory during these next semesters.
After being brought up in and around the fire service where her father was captain, Madeline joined the Hilden Fire Brigade in November of 2021. Today, she is a junior member of the Hilden Fire Brigade and remains in good standing. In fact, in December of 2022, Madeline won her department’s award for Junior Firefighter of the Year.
Madeline writes of her experience in the fire service, “Firefighting has been a huge factor in teaching me the importance of community service and involvement, it not only requires dedication and kindness but it teaches you how to think about other people, communicate and problem solve.” She goes on to say, “I would recommend joining a local fire department to any young person interested in making a difference in their community.”
Some ways that Madeline is involved in her community beyond the fire service are through her roles as Unified Sport Program Leader, Cultural Alliance Committee member, Graduation Committee President, Prom Committee member, Student Advisory representative, Head of Finance, Entertainment Committee member, Membership Committee member, Inventory System Administrator, Vacation Bible Camp Leader, and Peer Mentor. She has also worked extensively as a lifeguard and as a childcare services provider.
More About Madeline Jollimore
As a leader in a Unified Sport Program at her highschool, Madeline brings together diverse individuals that have a variety of intellectual and physical abilities. The purpose of this program is to create a stronger, more inclusive school community and Madeline is proud that she has succeeded at this by hosting games and tournaments where the whole school is invited to watch.
Such strides of effort showed Madeline how important involvement is. She later became the exemplar for Special Olympics, Nova Scotia, and was asked to contribute to professional development programs for teachers. In her endeavors, Madeline has observed firsthand how
collaborative efforts can address broader social issues.
Madeline writes, “Whether it’s organizing neighborhood clean-ups, supporting local schools, or advocating for changes, community involvement empowers individuals to take ownership of their surroundings and contribute to a positive environment.” She goes on to acknowledge that this involved approach not only leads to improvements, but also creates a sense of pride and belonging among community members.
‘Being involved in your community entails working alongside other members to create a better and safer community,” she writes. “By working together you not only are able to make a larger impact, but you get to learn new skills to add into your toolbox. These skills include improved
communication, leadership traits, problem solving and most importantly team work. By being
involved in the community whether it’s your home community or school community you
enhance these skills while building strong relationships along the way. A little can go a long way,
your involvement can simply be attending community events and meetings or picking up
garbage on earth day. These small acts add up to a large positive impact, an impact that can
change a person’s perspective on life.”
Wise words from the hands of a wise, exceptionally gifted young woman with an incredibly bright future ahead of her. We’re grateful we had the opportunity to support her academic journey and we wish Madeline all the best in her future endeavors.
As an active member of the community, Metalfab is always seeking new ways to get involved. Creating the Jim Hayter Memorial Scholarship was one way to give back while recognizing the passionate years of fire service and friendship Jim Hayter gave to so many. If you have questions about the scholarship, have a story to share about your own experience with Jim Hayter, or would like to hear more about what Metalfab is doing in the community, we would love to hear from you. You can reach out to Business Development Manager Ryan Stacey directly by email at rastacey@metalfabfiretrucks.com.
