Minnedosa's Rayna Topham brought more than tourists to her home town of Minnedosa; she brought home the Tribute to Tourism 'Aspiring Youth Award' last week Wednesday at their annual gala held every year in June.

Each spring, Tourism Westman recognizes and celebrates exceptional individuals, businesses, organizations and communities within the Westman region that have made significant contributions to developing tourism in their communities over the past year.

This year, there were 26 nominees in 6 categories from all across the Westman area, who were directly involved in attracting visitors from outside their communities in every Manitoba season. From local sporting events, to celebrating culture, each nominee was an inspiration to all who have a passion for making their community better in some way.

Topham shares her love for her community of Minnedosa. "I love Minnedosa and I love volunteering there and anything that I can do, I just try to do it!"

Embracing the history of Minnedosa, the seventeen year old will be stepping into her second year as host and tour operator at the Minnedosa Museum & Heritage Village. "I loved organizing events there and some things just needed to be more modernized," she explains, "like posting different things on facebook and getting younger people to come out."

Rayna initiated a variety of activities throughout last summer while working at the museum, including the implementation of numerous educational scavenger hunts, creating new displays for the Minnedosa Museum & Heritage Village. She was involved in building a Heritage Village Float for their local parade and she helped to execute the museum's annual showcase event, Heritage Days.

The Grade 11 student at Minnedosa High has been an active member of MCI Student Council, Minnedosa Credit Union Youth Board, Minnedosa Collegiate Foundation, Meals on Wheels, local PRYDE (Please Respect Your Diverse Environment) group and member of the local CHANGE (Citizens Helping All Nations Grow Equally) group. She has also been a member of her local 4-H Club for 10 years and has won numerous trips, awards and public speaking competitions.

Most recently she won a trip to Croatia through a public speaking competition through the local Lions Club. She will be travelling for 3 weeks in that country later in July and is looking forward to learning more about the culture and their people.

This from the Tribute to Tourism website: "Not only is she (Rayna) a shining example of what the tourism industry can become, but she is an example of how our youth can make a difference and be a positive influence in the world."

"Volunteer in a way that builds your community the way you want it to be," encourages Topham. "So, if you want a new playground, get your hands on that and start fundraising for that new playground. Really shape your community in the way you want it to be seen."