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Inspire: The inspiring mind of Adam Selalmatzidis

Lockerby Composite student not only impresses academically, he’s a whiz of a science fair competitor and a dedicated volunteer on environmental issues, as well as being a Special Olympics coach 

Grade 11 student Adam Selalmatzidis is not content merely paying lip service to the idea of environmentalism. Selalmatzidis knew he could make a difference working on problems right where he lived, so he began by volunteering for the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee and for Lockerby Composite School’s Environmental Council. 

“My work with Junction Creek has been very rewarding,” Adam said. “Initially I thought it was just about litter removal, but it’s so much more. I’ve participated in the release of brook trout, the monitoring of turtles, tree planting and invasive species removal. The creek’s health is vital to the community’s health. I feel happy in knowing that I’m making a difference.” 

His work with Lockerby Composite School’s Environmental Council has kept him educated on larger world issues, and promoting positive change through waste reduction initiatives and education. Adam explained how he became involved, and shares some insight into their future plans. 

“I was inspired by these activities at a school level and integrated it into a program now offered by the  Junction Creek Stewardship Committee,” he said. “Sitting as the lead for the Junction Creek Youth Council, which comprises high school students within the Greater Sudbury area, we have been working on building our ranks and speaking for youth on local environmental issues. 

This summer we will be presenting a workshop at Ontario Nature’s annual gathering, held in Sudbury, to share our message to a broader audience.” 

Adam’s volunteerism in the community extends beyond environmental issues, though. He also coaches with the Special Olympics. 

“It’s a very rewarding experience. Working with dedicated athletes who play their sport with enormous joy and pride has made a huge difference in the way I participate when representing my school in sports,” he said. “The Special Olympics is a great organization that puts their athletes first. Each time I leave an event, I feel enriched and glad for the opportunity to have coached such great athletes.” 

Adam doesn’t limit his involvement to the extracurricular. He is also active on an academic level. Over the years, he has earned honours for his science fair projects, competing on the national level. 

“I have a love of both math and science and have been able to use these skills in developing my two successful projects,” he said. “In 2019, I was a finalist at the Canada Wide Science Fair in Fredericton (N.B.) with my project on waste reduction of a pizza box, where I explored both the environmental and the economic cost of wasteful packaging. 

“I followed this with a comprehensive study of microplastic tire-wear particles in the environment with a strong focus on our local Junction Creek. I gathered numerous sediment and water samples from various sites, which were screened and filtered, which resulted in various microplastics being identified. COVID restrictions limited my participation to virtual presentations, but I found this experience very beneficial. It gave me the opportunity to learn a lot about the scientific process, and how to communicate statistics in an effective manner.”  

Selalmatzidis has learned what initially inspires him to act often changes once he’s involved. 

“My interest in the science fair began with simply trying to share my passion for environmental responsibility and waste reduction with others,” Adam said. “This initial inspiration changed as I met others with similar passions. My continued interest in science fair is now about meeting others and discussing our ideas while working collectively to create positive change.

“Regarding volunteering, I initially got involved thinking that I had time to give and wanted to help others, but have since learned that I am in fact getting much more out of the interaction than I had ever thought possible. My time with Junction Creek has provided endless opportunities to learn about my community and the environment, while my time with Special Olympics has taught me about sportsmanship and the love of sport.” 

Adam credits his family for his outlook, discipline and community involvement. 

“My parents are very supportive. We discuss everything from sports and science to movies and world politics. All my ideas and initiatives have come about through open communications at home. I truly appreciate all their efforts on my behalf, and recognize they extend themselves to the limit for both my brother and me. It is their hard work and love that inspires me to be disciplined and hardworking.”  

When it comes to next steps, Adam has it mapped out.

“Post-secondary study in the field of engineering is my academic goal. I believe when engineering is integrated with my love for computer science, it will provide me with a career that is both exciting and rewarding.

“For young people like me, I would say, select your high school carefully. The program offerings are very different from school to school and it is important that you find the right match for your passions. Lockerby Composite School has been a great match for me, offering a perfect balance of academic learning, competitive sports programs and interesting clubs.”

Adam Selalmatzidis’ words of inspiration 

“I would encourage any young person who is interested in making a change to their community to volunteer. There are so many interesting organizations in need and young people have the skills and  energy to help.” 

James Stewart is a writer in North Bay. Inspire is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.


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