Canning Vale College student Ryan Toor has been recognised with the Rotary Southern Districts Youth Committee’s Young Citizen of the Year Award, honouring a year of community service, leadership and commitment to others.
Ryan was presented with the award at a ceremony last week. He said hearing his name called was an unforgettable moment.
“It filled me with genuine gratitude, not just for the recognition but for everyone who made the journey worthwhile,” he said. “I immediately thought of my fellow volunteers from Vinnies, my school community, and my family. The award felt like a reflection of our shared effort rather than a personal achievement.”
Ryan’s volunteering journey began with a simple desire to make a positive difference.
“Growing up in Canning Vale, I saw how even small acts of generosity could transform someone’s day,” he said. “When I began volunteering at Vinnies, I realised how much people value compassion and connection.”
His time at Vinnies remains one of the most meaningful experiences for him. He said it taught him about empathy, teamwork and the quiet strength that underpins community service.
However, Ryan’s work stretches beyond hands-on volunteering. He is also the creator of ‘Our Learning Community’, an educational website offering accessible learning and cognitive support resources for people of all ages.
The platform features tools for early learners as well as cognitive activities for people living with dementia, children who are terminally ill in hospital and young people with special learning needs.
Ryan said the idea grew out of his love for education and his experience as a buddy reader with The Smith Family.
“Seeing younger kids progress in reading was satisfying,” he said.
“It motivated me to create a website that makes learning joyful and stress free, while supporting families, carers and teachers.”
At school, Ryan balances Atar studies, home responsibilities, volunteering and sport through discipline, planning and genuine enjoyment of his activities.
“I enjoy what I do. Each part of my life motivates and energises the other,” he said.
His leadership is already recognised within Canning Vale College, where he serves on the student council and will step into the role of College Captain in 2026.
“I am looking forward to collaborating with students, staff and the wider community to strengthen our college,” he said. “Every student should feel heard, valued and empowered.”
Associate Principal Colleen Ernst, who nominated Ryan for the award, said he brings an inspiring energy to the school.
“Ryan’s spirit is infectious. He is dedicated to helping others while also achieving outstanding results in his studies,” she said.
She described him as a rare young person who is academically strong but also kind, humble and driven by a sense of social justice.
“He makes himself available to his fellow students and represents their voice with confidence and foresight,” she said. “He serves as a role model for our school community.”
Ryan’s mother, Sharan, has watched him grow over the past year and said she has seen a noticeable shift in his maturity and outlook.
“He has grown tremendously. His initiative, resilience and empathy have all strengthened,” she said. “He inspires and motivates others. He always thinks beyond himself.”
One moment that stood out for her was seeing him take on extra hours during a school fundraiser while still managing heavy school commitments.
“It really showed how much he cares about helping others, even at a personal sacrifice,” she said.
Behind his achievements, she said, Ryan remains humble.
“He is genuinely caring and motivated by wanting to make a positive difference. People would be surprised by his kindness and his willingness to listen.”
As Ryan looks ahead to his final years of school, he hopes his work encourages others to get involved too.
“Real change often starts with just one person deciding to help,” he said.
