Joshua Alook

Pacesetter

Regional Aboriginal Recognition Award recipient Joshua Alook isn’t your typical 15-year-old. Like many of his athletic friends, he has a desire to finish first in any race, or score the most goals in any contest. And like many of his academic friends, he strives for straight A’s. How many teenagers have the drive for athletic and academic success? “I’m just really competitive. I want to be first in everything,” said Joshua moments before diving into the pool for a two-hour workout with the Fort McMurray Mantas Swim Club. After practice, it’s home for a quick bite to eat and then to the arena for hockey practice. When he gets home, Joshua hits the books to ensure he doesn’t fall behind in his schoolwork. “It doesn’t feel difficult for me to maintain such a busy schedule because I’m having fun doing it all. I just have to prioritize and manage my time.” Joshua gets all the support he needs from his parents Janet Alook and Wes Pawlowski, both Syncrude employees who want all their children to embrace life and enjoy the ride.