While most 20-year-old guys were out partying, University of B.C. psychology student Jon Lee-Son was finding a way to engage youth.
In 1999, the lifelong Richmond resident founded the improv troupe, Tickle Me Pickle.
"I always loved working with young people," said Lee-Son, who, at the time, was a youth development worker with West Richmond Community Centre.
"I recognized that the teen years are a critical time, when teenagers are trying to find their niche. I wanted to find a way to help empower them and build their self confidence. Theatre is my passion, so it seemed like a good fit."
Recently, the London secondary graduate (now Steveston London) was honoured with the Richmond Arts Awards' Arts Education award for his many contributions to the field - which didn't stop with Tickle Me Pickle.
Throughout the years, his commitment has only grown. In 2005, he started a high school division of Tickle Me Pickle, dubbed Make Me Laugh, Purple Giraffe. Although, he's passed on the reins to the group, he still likes to attend and sometimes facilitate Thursday night workshops.
So popular were both improv troupes, that Lee-Son created an elementary program as well.
Three years ago, he also introduced RichCity Improv Tournament, which involves high school teams from all over the city. Lee-Son helps coordinate teams, book venues and host the events.
If that isn't enough, he is the president of CHIMO Crisis Centre, a nonprofit organization aimed at education, peer advocacy, crisis support and community building.
"CHIMO was a great fit for me," he said.
Besides that, he has led numerous workshops, including volunteering at the Palmer Student Leadership Conference for four years running and has performed at hundreds of venues, including elementary schools, the Children's Art Festival, volunteer groups and charity events.
The News wanted to know just what makes this young man tick, what makes someone give so much of their free time to the community and didn't he ever get into trouble?
Lee-Son shrugged his shoulders and quipped, "I was too busy as a teenager with hockey, golf, the school's acting program and homework that I never had time to be rebellious."
For the past four years, when he isn't performing and teaching improv, he is teaching full time at Station Stretch as an adolescent alternate program worker - a career path he is passionate about.
"I provide social, emotional and educational support to students in Grades 9 and 10," he said. with Night Shift (at West Richmond Community Centre), which was a program targeted to youth at risk, ages 13 to 18.
"If I can play a part in helping my students find direction in life, where they feel important and valued and where they have a voice, then I've done my job."
His mother, Jackie Lee-Son, couldn't be prouder. But she takes no credit, saying her son appeared to have that "caring gene" naturally.
When asked how it felt to be honoured with the city's award, Jon Lee-Son said, "Although I was humbled and pleased, the act of helping people is enough award for me."
mhopkins@richmond-news.com
