To nominate a student for Youth Spotlight, email wvictora@nwfdailynews.com or call 315-4478.
Ricky Gal feels called to help others, especially in his community.
“It almost feels natural, like it’s something I’m supposed to do,” the 16-year-old says.
Ricky volunteers for Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida as well as at his church.
Since he was in the fifth grade, Ricky has helped at St. Paul Lutheran Church’s Vacation Bible School. This year, he even took time off from his job as a lifeguard to work with the students.
“I just enjoy the smiles that you can put on the kids’ faces,” said Ricky, who lives in Niceville.
He also uses his talents to play the guitar, trumpet and piano in the church’s praise choir.
“It can move you,” Ricky said of music. “It just brings a lot of joy in me and people around me.”
When St. Paul started hosting a cold night shelter, Ricky and his father volunteered to help set things up.
“I’m blessed to have a roof over my house,” he said. “Not everybody is. I just wanted to share the love and make sure everyone has a place to go.”
His peers at Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College recently elected the junior to the school council, despite being a new student.
“I feel that I was just born to be a leader,” Ricky said. “Just help people lead good lives and help the community out.”
Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Delgado can be reached at 850-315-4445 or ldelgado@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenDnwfdn.