A Port Colborne teenager is a recipient of a prestigious accolade that's been handed out in 130 countries for 63 years.

Cameron Conway, a 17-year-old student at Jean Vanier secondary school in Welland, celebrated on Tuesday night being awarded the Duke of Edinburgh's gold pin, an honour given to people 14 to 24 years of age who have proven to be upstanding citizens in their communities.

A decorated member of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets in Fort Erie, Conway's recognition stems mostly from time he has spent volunteering with the Mennonite Central Committee's Port Thrift Shop in Port Colborne.

Part of the criteria for the award is being physically active, something Conway has maintained through a membership at a local gym.

"We should all strive to be physically fit," he said.

There is also an arts component for the award, which he has taken care of through learning the piano and bass guitar, he explained at an event at C.C.'s Dugout Italian Eatery in Welland on Tuesday night, joined by friends and family.

But the volunteer work he's accomplished is what he is most proud of.

"That's one of the best things I find you can do."

The journey started three years ago when he received a bronze pin, followed by a silver pin and eventually the gold pin he wore on Tuesday night.

Asked about receiving the most recent decoration, he's delighted to be a recipient.

"It's great that not everything goes unnoticed," he said.

He will also be recognized by the attorney general at an upcoming ceremony in Toronto, where he will also receive an official certificate from the Duke of Edinburgh Award organization.

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Congratulating the young man Tuesday was Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey, saying he was in attendance "with a great deal of pride" to hand Conway another certificate from the Government of Canada.

"These are the values we live by as Canadians," said Badawey.