This year, as with each year, at graduation time, I had the privilege of giving Community Citizenship Awards to students graduating from schools in the River Heights area.<\/p>\n
The recipients of these awards exemplify leadership in their community, people who lead by example and set high standards for integrity and respect for community members. Plus, they demonstrate interest and involvement in human rights issues.<\/p>\n
This list of this year’s recipients and some of their accomplishments is below. It is good to see so many young Manitobans doing so well.<\/p>\n
Jenna Seyidoglu<\/strong> (Grant Park High School) was a delegate at this year’s Model United Nations Assembly and an example to her classmates.<\/p>\n Olivia Loewen <\/strong>(Kelvin High School) has a profound social conscience, particularly on the topic of gender equality.<\/p>\n Isha Khandelwal <\/strong>(St. Mary’s Academy) was co-captain of the schools’ human rights team and loves being a part of the children’s hospital’s Teddy Bears Picnic every year.<\/p>\n Teigen Baumgart<\/strong> (Carpathia School) is a true inspiration for his peers and community members. An advocate in his classroom for full inclusion to make sure that every student felt welcome. <\/p>\n Noah Hemmerling<\/strong> (Grosvenor School) is an amazing mentor to younger students, and a friend to all, often saw helping to solve problems around the school. <\/p>\n Jillian Beiko<\/strong> (Harrow School) has been focusing on looking after the earth and teaching others about sustainability. She has helped out on community projects like a community library and arranging clothing drives. <\/p>\n Hazel Latimer<\/strong> (École LaVérendrye) co-created, illustrated & published a children’s book with human rights themes and donated the proceeds from book sales to worthy causes in her community.<\/p>\n Isabel Dyck<\/strong> (Queenston School) set high standards for integrity and respect for her school peers and community members. She has a positive attitude toward others, respecting and advocating for their rights.<\/p>\n Liam Keeley<\/strong> (Robert H. Smith School) believes if we all help out where we can; our community and environment would become a better place.<\/p>\n Ruth Tamiru<\/strong> (St. Ignatius School) generously shared her time and talents with the community, and participated in many activities including the science fair, and school sports teams. <\/p>\n Riley Wilcosh<\/strong> (St. John Brebeuf) was a member of student council, and worked hard to ensure that all students enjoyed their school year together, both through words and actions. He exemplifies the commitment needed to affect real change in this world.<\/p>\n Anya Winter<\/strong> (École River Heights School [Fr.]) is an excellent example of a student leader who leads by example in her school and classroom community showing that compassion, empathy and caring can make the world a better place for everyone.<\/p>\n Sara Tabac<\/strong> (École River Heights School [Eng.]) did a project for the Truth and Reconciliation course about Rooster Town, and created Patch, a cool sunglasses-wearing stuffed Dalmatian, given to comfort children affected by the fire.<\/p>\n Antonio Duggan<\/strong> (École J. B. Mitchell School) demonstrated excellent leadership skills and helped out with initiatives such as Bracelets for Harvest, Blessing Bags given to people in need, and planting and maintaining the outdoor garden at J. B Mitchell.<\/p>\n Do you have an event that you would like me to attend? Please send your invitation to jon.gerrard@leg.gov.mb.ca<\/p>\n I can’t wait to hear from you.<\/p>\n