2008 Jr. Citizen of the Year Award Recipients
BURLINGTON – The final recipients of the 2008 Ontario Junior Citizen of
the Year Awards are a wonderful cross section of individuals who are
making a difference to both their hometowns and communities around the
globe. They are an inspiring and determined group who not only see a
need, but rise to the challenge and contribute their time and energy to
making improvements. Their leadership skills are evident.
Abbas Homayed, President of the Ontario Community Newspapers
Association (OCNA), is extremely pleased to see the strong sense of
community instilled in this group of outstanding young people. "To
see such commitment and dedication to the people and groups within
their cities and towns at such a young age is very impressive," said
Homayed. "We are very proud to be recognizing the achievements of
this group of final recipients, as well as all the nominees, in our
community newspapers across Ontario."
The Awards Ceremony was officiated by Honourable David C. Onley,
Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, at Queen's Park on March 3, 2009. The
final recipients and their immediate families were invited to this
special presentation in Toronto.
The Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Awards are run through the 322
member newspapers of OCNA with the support of our sponsor TD Canada
Trust. Nominations of eligible youth, ages 6 to 17, are received each
fall through member community newspapers committed to recognizing
outstanding youth who are making a difference in their communities. A
panel of volunteer judges must unanimously decide on the final
recipients.
This year there were 117 nominees from across Ontario, who are being
recognized with certificates of recognition by their local community
newspapers.
Below is a synopsis for each finalist. Please note that all recipients
are equal and are presented in alphabetical order:
Recipients
Avinash Balsingh: 12, Scarborough: Touched by how many people
are suffering in his city, Avi decided to do something about it. This
compassionate youngster started a project termed his Homeless Drive
four years ago. Avi had donated more than 100 blankets, 40 comforters,
sleeping bags, hats and gloves and over $500 to Street to Homes to help
families in need. As he would say, "Even small people can make a
difference if they try."
Eden Beaudin, 9, M'Chigeeng First Nation (Manitoulin Island):
Eden's passion for writing has inspired her to encourage other
children to write as well. After writing and self-publishing her first
book, she developed and co-ordinated The Pegasus Literary Writing
Award. With local school support and ads in the newspaper, Eden raised
more than $1,000 on her own. She used that money to host an award
ceremony, provide food for those attending, and to give away prizes.
Andrew Cameron, 15, Guelph: Despite a very painful disability
that results in multiple joint dislocations each day, Andrew perseveres
to be an active and involved teenager. With Internet technology he is
able to attend high school from home using a Webcam which has been
wholeheartedly accepted by his classmates. He also tutors a boy in
math, is on the Guelph Public Library Teen Advisory Board, assists with
events at his church, and has hosted a clean-up party at his local park
for years.
Sarah Cormier, 17, Collingwood: This capable and confident young
lady has proven to be a wonderful role model for young children. Sarah,
who is missing part of one leg and some fingers, is a Safety Ambassador
for The War Amps and spends a lot of time raising awareness, educating
others, public speaking, and counseling young children. She also
volunteers to teach snowboarding in a ski program for special needs
children. At school, Sarah is active in Student Council, the Parent's
Council, drama and the Dance Committee.
Caroline D'souza, 12, Scarborough: Between homework, Air
Cadets, sports, music lessons, writing, and church activities, Caroline
still has time to contribute to her community. Since Grade 3 she has
been volunteering during recess to help students with special needs.
She spends her weekends helping both at her church and local seniors
home. Caroline has also sold short stories she had written to raise
money for We Care 4 Children, a fund she started to benefit children in
India.
Emily Ennett, 17, Stratford: Emily's strong character and true
leadership ability have led her to become involved in countless causes.
A food drive that was going to end, an adult community that needed a
wheelchair van, a new group forming at school to befriend special needs
kids have all benefited from Emily's drive and commitment. At school
Emily introduced a youth philanthropy program in which all grade 10
students will now compete. The winner will donate a $5,000 grant to a
local charity. She then got three other schools involved to do the same.
Jeff Howard, 17, Innisfil: Conservation, wildlife and the
environment are Jeff's passion, and have been since he was a
youngster. Above and beyond all he has done to educate his peers and
community members about local environmental causes, he has recently
completed an extensive project to study a local creek. This naturalist
is involved in a number of local groups, different animal rescues and
school projects, and is always willing to get others involved.
Vivian Leung, 16, Oakville: Vivian cares about others and her
compassion has led her to volunteer for a number of organizations at
school and within her community. This year alone she has volunteered
for the St. John Ambulance, the Rotary Club, the Oakville Youth
Advisory Committee and for Big Brothers and Sisters of Halton to name
just a few. Vivian has also spent much of her own time coordinating
fundraising events to benefit others in need around the world including
Pencils for Kids, a campaign to donate school supplies to children in
Niger.
Nicholas Maharaj, 13, London: Nicholas has progressed through
the Scouting programs where he now provides leadership and guidance to
the Beavers, aged 5 to 8. Nicholas is also a passionate participant in
Free the Children. His school raised almost $9,000, built a school and
from then on Nicholas was hooked. His most recent project has been to
found and act as Editor of the first student newspaper. Nicholas works
one on one with younger goalies. His natural leadership style and
likeable personality, makes it an amazing experience for all the kids
he coaches.
Jacob McGavin, 13, Walton: On his 12th birthday, Gavin founded
Kids Care, a group of young teens striving to make a difference in
poorer areas of the world and improve child education. His group raised
a significant amount of money to build a school in Africa and at the
local level, the group, under Jacob's leadership, has collected food
for local food banks.
Keerie Peters, 17, Pikangikum: This intelligent, strong willed
and tenacious young lady is determined to not only make the most of her
life, but to encourage others to do the same. Facing dramatic school
drop-out and absenteeism rates, alcoholism, drug abuse and a high rate
of suicide in her First Nations Reserve in Northern Ontario, Keerie
provides inspiration and leadership to fellow students by encouraging
them to attend the religious club and to participate in school
activities such as sports and dance as well as fundraisers.
Emily Tieu, 10, Kanata: Four years ago, young Emily learned
about a rare, fatal enzyme disease called Sialidosis, which afflicts
only one Canadian boy. When she learned the government would not fund
research, she decided to sell her old toys in a garage sale to help
raise money and earned $91. This determined organizer has been going
since then to raise more money each year and garner more support. She
has been holding garage sales every year since then, speaking at
events, soliciting new volunteers, and has already raised more than
$12,000 for Sialidosis research.
