2007 Student Caring Awards

Purpose:

The 2007 Awards for Student Volunteerism will recognize exceptional student volunteers in Leeds and Grenville who demonstrate good citizenship and willingness to better their community by modeling caring, integrity, respect and empathy.

Criteria:

• In order to be eligible for an award, you must:

• Be a full time student within one of the four     student categories (K-6, 7-9, 10-12, University/College/Adult Learners in a degree, diploma or certificate program)

• Have performed your volunteer service within Leeds and Grenville

• Have exceeded the 40 hours of community involvement mandated by the Ontario Ministry of Education (high-school only)

Winners!

After receiving nominations from students throughout Leeds and Grenville, the following students have been selected to receive an award:

• Sarah Spriggs, Vanier Public School – Although only 11 years old, Sarah has already spent many days volunteering. Her volunteer activities showcase her love for children. She has spent many days helping family friends with their young children, and even spent time volunteering at a local daycare! According to others, Sarah is a very polite, energetic and caring individual.
• Jessica Irwin, Lyn Public School – Every week, Jessica volunteers and Sherwood Park Manor, assisting with the social hour Test & Toast program. She enjoys interacting with the seniors and entertaining them through song and dance. Also, Jessica assists her dance teacher with helping other students who need help with their dances. When at school, Jessica tutors students during recess & assists teachers with handing out papers, cleaning boards, etc. In addition to this, Jessica helped for two weeks to take care of mentally challenged individuals; doing crafts, singing, helping with meals, etc. It is quite apparent that Jessica enjoys volunteering in every aspect of her life.
• Erin Lynch, Gananoque Secondary School – Erin has managed to accumulate 400 hours of community involvement during her time at Gananoque Secondary School. She sat on the Lansdowne Junior Fair Board as a Junior Supervisor, where she planned meetings, organized children’s activities during the winter fun day, and assist with the summer fair. Also, Erin was elected by her fellow students as Co-President of her Student Council. This positions allows Erin to plan events that make her school active and exciting. In addition to this, Erin has been an assistant coach for basketball and volleyball teams at a local public school and also for the 2006 junior soccer team at her highschool.
• Thea Redmond, St. Lawrence College, Brockville – Thea has gone back to school to take the Personal Support Worker program. As part of her program, Thea spent time with the residents at Mapleview Lodge in Athens. She enjoyed her time here so much that she interviewed to become a permanent volunteer in December 2006. Since then, Thea has offered her free time (days off and weekends) to the residents as Mapleview lodge. According to Angela Thyhy (Volunteer Supervisor) Thea lifted the residents’ spirits with her smile, her caring, compassionate personality and extremely strong work ethic. In addition to her work at Mapleview, Thea has previously volunteered at Front of Yonge Public School, with the grade 1 and 2 reading programs. Also, she has volunteered with the Eastern Ontario Appaloosa Horse Club, the Slow Pitch League, Sparks, and the Leeds Grenville Western Horse Association.

The winners were recognized at the Volunteer Bureau’s Volunteer Appreciation Evening, which was held on Friday April 27 at the River Walk Restaurant. Each student received a plaque and certificate, and will receive a trophy (to be presented to their school at a later date). The Volunteer Bureau would like to thank the Kinsmen Club of Brockville and the Lyn Lodge #416 for their generous donations to the Caring Awards. Also, special thanks to the Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation and 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation.