NLIS 9
September 21, 2001
(Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education)
 

Minister congratulates Rosemary Finn on international award

Sandra Kelly, Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, today congratulated Rosemary Finn of Stephenville, inaugural winner of the Duke of Edinburgh's Ono Bursary established to recognize an individual from participating program countries who has made an outstanding volunteer contribution to the Duke of Edinburgh Program. 

"Rosemary Finn has made an enormous contribution to the Duke of Edinburgh Program here in the province," said Minister Kelly. "She is tireless in her volunteer effort, giving presentations, training leaders, arranging award ceremonies and so much more. I'm not surprised that she was selected from 50 applicants from 19 countries to receive this award. She is a shining example, in this the International Year of the Volunteer, of the true spirit and dedication of volunteerism."

Kevin Aylward, MHA for St. George's - Stephenville East added: "We are proud to have Rosemary as part of our community. She has helped develop the character of many young people in a positive direction. This award is a credit for her commitment to these young people."

As recipient of the Ono Bursary, Ms. Finn will act as an ambassador for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms Finn departs Newfoundland today for the United Kingdom where she will address members off the International Secretariat and participants and volunteers with the award program in the UK. During her time in the UK, she will also meet with HRH, Edward, The Earl of Wessex at Buckingham Palace to discuss the award program in the province and Canada. From the UK, Ms. Finn will continue on to Australia where she will address an international volunteer's conference, attend a gala at Parliament House and address the Asia Pacific Youth Conference in Brisbane. 

"The satisfaction of knowing that I could make a difference to the lives of young people has been very rewarding," said Ms. Finn. "Through my work as a volunteer in the award program, I have met many people who are now good friends as well as active leaders in the award. I have also witnessed many young people reap the rewards of being an award achiever. I am looking forward to the coming weeks and my trip abroad, to visiting Buckingham Palace and Australia, and to continuing my involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh Program here in Newfoundland and Labrador when I return."

Media contact: 
           Ray Ryan, Coordinator Field Services, NF and Lab Division, (709) 753-0423
           Janice Lockyer, Communications, (709) 729-5730

2001 09 21                                  4:35 p.m.