A new program has been launched to recognize high
school students who have made significant contributions to their school
and communities through volunteering. The Honourable Darin King,
Minister of Education, and the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister
Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector, today announced a
new high school volunteer award to acknowledge the important
accomplishments of these students.
"Learning to give freely of one�s time and talents to
support individuals and communities is an important part of being a
responsible citizen and of attaining a well-rounded education," said
Minister King. "This award recognizes students across our province who
make their schools and communities better places to be, and it will
showcase the significant contributions that students make throughout
Newfoundland and Labrador."
Approximately 55 per cent of the province�s youth
volunteer, contributing 6.2 million hours of valuable unpaid time each
year to their schools and communities.
"Young people are giving back to the community in
creative and innovative ways," said Minister Denine. "The Provincial
Government wants to ensure these incredible students are being
recognized and celebrated for their volunteer efforts. We also hope this
award will motivate other students to volunteer and become active
participants in their communities."
Each high school can select one deserving student
annually from Levels I, II, or III for the award. This person could be a
student who has given a significant amount of time volunteering with an
organization, someone who has had to make sacrifices or overcome
barriers to make their contribution, or someone who has had an effect on
an individual in the community, the lives of people in the community, or
the community itself. High school principals will be asked to select the
recipient in consultation with students, staff, school councils and the
community.
Information regarding submissions will be sent to all
high schools. Recipients will be presented with a circular medallion
displaying an image which has been designed by a student or a group of
students. The medallions will be produced and sent to schools before the
end of the school year for presentation at annual school awards
assemblies.
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