Education
Executive Council
Human Resources, Labour and Employment June 3, 2011
High School Volunteer Medal Unveiled
A new high school volunteer award, in the form of a medal designed by Duane Hollett, a Level I student at John Burke High School in Grand Bank, was unveiled today during a special ceremony at the school.
“I congratulate Duane for his winning design and thank him and all participating students for their submissions,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. “Many of our students do a significant amount of volunteer work, donating their time, talents and energies to efforts which have a positive effect on their schools and on individuals and programs within their communities. It is certainly fitting that an award for students was designed by one of their own.”
The Honourable Dave Denine, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector, attended the ceremony, along with the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and MHA for Grand Bank.
“Volunteers are dedicated, considerate and give hope to those who need a helping hand,” said Minister Denine. “Duane’s design incorporates these traits into one image that is very appropriate for this award. Many of our young people are giving of themselves for the betterment of their communities and this award is the Provincial Government’s way of thanking them.”
About 55 per cent of the province’s youth are volunteers, contributing 6.2 million hours of valuable unpaid time each year to their school and communities. This is above and beyond the 30 hours of community service that all high school students are required to perform as part of the compulsory Career Education course.
“I join my colleagues in offering congratulations to Duane on his award-winning design,” said Minister King, who is also the Minister Responsible for Youth Engagement. “Creating a winning design for a provincial competition is no small accomplishment for a student, and knowing that this award will be presented annually must make him very proud.”
The high school volunteer award will be presented annually, by each high school, to one student in recognition of their contribution to their school or community. The medallions, which have been sent to all public high schools for presentation at their annual school awards assemblies, have an antique bronze finish and are packaged in individual hinged gift cases. Further information on the award and the winning design can be viewed at: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/highschool/studentmedal.html.
- 30 -
Photo: The Honourable Dave Denine, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector, joins Duane Hollett, a Level I student at John Burke High School in Grand Bank, and the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and MHA for the District of Grand Bank, for the unveiling of a new high school volunteer award.
Media contacts:
| Heather May Director of Communications Department of Education 709-729-0048, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
Lesley Clarke Communications Specialist Voluntary and Non-Profit Secretariat 709-729-6026, 699-2910 lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca |
| Bradley Power Director of Communications Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment 709-729-0753, 699-5707 bradleypower@gov.nl.ca |
2011 06 03 12:10 p.m.