Executive Council
May 16, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement:

Minister Congratulates 2014 URock Volunteer Award Winners

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to acknowledge the recipients of the 2014 URock Volunteer Awards. The stage was filled with stars last Thursday night as we honoured this year’s award recipients at a special gala event in Mount Pearl.

The URock Volunteer Awards were established in 2010 to recognize the remarkable ways in which young people are giving back to their communities. Nominations are accepted in two categories – individuals and organizations.

Mr. Speaker, this year’s URock Awards event was our biggest and best yet. It was also an example of how technology is uniting us more than ever.

Along with the approximately 300 people who attended the event at the Glacier, our NLYouth.ca website was viewed over 1,200 times on Thursday, with webcast audiences across Canada and the rest of the world. One of these viewers included Melissa Thomas, a URock award recipient from Mount Pearl who was unable to attend the ceremony in person, but was able to follow the show on Twitter while attending field school in Italy.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the other recipients of the 2014 URock Volunteer Awards. They are: Richard Churchill of Clarenville; Raylene Mackey from Goulds; Natasha Noel from St. John’s; Fallon Piercey from Conception Bay South; Donald Slaney from St. Lawrence; Chanelle Cluett from Wabush; and, Corner Brook Regional High Pride Alliance.

All award winners received custom-designed electric guitars designed by students at College of the North Atlantic and guests enjoyed performances by some of the province’s top musical acts. The event was hosted by Newfoundland and Labrador comedian, Matt Wright.

Mr. Speaker, having the support of family, friends and mentors – and getting recognition from them – inspires young people to continue their volunteer work.

As a government, we are dedicated to supporting their efforts and we are working hard to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the best places in the world for young people to receive an education, start a career and build a future.

I ask all members of this House to join me in congratulating the 2014 URock Volunteer Awards Winners.

Thank you.

- 30 -

2014 05 21                                             2:25 p.m.