Education and Early Childhood Development
May 14, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Acting Minister of Education:

Minister Recognizes Recipients of the Safe and Caring Schools Graduating Student Awards

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to recognize 14 students from across the province that have received the Safe and Caring Schools Graduating Student Awards.

Mr. Speaker, these outstanding students undertake projects and activities aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of their school communities. They also foster inclusion and respectful learning environments that make a positive difference in the lives of others.

The Safe and Caring Schools Graduating Student Awards program was established in 2006 and recognizes youth that have taken a leadership role in their schools. Each student will receive a $500 post-secondary tuition voucher for their efforts.

This years recipients are Amber Whiteway and Julia Catherine Barry of Menihek High School, Hannah Hepditch of Corner Brook Regional High School, Selina Morris of St. Mary's All Grade, Aimee Rideout of Gros Morne Academy, Mackenzie Susan Dawe of Jane Collins Academy, Julie Goudie of Indian River High, Ashley Mackeigan of Exploits Valley High, Randi Burke of Marystown Central High School, Ashley Drover of Tricentia Academy, Marshall Miles of John Burke High School, Caitlin Pike of Ascension Collegiate, Leah Denise Walsh of St. Catherine's Academy and Lucas Walters of Clarenville High School.

This award program goes hand-in-hand with the Safe and Caring Schools Special Project Awards, which earlier this year saw 40 schools receive $500 each in recognition of their individual efforts to establish safe and caring learning environments. A total of $27,000 is allocated annually for both initiatives.

Mr. Speaker, ensuring the students of Newfoundland and Labrador have a positive, safe and caring environment in which to learn is a key priority for this government. The Safe Caring Schools Policy helps to establish and maintain a positive school climate which is essential for our students.

I ask all Honourable members of this House to join me in congratulating and thanking these students for making a positive difference in the lives of their fellow students and their communities. I commend all of these students for helping us carry out this very important initiative.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Provincial Government Recognizes Students for Contributions to Safe and Caring School Communities

2015 05 14                              1:55 p.m.