Youth celebrate their role models
June 12, 2009
For the second year, the Strathcona County Youth Council and Strathcona County Family and Community Services have planned an awards program called the High Five Awards where children and youth nominate adults that have made a difference in their lives.
This week, the Youth Council hosted a celebration at Festival Place in Sherwood Park that included award presentations, youth performances, an art showcase, and a reception in honour of the 307 adult nominees and the young people who nominated them. The celebration was attended by over 400 community members.
High Five Award recipients:
- Sharon McCormack, nominated by Mya Martinez (Kindergarten - Grade 3)
- Evelyn Chwok, nominated by Annalise Chwok (Grade 4 - Grade 6)
- Julie Smith, nominated by Alex Schwanke (Grade 7 - Grade 9)
- Amit Mali, nominated by Katie Melnyk (Grade 10 - 12)
The awards program is based on developmental assets, which are qualities and experiences that young people need to grow up to be healthy, caring and responsible. Some examples of such assets are: feeling valued by the community, feeling motivated to succeed in school, and being involved in creative activities. The High Five Awards program was initiated to recognize the role that all adults play in helping children and youth develop these assets.
The Strathcona County Youth Council is a group supported and mentored by Strathcona County Family and Community Services. Local junior and senior high school students meet regularly to discuss various youth issues and work hard to achieve a better future for the youth of Strathcona County. They also spend much of their time volunteering and demonstrating the positive impact and roles that youth can have in the community. Anyone between the ages of 12 and 17 who is interested in finding out more about the Strathcona County Youth Council can contact Strathcona County Family and Community Services.
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Contacts:
Mayor Cathy Olesen, 780-464-8000
Erin McKeown, Strathcona County Family and Community Services, 780-464-4044
Last updated: Friday, April 09, 2010
Page ID: 3653