6 – Leaders of Tomorrow 2010 Monday, March 29, 2010 — THE MEDICINE HAT NEWS

Jennifer Peem

I have known Jennifer since she was born. Her family attends the same church as mine. Jennifer was a special blessing to her parents, as she was born after the death of an older sibling. I taught Jennifer in kindergarten and have had the privilege of watching her grow and mature into the lovely young leader she is today. For the past several years, Jennifer has volunteered her assistance with my kindergarten students. She has given up noon hours and recesses to do this. Jennifer has a quiet and gentle spirit about her, and great strength of character. The children love her, and she helps in so many ways in my class, I don't know what I'd do without her! She is part of the leadership program at our school and not only assists me in my class, but keeps up straight A grades, volunteers with the school safety patrol, is a student council room rep as well as other assisting other teachers. Jennifer volunteers with the children's choir at church and does many random acts of kindness to people there as well as neighbours in her community. She is an excellent role model for other children as I watch the choices she makes. As part of the Crestwood School culture, she has been immersed in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Jennifer lives out the principals in this program as she leads by example and would be a very worthy candidate of this award.

Twelve-year-old Justin Jensen loves to be involved in school, church, family and community activities. He is currently working toward his chief scout award, he takes lessons in piano and guitar, enjoys singing and acting, and has been a newspaper carrier for three-and-a-half years. He enjoys various sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, skiing and squash, and he is an honour roll student. In Grade 6 at Crestwood School, Justin has been immersed in the “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” and he is a great example of someone who truly lives the seven habits. He always has a positive attitude, is friendly, courteous and kind to everyone, perseveres and is hardworking, is responsible, confident, diligent, respectful and always co-operative. Justin shows tremendous integrity as he sets goals and works to achieve them. One of Justin's main character traits is that he loves to serve. Whatever he is involved in, he looks for ways to help out – whether it is taking the lead in the school play, helping organize the chess club, mentoring a special education student in Safety Patrol, assisting the classroom teacher because his work is done, singing in the church choir, teaching a kindergarten student computer skills, helping fellow students understand new concepts, participating in the school Leadership Club, or collecting items for the food bank. Justin's exemplary attitude lifts those around him and creates positive changes in others' behaviour. He raises the bar for all with whom he comes in contact.

Justin Jensen

I have only known Kimberley since September, but her kind and gentle spirit has made a lasting impression on me. I am most impressed with the way in which Kimberley treats everyone. There is no pretense or judging; she simply treats them with respect and dignity. Her love for helping others — whether in Sunday School or through her dance — is obvious. Kimberley is always willing to give a helping hand, always willing to step up to the plate and she really never worries what others will think. For a Grade 9 student she shows a patience and genuine concern beyond what we have come to expect from a 15-year-old. Her compassion is what is needed in any leader no matter what other skills they may possess.

Kimberle Manle

Leisha Clark

Leisha Clark has attended Medicine Hat Christian School since kindergarten. Now in Grade 9, she has been an example of how far hard work can take you. Born in Medicine Hat, Leisha has worked hard in everything she has put her hand to. Her hard work has been an asset to the organizations she has joined and volunteered with. Her love of animals and especially horses has driven her to one day be a vet. Because of her drive and determination, I believe she will do it.

Michael McArthur

Seventeen-year-old Michael McArthur sits as a member on YAAK (Youth Action Advisory Kommittee). Michael is one of the most valuable voices of this committee due to his sheer commitment. All projects are taken very seriously with his heart invested into the process from beginning to end.

At only 17 years old, Michael would be the youth with a plan to conquer the world. Every day Michael carries one of the biggest hearts you can find and sincerely cares about the peers in his community. A true believer in a second power that will protect mankind.

Michael would be the youth to put others at ease. A strong male mentor to his peers, a person to look up to. His passion to learn, to keep learning, and to teach is a skill that most of us thrive to achieve. Michael has been born with this special gift.

Genuine, trustworthy, strong and independent are just a few words to describe the character of this youth. Michael is old with wisdom but so young at heart, a member of this community that would be hard to forget. The only limit that Michael would face is the limit of his own imagination. Always putting others first and committing random acts of kindness. To make it literal, Michael would give you the shirt off his back.

Within the Medicine Hat Youth Action Society, he is a leader, mentor and friend to all other members of the youth centre and is committed to the tasks and groups that he's associated with.

Samantha Sanders

Samantha Sanders is currently in my Grade 8 class at St. Mary's School. It is hard to miss Sam's enthusiasm for giving. She is always willing to help out in the classroom and school community. As a class, we have raised money for “Change for Brazil” and sang Christmas carols while handing out candy canes to people at the Medicine Hat Mall. During the summer, Sam is very active in the community by volunteering in the food bank, public library and Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund. When asked why she volunteers, Sam's bright smile tells all. She states that volunteering is fun and makes her feel good by giving her a sense of satisfaction. I believe Sam Sanders is more than qualified to receive this award.

As a youth member of the Child and Youth Advisory Committee within the Alberta health network, he voices concern and change to better the lives of children attached to the health-care system. Michael is also an excellent listener and the "go to guy" for honest and appropriate feedback.

Within Medicine Hat High School, this Grade 11 student volunteers for any task and recently painted the stage for a high school production. He may struggle academically but always strives to do his best and has had almost perfect attendance record for many years in a row. He succeeds at everyday tasks with the challenge of Asperger's disease and is one of the friendliest students throughout the school.

Mine is one of the families that Meagan greeted and introduced to the Sunday School group when we moved to Medicine Hat a year or so ago. She showed no hesitation in coming up to us and offering her help. We have three boys who were five, three and four months of age, so I really appreciated her assistance in settling my children into this new congregation. With Meagan now working in the nursery each week I have the opportunity to work with the other Sunday School teachers to deliver lessons to the children. Because Meagan is so comfortable helping the children she does not necessarily realize the tremendous impact she has on the Sunday School families.

Meagan Torson

We the Jenner Parent Council consider it a great pleasure to recommend 13-year-old Kelsey Burnat as a worthy candidate for the Leaders of Tomorrow Award.

Kelse Burnat

At the age of six months, Kelsey suffered a stroke which left her with many complications. Kelsey has had many struggles and complications as a result of her stroke. Kelsey has motor difficulties and some minor developmental delays. Kelsey has to work hard to keep up with her peers.

Kelsey was fortunate to be born into a supportive and loving family. Her parents have helped her to develop to the best of her abilities and to become a very hardworking and conscientious student and community member. Kelsey enjoys great popularity at school. She enjoys helping with the younger students and is always willing to lend a hand.

For the past few years, Kelsey has volunteered with the figure skating club to help a young boy with cerebral palsy participate. She volunteers with her local church and babysits regularly.

What impressed us most was her commitment to raising money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. This is her passion. Kelsey has been raising money for the past five years, and is an avid supporter of the Jump Rope for Heart. Each year Kelsey has set a goal and achieved or surpassed her goal. In her first year at the age of nine she single-handedly raised $500.00. The next year she raised $679.00. In 2009, Kelsey raised $1,180.00. This past year she raised $1,395.00.

It is youth like Kelsey who bring profound, positive changes to society. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8