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Monday, April 9, 2012 — THE MEDICINE HAT NEWS


LEADERS MarMarya Amanya Aman


Along with maintaining an excellent academic standing, Marya has devoted tremendous time and eff ort to provincial initiatives as well as to community and school organizations and events. First of all, Marya has spent 2 one-year terms on the Minister of Education’s Student Advisory Council; she and other members of this council present the youths’ perspectives on educational issues. As part of her role on this council, Marya organizes and facilitates the tri-school Speak- Out Forum, which is attended by a select number of students from the high schools in Medicine Hat and area; the forum enables the students to voice their opinions about education in Alberta, and that information is forwarded to teachers, senior offi cials, school boards, and the Minister of Education. She, furthermore, sits on the Youth Advisory Board of Medicine Hat and shares her input on local issues and provides recommendations to the Medicine Hat City Council. Marya was also one of 22 students selected (out of 400 applicants) to participate in the Heritage Youth Research Program this past summer; she was featured in the Calgary Herald, Calgary Sun, Medicine Hat News, and on Global TV as she worked as a lab assistant at the Foothills Hospital Campus researching genetic links to pre-term labours. Next, Marya volunteers at SAAMIS Immigration Services whose focus is assisting new Canadians with adapting to life in Canada and preventing racism through education. Also, in May, 2012, Marya will serve as one of the counsellors at RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) Program, which is off ered to youth who have potential to be leaders today and tomorrow. In addition to her contributions to provincial and community projects, Marya is involved in a number of school organizations. Marya is on the Medicine Hat High School Student Council, and she is very instrumental in generating ideas for school spirit events and working with other members in promoting and organizing the activities. She has also been on the school’s Rotary Interact Club for the past few years; she provides exceptional leadership to this group as she and the other club members work in conjunction with the Medicine Hat Rotary Club in organizing major school and community fund-raising events. Marya, furthermore, volunteers time to her school’s International Club. As a Canadian who immigrated from Qatar several years ago, Marya understands how overwhelming it is to attend schools in another country, and she, therefore, always makes herself available to assist with the promoting and running of the International Club activities as a means of making the students who are from other countries and are enrolled in our school welcome, become involved in meaningful and fun events, and meet other staff and students in our school. Recently, Marya and another student initiated the “Me to We” organization, which raises school and community awareness of global disparity as well as fundraises for various causes such as the Clean Water Project in Kenya; she and the other members of “Me to We” also raised substantial funds to bring Spencer West, a leading motivational speaker and author of “Standing Tall” to present his information at the Medicine Hat College in late March. In addition to all of the school and community organizations that she volunteers for, Marya also assists nurses at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital with general duties such as patient care, restocking items, food delivery, general clean-up, and patient interactions. Overall, Marya is an outgoing, dedicated, and ambitious young lady who is to be commended for her continuous contribution of time and energy to the community.


AshleAshley Patony Paton


Along with maintaining an excellent academic standing, Ashley has devoted tremendous time and eff ort to school and community organizations, projects, and activities. First of all, Ashley was asked to speak on behalf of all secondary students attending schools in the jurisdiction of Medicine Hat and off er her congratulations to our school district as it celebrated its 125th Anniversary this past fall; she confi dently presented her information and greetings in front of several hundred people, including the Minister of Education, several dignitaries, school board members, and central offi ce personnel and teachers. She also sat on her school district’s Value Scoping Committee and provided her perspective, as a senior high school student, regarding potential renovation ideas for our current school building. In addition to her contributions to district and community projects, Ashley is involved in a number of school organizations. She is on the MHHS’s student council, and she is very active in working with other members in promoting and organizing activities that enhance school spirit. She is also president of the school’s Rotary Interact Club and has been a member for the past few years; she provides exceptional leadership to this group as she and other club members work in conjunction with the Medicine Hat Rotary Club in organizing major school and community fund- raising events. She was recently elected by her Grade 12 peers to act as the grad church service coordinator; this role, which is also a huge undertaking, involves her facilitating the planning and organizing of the grad church service held a week prior to the grad ceremonies and banquet. Ashley, furthermore, plays guitar and drums for the Dream Centre Church in Medicine Hat. Overall, Ashley is bright, outgoing, and ambitious, and she has and continues to contribute tremendous time and energy to the community.


ofTomorrow Tomorrow TayTaylor Janzenlor Janzen


Taylor has been a volunteer with the Victim Assistance Unit for over two years. It is uncommon for a student of that age to meet the qualifi cations necessary to do this diffi cult work. After meeting the stringent clearance requirements, she completed the 100 hours training while going to college and maintaining a full course load, completing her third year of her Degree in Criminology. Her duties include providing Crisis Intervention, Information, Support and Referrals to people who have been victims of crime or tragedy in our community. She has worked with those aff ected by Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, other assaults, sudden deaths, suicides, in addition to intrusion crimes. Taylor has the ability to relate to all age groups. Her knowledge and compassion has been a great resource and comfort to those she has served. Taylor has provided 278 hours of service to our Program in addition to 800 hours on call. Taylor has served as Lead Advocate on 117 fi les. Taylor has served the Unit to the best of her ability, honouring her code of ethics and meeting all of her commitments with the Unit. She respects all of her co-workers and those whom she serves and treats them with respect and dignity.


Congratulations to all of the 2012 Leaders of Tomorrow Nominees!


from the Management & Staff of


Everyone earning ogether


Everyone Learning Together


Prairie Rose School Division is pleased to support the Leaders of Tomorrow. Your community pride, efforts and contributions make us all very proud.


Well done! 41056303•04/07/12


15-18


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19-22


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