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TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
After more than 30 years of meaningful impact, the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership program has concluded. The program recognized remarkable young people who are making a difference in their communities, while helping them pursue post-secondary education. As we mark the conclusion of the program, we are proud and grateful to the scholars, alumni, and partners who helped shape its legacy and whose impact will continue to be felt.
TD remains committed to honouring all existing commitments to current scholars, and looks forward to supporting young people in new and evolving ways.
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About TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
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Recipients & Alumni
FAQs for TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
Yes. TD is concluding the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership program after more than 30 years. We’re proud of the impact the program has had and celebrate the contributions of the scholars, alumni, and community that contributed to its success. All existing commitments to current scholars will continue to be honoured.
No. If you’re a current scholarship recipient, your existing funding, program support and eligible summer work term opportunities will continue, where applicable. Updates will be shared through the regular program channels.
No. TD remains committed to supporting young people and communities and is focused on evolving its youth-focused investments through its broader Social Impact priorities.
Not at this time. TD continues to explore other ways to support youth, education and communities through our broader Social Impact priorities.
Current scholarship recipients should contact their regular TD Scholarships for Community Leadership program contact. For any other questions, please email tdreadycommitment@td.com and your inquiry will be directed to the right team.
We understand that some students and families may have been planning to apply. The TD Scholarships for Community Leadership program is concluding, and no new applications will be accepted for 2026 and beyond. TD remains committed to supporting young people and communities through its broader Social Impact priorities.
Recipients & Alumni of the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
Program recipients and alumni have shared a common purpose with TD: to help make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work.
As we mark the conclusion of the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership program, we recognize the incredible young people whose passion and commitment helped shape its legacy for more than 30 years. You can find some examples below.
Featured alumni
Larissa Vingilis-Jaremko – 2001
Mississauga, ON. By helping girls build an interest in science – and realize the career opportunities in STEM fields – Larissa contributes to the financial security of the next generation of women. As President of the Canadian Association for Girls in Science (CAGIS) – a group she first founded at age nine – Larissa leads a network of chapters where girls aged 7 to 16 enjoy fun, hands-on learning with inspiring experts, debunking stereotypes about female career options. Larissa earned a PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour at McMaster University and was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.
Dr. Naheed Dosani – 2004
Toronto, ON. As a palliative care physician and health and human rights activist, Naheed Dosani is dedicated to advancing equitable access to health care for people experiencing homelessness. These efforts include founding Palliative Education and Care for the Homeless (PEACH) and serving as medical director for the Peel Regional COVID-homeless response.
Naheed shares his passion for health equity through education and advocacy efforts including: media, public speaking, social media and faculty appointments at the University of Toronto and McMaster University.
Alannis McKee – 2014
Yellowknife, NWT. For years, Alannis has helped people living with disabilities become more connected with their communities, opening doors to vibrant experiences and opportunities. As Director of Programs with the Northwest Territories Disabilities Council, she advocates for persons with disabilities, so they can enjoy self-determined, fulfilling lives, with equal access to services. She joined the Council while finishing her studies, including a psychology degree at University of Alberta and an M.A. in critical disability studies from York University. Alannis was named an Arctic Emerging Leader in Norway in 2019.
Simon Jackson - 2000
Calgary, AB. Simon is creating a vibrant planet by helping young people appreciate green spaces and begin tackling today’s environmental challenges. As Co-Founder of the Ghost Bear Institute’s Nature Labs, he created a ‘virtual high school textbook,’ a storytelling-based, curriculum resource for urbanized youth to discover and champion nature. Simon’s vision dates back to age 13 when he created the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition, successfully saving the last intact habitat of BC’s white Kermode bear. Simon was named among UNESCO’s 100 Angels of the Earth and one of Time Magazine’s 60 Heroes for the Planet.
Interested in more alumni journeys and the impact this scholarship has had on their career and lives? Meet the alumni of the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
The TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples
Together with AFOA Canada, a not-for-profit led by Indigenous Peoples, we’ve created a scholarship customized to meet the needs of students from the Indigenous community. One that works to break down systemic barriers and open doors. There are 25 scholarships available to be awarded annually, worth up to $60K over 4 years. Learn more
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Midhaa Ahmed
St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School
Hamilton, ON
When the murder of George Floyd illuminated racial and social injustices, Midhaa co-founded her school’s first anti-racism committee to raise awareness at the local and school level. The group, “uKnighted Against Racism,” grew to 50 members and held campaigns to get students discussing often unspoken issues, while empowering voices among Black and Indigenous students and persons of colour. Midhaa also served as Executive Media Head of the Halloween for Hunger food drive, to confront local food insecurity, and volunteered as a Prefect, on the yearbook, and the Christmas Miracle fundraiser.
Abdulrahman Al Odat
Britannia Secondary School
Vancouver, BC
Known as “a problem solver in his own backyard,” Abdulrahman tackled complex challenges facing children, the homeless and refugees. Remembering the hardships his own family faced when they fled Syria, he worked with friends to develop the WelcomeToVan.ca website, with useful language, health and immigrant service resources. He volunteered with the homeless at the Muslim Care Centre, created a Gaming Club to offer students a positive alternative to drugs or gang membership, refereed at Soccer Jam, and started a local food donation network to relieve the strain on foodbanks during the pandemic.
Hudson Arbour
Mackenzie Community School
Deep River, ON
Having suffered exclusion from social activities as a child, Hudson vowed to help others find a safe space to be themselves. After volunteering at summer camps to support diverse participants, Hudson won a Student Trustee seat on his school board and created equity initiatives including feminine hygiene product distribution. Partnering with a counselling agency to educate youth on vaping, stress and mental health, Hudson founded PEPtalks to host in-person discussions and online campaigns. He founded the Gender and Sexuality Alliance club for LGBTQ+ students and allies in his school.
Stella Bowles
Park View Education Centre
Lunenburg County, NS
When Stella’s grade six science fair project revealed sewage contamination in the LaHave River, she began a long campaign to remove straight sewage pipes that dump waste directly into that river. Through a wide-reaching public speaking and social media campaign, she successfully lobbied three levels of government to begin a $15.7 million clean-up program, and later she began a program to train youth to test their own waterways. Stella continued to speak to groups, especially young girls, to promote environmentalism, women in STEM and discovery-based learning.
Ervin Cadiz
Byrne Creek Community School
Burnaby, BC
Feeling the strong impulse to improve his community, Ervin was active in student government before he co-founded the Community School Union, a group that brings the voice of students to the school council and inter-agency meetings. Through this club, Ervin helped introduce important resources to students, including mental health services, a safe space for LGBTQ+ persons, and Black History Month events. Ervin also founded his school’s first esports club, with city-wide tournaments and charity fundraisers that boosted participant self-confidence.
Jordan Classen
H.B. Beal Secondary School
London, ON
Jordan finds joy in championing youth from diverse communities. Extensively involved in FIRST Robotics at the national level, and a member of the FIRST Canada National Youth Council, he launched BEING FIRST, an online magazine to inspire robotics participants in 110 countries. He co-hosted Twitch TV segments to encourage health and pride among FIRST members. Jordan was a dedicated volunteer for a provincial help line, where he empowered youth to make informed, positive choices. He was also a school board Student Senator, and advocated for marginalized students as a member of Black Students United.
Sara Elgazzar
Brooklin High School
Oshawa, ON
Sara continuously advocated for under-represented communities by establishing a school Diversity Club, multicultural fair and multi-faith room, to help students feel welcomed, included and accommodated. During the pandemic, she fundraised for Feed Ontario to support struggling families, helped develop a website to connect isolated seniors with student volunteers, and created the Al-Arqam Girls Youth Group and summer camps, to help youth improve their physical and mental health. She volunteered as Student Council Executive, Student Senator, as a teaching assistant and at children’s library events.
Emma Gelinas
Iroquois Falls Secondary School
Iroquois Falls, ON
Emma found it rewarding to share knowledge and skills with others, both as a youth dance instructor and as an Indigenous Student Senator, serving as the voice on the school board for Indigenous students at her school and from the Wahgoshig First Nation. A member of the Métis community, Emma was a founding member of her school’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee to help students and community members of all ages learn about Indigenous people and become lifelong allies. Emma also hosted camps for Indigenous youth, captained her school volleyball team and served as Student Council Vice President.
Alisha Haseeb
Eastside Secondary School
Belleville, ON
With COVID-19 lockdowns limiting access to normal social outlets and health services, Alisha took action to aid her peers who struggled with their mental health and isolation from their communities. She established her school’s first Jack.org chapter to form a wellness club that brought online mental health supports to classmates, including social media outreach, a virtual assembly and student-led mental health projects. Alisha also began a Virtual Craft Program during the pandemic, by assembling and distributing craft kits and hosting bi-weekly internet gatherings for seniors.
Dina Karassane
Cégep Limoilou
Quebec, QC
As a member of her CEGEP committee to sponsor an international refugee, Dina planned many fundraising activities and led student body speaking events to attract donations. To help cover sponsorship costs, she co-created a social enterprise that sold novelty candles and focused on securing sustainable funding sources so the refugee program could continue in perpetuity. Dina also tutored in English, French and mathematics at her CEGEP help centre, planned spirit-boosting activities on Student Council, volunteered at a hospital, and started a K-pop dance club.
Elsa Laferrière-Nguyen
Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf
Montreal, QC
Focused on helping to restore our planet’s health, Elsa was Environmental Advisor to her student association and President of the Environmental and Sustainable Development Committee, raising campus awareness of zero-waste lifestyles, rallying youth activism at the local, provincial and federal levels, and helping build a coalition of college participants in the global march for the environment. Elsa also researched and presented social justice cases in the Debate Club, Model UN and Juripop Moot Court, tutored, and acted in theatre arts performances.
Fatema Maje
John Oliver Secondary School
Vancouver, BC
Since gardening helped Fatema weather difficult times, she founded her school’s first environmental group, The Little Tree Club, to raise environmental awareness and empower youth-led solutions. In addition to online discussions and monthly cleanup events, the club built a local community garden and restored the school garden. As a youth leader at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, Fatema organized sustainability activities and tutoring. She also formed Crossroads, a social justice group to engage youth in race, gender identity, sexual orientation, culture and social class discourse.
Sabrina Mogus
Garth Webb Secondary School
Oakville, ON
As Sabrina explored practical remedies to environmental challenges, including designing a potable water process for the developing world, she realized that truly sustainable solutions are achieved by engaging diverse peers. She co-founded her school’s first Environmental Science Club and the Oakville Green Scene to involve the community in shoreline cleanups, research and webinars. She championed inclusive extracurricular activities, as a Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair Student Advisor, Taekwondo instructor, Girl Guides Ranger and wheelchair basketball player.
Nazifa Nawal
Britannia Secondary School
Burnaby, BC
Wanting to share their experiences with racism, Nazifa and her peers formed the first student-run BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and Persons of Colour) club in the school board. They held events to raise awareness of racial issues absent from the school curriculum. As President of her school's Leo Club, she organized humanitarian fundraisers and morale-boosting activities. Through the YMCA Community Action Network, Nazifa created an efficient school recycling system and taught students sustainable behaviours. She chaired the school Youth Council and mentored new students on the Britannia Link Crew.
Benjamin Ng
Sir Winston Churchill High School
Calgary, AB
Seeing an information gap for students entering senior high school, especially for those with learning disabilities, Benjamin started “Prep Trek” with 25 peers advising hundreds of juniors across Alberta on study habits, student life and stress management. Amid the pandemic, he devised a mentoring program for those struggling with online studies. Benjamin helped launch a thyroid health tracking app to aid patients with thyroid conditions, led an international robotics team, debate group, physics club and a Model UN Conference for 1,000 participants.
Irene Olayinka
Westwood Community High School
Fort McMurray, AB
Seeing the intersecting roots of global challenges, Irene took a multi-disciplinary path to give youth a voice. She led her school’s first Black History Month celebration, advocated for systemic accountability for racism and spoke publicly during Black Lives Matter protests. As a Mayor’s Advisory Council of Youth representative, she led a letter-writing campaign to shape Alberta’s school curriculum and helped young women discover STEM as Marketing Director of Queens in Code. Irene also took part in Tuxis Alberta Youth Parliament, Student Council and student research at University of Alberta.
Leo Pendergast
École François-Buote,
Cornwall, PEI
To create better spaces for youth, where everyone can open their hearts and minds to LGBTQ+ peers, Leo led a campaign to purchase and distribute queer positive books to each grade in his school board. After collecting over 200 books, on topics such as queer parenting, self-love and civil rights, he organized a two-month book tour to share the stories with students and staff at each school. Leo also represented student issues with his school board of directors and served as a camp counsellor at a three-day Camp Jeunes Leaders event, to help PEI young people celebrate their Francophone heritage.
Eunice Pu
Victoria Park Collegiate Institute
Toronto, ON
Believing in equality and opportunity for all, Eunice co-founded Bridging Gender Divides. This group delivered education, fundraising and advocacy on behalf of minority and gender groups, through events such as clothing drives for women’s shelters, after-school programs and career webinars. Eunice co-founded Gears & Gadgets, partnering with Dalhousie University’s SuperNOVA enrichment program to offer STEM lessons to young women across Canada. She was a volunteer swimming coach with Special Olympics Canada, a Trek for Teens leader, to support homeless youth, and President of her school Music Council.
Salim Soufi
Queen Elizabeth Composite High School
Edmonton, AB
Salim took action to stem rising gang and drug activity among young Somali men, by fundraising and helping The RAJO Project deliver personal-growth programs for local youth. He assisted in the programming of Edmonton Brothers Basketball, which provides 60 participants with access to equipment, facilities, motivational talks, and brotherly bonding opportunities. Both the RAJO Project and EBB helped improve players’ school attendance and graduation rates. He volunteered with KULAN horn youth services, developed sustainable healthcare solutions with Medical Makers, and was active on Student Senate.
Gabrielle Williams
Cardinal Ambrozic Secondary School
Brampton, ON
While Gabrielle had been involved in her school’s Black History Club since grade nine, as a senior, she assumed an executive role, and shifted its focus, in response to the disturbing racial violence of 2020. Renaming the group the Black Excellence Student Union, Gabrielle established a year-round mandate, to serve both as a safe space for her Black peers to discuss issues, but also to showcase achievements in the Black community, to dismantle prejudice and stereotypes. Gabrielle was also a peer tutor, a C.O.R.E mentor, Relay for Life fundraiser, and chaplain and church soup kitchen volunteer.
Jawahir Al Bayati
Saint Andre Bessette Catholic Secondary School
London, ON
Jawahir aimed to close the achievement gap faced by students who need academic assistance but cannot overcome the financial hurdles. After forming a tutoring program, she joined the Students’ Council and created the Ministry of Academics to expand the no-cost tutoring service. Realizing the city-wide need for such a service, she founded Teens Tutoring Teens (Triple T) to match volunteers at several high schools with participants, helping many remain in school and build crucial self-confidence. Jawahir also participated in the Thames Valley Science and Engineering Fair and the Science Olympics.
Madison Albert
Marianopolis College
Montreal, QC
Madison was driven by injustice she saw on the streets, inspired by socio-economic disparities she witnessed as a female first-aider at St John’s Ambulance. She founded Women in Science, Empowered (WISE) at her CEGEP, to help women access STEM opportunities, despite gender, racial or economic barriers. At Chez-Doris Women’s Shelter, she organized self-confidence and employment workshops and provided psychological peer support at WomenAWARE. She co-founded Fab4, to educate Quebec youth on domestic violence, volunteered at Resilience Montreal, an Indigenous Peoples’ shelter, and coached basketball.
Irekanmi Awoyiga
Charles P. Allen High School
Hammonds Plains, NS
Believing that knowledge helps the disadvantaged beat life’s obstacles, Irekanmi developed learning opportunities normally beyond reach of many youth. As a volunteer at Black youth group Generation 1 Leadership Initiative, he founded the CPA Tutoring Squad, with 35 volunteers offering free tutoring - an invaluable resource to youth struggling with pandemic-mandated, online learning. A STEM activities volunteer with SuperNOVA summer camps, Irekanmi founded the CPA Innovation Club, his school’s first STEM group, led Cheetahs for Change, a social justice club, and coached soccer and basketball.
Logan Breen
Harbour View High School
Grand Bay-Westfield, NB
When Logan spotted unsustainable practices in his school and community, he founded the Climate Action Group, a diverse team of students that battled climate change by running school-wide recycling and composting, tending the community garden and working to eliminate single-use materials. After his school re-opened following pandemic lockdowns, Logan became Student Council President to help improve student morale after months of social isolation that impacted his peers’ mental health. Logan also stage managed for school and community theatre, was a Debate Team member and played water polo.
Mira Buckle
Corner Brook Regional High School
Corner Brook, NL
With a mindset that youth engagement can strengthen communities, Mira was a founding member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq Youth Network, helping develop its governance and cultural programs. When she learned of cyberbullying, Mira developed a play to teach students to be positive digital citizens and be safer online. The play was adapted to an iBook for province-wide access. Mira successfully pitched the idea of a Youth Advisory Committee to the Mayor of Corner Brook so that youth could be heard and contribute to civic projects. She was Co-President of Students’ Council and a volunteer theatre instructor.
Ibnat Choudkhuri
Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute
Scarborough, ON
Having participated in the local library’s Youth Advisory Group, and Toronto Public Health’s Youth Engaged in Leadership and Learning, Ibnat decided to invent programs to benefit others. She created STEM with Us, to bring weekly, STEM-related challenges to elementary school students. Also, based on her experience as a newcomer to Canada, Ibnat founded Speak Up at her high school to help immigrant students improve their English and gain public speaking skills, in partnership with Greenwood Secondary School’s immigrant student programs. Ibnat also studied and performed Bengali classical music.
Mehak Dhaliwal
Central Peel Secondary School
Caledon, ON
Although Mehak first thought robotics was for boys, she fell in love with the activity when she joined a VEX robotics team. She soon focused on making Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education more accessible and inclusive. Mehak co-founded SPARK, a non-profit student group that held hackathon events and challenged more than 1,000 middle and high school students to solve real-world problems. Mehak also inspired others by organizing annual Girl Powered events and founding an all-girls VEX robotics team. As Dance Team Captain, she shared Indian folk dance at her school.
Jolie Gan
Sir Winston Churchill High School
Calgary, AB
When thirteen-year-old Jolie became a temporary, primary caregiver to her siblings, she realized how many kids face financial instability. Jolie founded Youth Leaders in Law (YLL) to help peers from disadvantaged communities explore law careers. They connected hundreds of students with lawyer volunteers to demystify the legal field. She also co-founded a speech camp with a local charity to help immigrant and disabled youth build confidence and find their voice. Jolie was a Royal Canadian Mounted Police National Youth Advisor and a student researcher at the University of Calgary’s law faculty.
Ethan Hesler
Ancaster High School
Ancaster, ON
After discovering the power of speech to help reach his potential, Ethan founded The Net, a youth empowerment group. The volunteer team developed various programming lacking in the community, from financial literacy and tutoring to youth cooking skills and promotion of young local musicians. They also held socially distant, cleanup events during the pandemic, to maintain public spaces amidst increased usage. Crediting the Leadership in Training Program at Canterbury Hills camp for helping him find his voice, Ethan later spoke for others as a Student Trustee on the regional school board.
Medina Jones
Oakville Trafalgar High School
Oakville, ON
As a young Black woman in a largely white community, Medina strove to rectify injustices faced by racialized individuals, including systemic racism in education. Amidst 2020 Black Lives Matter activism, Medina was a founder of the Oakville Black Alliance, mobilizing approximately 1,000 supporters at local protests. She joined Halton Black Voices, co-founded the Halton Black Student Union, and produced a video to detail racism she encountered in school, helping prompt the school board to begin data collection on systemic racism. Medina tutored racialized youth and helped lead her school Debate Society.
Donel Kadima
Ernest Manning High School
Calgary, AB
Believing in the power of connecting with others to drive change, including among her small Afro-Francophone community, Donel became a dedicated blogger and editor of the student-run Youth Are Awesome (YAA) website. After writing on topics from art and history to racial disparities, she worked with YAA to organize a month-long initiative to condemn systemic racism called “Youth Central Combats Racism.” They encouraged online participants to recognize their personal biases and beliefs on racial inequality. Donel was also active in Model United Nations, Debate Club and basketball.
Mahek Kaur
West Humber Collegiate Institute
Mississauga, ON
To honour the memory of her mother who passed away from ALS, Mahek fundraised to support ALS patients currently battling the illness. With encouragement from family and mentors, she initiated the annual Walk to End ALS Etobicoke to support research and patient support. The event exceeded its fundraising and participant targets through Mahek’s efforts to enlist volunteers and engage local media. A leader on Student Leadership Council, Social Justice Club and Math Science Technology Council, Mahek also mentored a prize-winning Lego League robotics team at a local elementary school.
Jaden Lawen
Sacred Heart School of Halifax
Halifax, NS
To give back to the communities that shaped him, Jaden became a mentor to younger students at his all-boys school by organizing the “Guys Time” club, instilling young minds with leadership skills and positive attitudes. Following the port explosion in Beirut, where Jaden has extended family, he founded the “Halifax to Beirut with Love” fundraiser, to help the Canadian Red Cross and Lebanese Red Cross deliver urgent humanitarian aid. Jaden was President of his church group, hosting children’s events and soup kitchens, Head Boy of Students’ Council, a Debate Club member and hockey player.
Timothy Masso
Ucluelet Secondary School
Ucluelet, BC
Timothy developed a love for his Indigenous language – Nuu-chah-nulth – at a young age but was disappointed that it was not taught at school. Timothy’s political advocacy helped inspire the University of Victoria to pilot the community-based, University Language Revitalization Program, in which Tim enrolled at age 14. Finishing the diploma in the top of his class, Timothy volunteered as a Nuu-chah-nulth language teacher, raised language appreciation at Parks Canada and in the community, and was a BC Youth Parliament volunteer. He carved a 24-foot, dugout canoe to serve as a land language tool.
Kajal Mishra
Princess Margaret Secondary School
Surrey, BC
After moving from the pristine Rocky Mountains to a polluted urban area, Kajal gained an appreciation of the environment and the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities. She co-founded the Princess Margaret Green Team, to lead peers in sustainable activities, including school-wide pen recycling, a student garden, community tree-planting and a local business market. In 2020, she hosted “Small People, Big Facts” webinars to involve youth in 21 countries in social justice topics. Kajal has also volunteered with Sustainabiliteens Vancouver, Sierra Club BC and Students’ Council.
Boluwatife Ogunniyi
Eastview Secondary School
Barrie, ON
Inspired by parents who taught her to be a change-making global citizen, Bolu created the first local youth group focused on sustainability. She approached the Living Green organization to sponsor her efforts to create the Simcoe County Environmental Youth Alliance. The team of more than 20 young people organized environmental events, including the virtual #TREESMATTER campaign during the pandemic, which resulted in more than 60 native species plantings. Bolu also volunteered at the Gilda’s Club Kids Kamp, the Barrie Public Library, Eco Schools Youth Advisory Council and in student government.
Imani Pinder
Garden City Collegiate
Winnipeg, MB
When severe racial bullying forced Imani to transfer schools, she created a Black Student Union at her new school with help from a Black teacher, forming a safe space for Black students and raising awareness of racial inequality. When racial injustice surged in 2020, Imani was a key youth organizer and speaker at the largest Black Lives Matter protest in Winnipeg, helping Black citizens share their experiences with racism. To connect with her Afro-Caribbean-Canadian heritage, Imani joined the Barbados Association of Winnipeg and managed its online thrift store to fundraise for youth.
Claire Scrimini
Burnaby North Secondary School
Burnaby, BC
Claire’s passion for supporting the science community began in grade nine, when she developed an award-winning science project. She co-founded a district Science Leadership Program to provide mentorships and opportunities to students. When the pandemic suspended in-person activities, she and her twin sister and InspoScience Canada co-created a virtual North American science fair, so science enthusiasts could compete, earn scholarships and network. Claire also played soccer and volunteered with Simon Fraser University Camps.
Krish Shah
Westwood Community High School
Fort McMurray, AB
When Krish returned to Fort McMurray after the devastating 2016 wildfire, he was saddened to see the City’s forests turned to ash. He co-founded EcoYOLO, to mobilize youth in environmental action and, over two years, the group fundraised and replanted more than 4,000 trees. Leveraging his interest in STEM, Krish joined, chaired, and revitalized the YouthComputing group, to teach technology and entrepreneurship to students. He applied technology to aid dementia patients, research heart disease, and collect youth input on public transit routes to help the municipality develop a bus-tracking app.
Souang Wu
Champlain Regional College
Candiac, QC
Having been active in school groups like Green Team and Running Club, and Vice President of Clubs and Societies of the Champlain Student Association, Souang became an organizer of the First Year Leadership Program (FLIP) to help transition high school students into her CEGEP community. Realizing that COVID-19 restrictions on in-person learning would disrupt new student integration, she established FlipIT (FLIP Integration Trio Program) to provide helpful online guides, learning strategy workshops, and match participants with a returning student mentor and network of classmates.
Fatima Ahmed
Monarch Park Collegiate Institute
Toronto, ON
Believing that social change comes from inside the community, Fatima targeted the youth violence she saw in her neighbourhood. She helped create Our Voices Out Loud to offer youth-led anti-bullying and anti-discrimination education and professional development. After program funding was cut, Fatima partnered with Pathways to Education to form Girls Unlimited, developing peer training and resources to tackle mental health, body image and cultural pressures faced by racialized females. She was also a member of the Regent Park Health Centre Youth Advisory Committee.
Harjot Bal
Tamanawis Secondary School
Surrey, BC
When Harjot discovered how members of his community struggled to find blood or stem cell donations when they faced health crises, he helped establish the One Blood For Life Foundation. This non-profit seeks equity for patients, including under-represented ethnic minorities, in part by encouraging youth to become life-long blood donors. As CEO and Director of Internal Operations, Harjot helped build a network of 440 volunteers whose efforts resulted in 3,550 blood donations and 1,540 new, ethnically-diverse stem cell registrations. He also volunteered for food drives and the Jivana Organ Donation Society.
Charlotte Brady
Glenlyon Norfolk School,
Victoria, BC
Charlotte showed persistence during her five-year effort to urge the BC public to abandon single use plastics. Although she and fellow members of the Ban the Bag initiative persuaded Victoria City Council to ban single use plastic bags, the decision was overturned in provincial court. After regrouping to form Kids for a Plastic Free Canada, her team partnered with the UVIC law department to educate the public and provincial officials on the issue. Charlotte also founded and led her school’s Pride and Equality Club to support LGBTQ+ youth at school, in the community and around the world.
Chinemerem Chigbo
Miles Macdonell Collegiate Institute
Winnipeg, MB
Chinemerem decided to create a boys’ mental health group in his school after a close friend committed suicide. The Heads-up Guys club provided his fellow “bros” with a place they could break the stigma of what it means to be “manly,” share their feelings and encourage boys to be themselves. He later promoted the concept at other local schools. Chinemerem was also Student Council President, volunteered with Youth in Philanthropy, served as a legislative page and was a catechism teacher, preparing weekly lesson plans and activities to help youth overcome their academic struggles.
David Chung
Ancaster High School
Ancaster, Ontario
David realized the importance of financial literacy at age 15, when his father’s death forced him to manage the family finances, including estate settlement, on behalf of his mother who spoke little English. He developed Foundations of Finance, a youth-led program to improve teenagers’ financial knowledge. The annual, one-day event provided speakers, workshops and interactive case studies to help students learn topics such as budgeting, debt, taxes and investing. David worked with the McMaster PennyDrops chapter as an ambassador to integrate financial skills into the high school curriculum.
Theodore Collins
Paris District High School
Scotland, ON
Having begun high school as a shy and self-conscious youth, Theodore is grateful to peers and mentors who saw his leadership potential. After experiencing the isolation and fear of many LGBTQ+ teens, Theodore co-founded Queers United for Education in Small Towns (QUEST). With the goal of creating a safe, inclusive learning environment, QUEST organized campaigns like Pink Shirt Day, lobbied for resources for transgender youth, and raised a pride flag on school grounds. Theodore was also Co-Prime Minister of Students’ Council, a senior member of Environment Council and section lead in the Senior Band.
Keilidh Corkill
JL Ilsley High School
Halifax, NS
After taking part in Indigenous cultural events to reflect her heritage, Keilidh decided to raise student awareness of injustices suffered by First Nations communities and the underlying social conditions. She organized a day at her school to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, by rallying students, staff and community members, including thrift shops that donated symbolic, red clothing for displays. Keilidh screened a documentary to inform students on the issue and mentored schoolmates to plan future events. She played soccer and participated in Pathways to Education.
Shelby Dunfield
Sussex Regional High School
Penobsquis, NB
As President of her school Interact Club, Shelby introduced The Backpack Program at the Sussex Elementary School. By securing school and community sponsors, they provided a dozen children with two daily meals and snacks over the weekend when they are not at school. While Shelby worked to expand this food security program to other schools, she volunteered on the yearbook committee and focused on ensuring that all students were included in photos and memories captured in the publication. Shelby was also involved in Students’ Council and fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Isabella Gallant
Miramichi Valley High School
Miramichi, NB
Isabella was surprised how mental health was a taboo subject in her community, where everybody kept their struggles to themselves. After surveying students to uncover the scope of their mental health challenges, Isabella and her friends co-created the MVRealTalk group, to host student workshops and arrange suicide prevention training for staff. Isabella later realized the impact of her work when the mother of a suicide victim thanked her for the group’s work to prevent future tragedies. She was also a youth representative on the local Addictions, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Committee.
Merah Gasmo
Campbell Collegiate
Regina, SK
As a leader of Local Initiative, an annual school fundraiser for community needs in Regina, Merah championed efforts to support the economically challenged North Central district. Through pancake breakfasts, movie afternoons and ‘pet puppies’ events, the campaign collected money, clothing and much needed school and hygiene supplies for social service agencies. As the head of her school Reconciliation Committee, Merah organized Celebration Week to raise awareness of Indigenous social justice issues and fundraised to help expand school facilities on Muscowpetung Reserve in southern Saskatchewan.
Jessie Lawrence
Corner Brook Regional High School
Pasadena, NL
As a young member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Jessie lacked mentors or “persons in her corner” in Western Newfoundland. At age 14, Jessie created Camp Ohana, a four-day summer camp and queer space for youth by youth. Overcoming many hurdles - including permits, grant applications and skeptical adults - Jessie successfully hosted these inclusive experiences for more than 50 youth and 30 volunteers, helping participants find meaningful support and make lasting friendships. Jessie was also active as vice-president of Franco-Jeunes and led an all-girls competitive snowboarding group.
Jia Liu
Dawson College
Montreal, QC
As a frequent volunteer with the elderly, Jia was impressed by studies that showed how artistic activities have a positive impact on senior citizens’ mental and physical health. Working with Dr. Olivier Beauchet of McGill University, Jia founded the Dawson Art and Longevity Group to hold museum tours for isolated seniors, including first generation Chinese immigrants without the language skills to access the arts. These visits have enriched the quality of life for elderly Chinese and Francophone participants, while providing invaluable data for research into geriatric medicine.
Jocelyne Murphy
Sir John A. MacDonald High School
Waterloo, Ontario
Seeing how today’s teens are bombarded by global issues they feel powerless to address, Jocelyne led SVP Teens, an initiative that sprouted from the Social Venture Partners network. This youth-led leadership and community development program educated teens about volunteering and fundraising and coached them through a grant-making process. SVP Teens has grown into a 90-member non-profit, focused on creating the next generation of philanthropists. Jocelyne was also a soccer coach for low-income kids, an anti-bullying ambassador, a FIRST Robotics team member and a competitive hockey player.
Anjalee Narenthiren
University of Toronto Schools
Mississauga, ON
Anjalee felt fortunate that she was exposed to computer science at a young age, even though most youth in her province can’t access technology education until grade 10. To expose younger minds to STEM, Anjalee founded TechExplore.co. She borrowed robotics kits from a teacher and taught the subject at low-income and all-girls primary schools. Based on the childrens’ enthusiastic response, she recruited high school students to expand program reach, through more workshops and Youtube videos. Anjalee also created an all-girls TechExplore.co Club to give females a safe space to explore technology.
Tomy Pelletier
College Jean-de-Brébeuf
Laval, QC
Tomy’s in-school activities included his efforts to manage the auditorium, so it could be better utilized by diverse student groups, and chairing the Brébeuf Co-operative Board of Directors, to support and develop student leaders. As co-chair of the entrepreneurship club, he helped members promote socially- and environmentally-responsible companies and products. As a Cadet Corps member for nearly seven years, Tomy planned accessible programs to turn today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders, including adventure training exercises to build their physical and mental skills.
Nicholas Rampertab
Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School
Oakville, ON
When Nicholas’ VEX Robotics Competition team won the World Championship Tournament, he chose to share his passion with other youth and became lead robotics teacher at a library program for children. After helping to launch a FIRST Robotics program for patients at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Nicholas applied this experience to launch the Best Buddies Robotics program at school. He helped marginalized students, including those with developmental disabilities, discover opportunities in STEM. Nicholas was a member of his school social justice club and the concert and jazz band.
Samantha Scott
Eastview Secondary School
Oro-Medonte, ON
When Samantha realized that there was little representation or support in the school system for students of Indigenous heritage like herself, she co-founded her high school’s first ever First Nations, Metis and Inuit cultural club. The group became a supportive space for Indigenous students to share their experiences and organize events, including a justice walk to raise awareness of Indigenous issues, red dress campaigns to commemorate missing and murdered Indigenous women, and involvement in Indigenous education days in the community. Samantha also participated in student government.
Scott Sharma
Colonel By Secondary School
Ottawa, ON
When Scott observed the social exclusion and disrespect faced by a friend who was transitioning genders, he started Generation Queer and advocated for separate, non-binary washrooms and locker rooms in schools. He joined a federal government health initiative to publish the “Pride Report” on gender-based violence faced by the Queer community and prompted his school to approve non-binary bathrooms and change rooms. Scott planned Queer awareness workshops, worked as an Inclusion Counsellor for special-needs children in a city camp and coached youth rugby.
Jessica Soule
Glenlyon Norfolk School,
Victoria, BC
Jessica has focused on giving youth the tools to save lives ever since she started volunteering with Foundry BC, a network of youth clinics across the province. Jessica created “This is: Harm Reduction,” a program that educated youth on the opioid crisis, destigmatized addiction issues and taught harm reduction techniques including naloxone training. Jessica also volunteered for International Overdose Awareness Day and Foundry Victoria Youth Action Council and as the Service Prefect at school, developing a mentorship program for younger students.
Molly Tremblay Lavallée
CEGEP de Sorel-Tracy
Contrecoeur, QC
Molly involved youth in social, environmental and international development issues, through her work in her CEGEP store, Magasin du Monde. She promoted Quebec-made, fair trade merchandise and encouraged inter-generational learning, by offering the products at a seniors’ centre. As President of the store, she began a weekly thrift shop for persons in need. Molly was student spokesperson at a global march for the climate crisis in Sorel-Tracy and joined an ecological group to drive regional social inclusion and environmental protection programs. She also taught student leadership workshops. Molly would like to study communications for a possible career as a politician.
Jana Abdul-Rahim
Dawson College Laval, PQ
While 12-year-old Jana volunteered at Champleury Community Centre for fun and free food, she soon realized the positive impact of volunteering. To inspire youth interest in human rights, Jana planned Amnesty International (AI) conferences and grew her school chapter. As a member of AI’s National Youth Committee, she helped students across Quebec run campaigns, while she also organized an annual disabilities awareness show for youth with disabilities, including young artists. Jana helped start the Darna Youth Association to offer Palestinian youth a safe place to share their culture. Jana plans to study at McGill University and is considering a career in international law or economics.
Keeley Aird
Saint Brother Andre Catholic High School Markham, ON
Keeley felt fortunate to experience science at an early age but appreciated that others may not have the same chance. She co-created STEM Kids Rock to empower youth to teach other kids science, technology, engineering and math. Keeley helped 75 volunteers run 300 free mobile science centre events for over 150,000 participants. Keeley included persons with disabilities as volunteers, to show that everyone has something to share. A volunteer and coach with the High-5 Special Needs Soccer Team at the Unionville Milliken Soccer Club, Keeley also served as co-captain of the Toronto FC Special Olympics Unified Team. Keeley wants to study chemistry at McMaster University and make STEM Kids Rock a national charitable organization.
Abdimalik Ali
Gordon Bell High School Winnipeg, MB
After Abdimalik’s difficult, solo journey to Canada from crisis-ravaged Somalia, he was amazed by the welcome strangers offered him. He vowed to return their kindness by helping others and becoming a role model to immigrant youth. In addition to tutoring new Canadian children at the Peaceful Village Program, Abdimalik joined his school Youth in Philanthropy club, which raises funds to help youth and families access basic necessities. He felt gratified to see kids enjoy carefree play when he volunteered at the Wolseley School Picnic, something that would be impossible in his Somalian homeland. Abdimalik plans to study pre-medicine at the University of Winnipeg .
Hamdi Ali
Edmonton Islamic Academy Edmonton, AB
Hamdi chose to make her community a better place, driven by her experiences in overcoming adversity. After helping boost the self-esteem of a girl she tutored at the Somali-Canadian Cultural Society, Hamdi decided to start a Social Justice Club and co-found a Community Leaders Club to engage students in good causes. To improve mental health awareness in her faith community, Hamdi worked with her school to form a Peer Support Group so students can de-stress and talk freely. Hamdi was Student Council President, participated in the Science Olympics and served on her school rugby team. Hamdi wants to study health sciences or political science at the University of Alberta.
Catherine Cadigan
IE Weldon Secondary School Downeyville, ON
Catherine has helped youth overcome barriers to success and given them a voice on local, provincial and national issues. She founded her school Model United Nations club and, when she learned that Indigenous girls in Northern Ontario miss school since they can’t afford feminine hygiene products, she co-created the Moon Time Challenge to gather 7,500 products for Indigenous support groups. She created a 12 Days of Christmas Challenge, so students could collect gifts for abused women and children, and she began an in-school youth advisory board, to relay educational views to the federal government. Catherine plans to study political science and work in Canadian human rights law or as an educational policy analyst.
Keneisha Charles
Rutland Senior Secondary School Kelowna, BC
After finding her calling in humanitarianism, Keneisha immersed herself in her school Diversity Club to provide a safe space for all students, regardless of their ability, culture, gender identity, religion or sexuality. Keneisha also joined Rotary’s Interact service club, reaching the role of President, and planned outreach for many causes including the Take Two initiative. Through this waste reduction program, students created a recycling workspace in a repurposed shipping container to divert their school’s plastic waste into new items. She also plays lead alto saxophone with a local jazz band. Keneisha aims to study social work.
Ethan Elliott
Stratford Central Secondary School Stratford, ON
Ethan vowed to become a ‘doer,’ and act to address complex challenges, when he joined the Ontario Nature Youth Council. As a member of this group, he learned the impact of pollinators on the planet and food supply. He led a successful campaign to declare Stratford a ‘Bee City’ to promote awareness and create new pollinator habitats. Ethan organized all-ages events to plant pollinator gardens and he began a Bee Schools program at his high school. Through his leadership in the youth climate movement, he inspired other young ‘doers’ to advocate for government action on the climate crisis. Ethan plans to study both international relations and the environment and sustainability, towards a career in environmental protection or the foreign service.
Katherine Estabrooks
James M.Hill Memorial High School Miramichi, NB
Katherine became a mental health activist the day she learned a fellow student committed suicide. Recognizing that schools lacked staffing and tools to assist youth in crisis, she formed a student group to persuade officials to introduce suicide prevention training and add mental health to the curriculum. They successfully lobbied the Department of Education and District Education Council to evaluate the number of school psychologists and counsellors and embed mental health protocols. Katherine also acted in local theatre and served as a Catechist to grade one and two students at her church. Katherine plans to earn a Bachelor of Science degree towards a career in medicine or health.
Marzan Hamid
Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute Toronto, ON
Marzan described her Sprout Initiative as “introducing kids to the joy and community of curiosity.” With support from the Ontario government’s Beyond 3:30 after-school program, she organized STEM workshops for kids from low-income communities, so participants can learn a concept and complete a team challenge alongside a volunteer mentor. As a representative of the Impact Youth Incubator for the Institute of Youth Health and Development, Marzan identified health needs and gaps in her community. She also led a Global Ideas Institute Club, wrote for her school paper and volunteered as an ESL tutor. Marzan hopes to pursue a career in medicine or public health.
Jiawei (Vivian) Huang
Colonel Gray High School Charlottetown, PEI
Troubled by the lack of language learning and volunteer opportunities for immigrant youth, Vivian expanded the Junior Youth Empowerment Program by creating a Junior Group in her neighbourhood. She trained volunteer mentors to accompany newcomer youth on community service projects at a nursing home, conduct literacy classes and hold art camps, so participants were empowered to express themselves both verbally and visually. She was a youth leader with the National Speaking Rights Team, directing a video project to profile exemplary young people and dispel stereotypes about youth. She also competed in her school cross country and track team. Vivian would like to be a therapist or social worker after earning a degree in psychology.
Brianna Jonnie
Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Winnipeg, MB
When Brianna attracted public attention for penning a heartfelt letter to politicians about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, she chose to take concrete action. The Anishinaabekwe youth volunteered to give females a voice and confidence and joined groups to raise issues at all government levels, including the RCMP Youth Advisory Council. As a speaker with Strong Girls, Strong World and the Teen Talk programs, she taught youth about healthy relationships and good decision-making, while also managing her chronic Dysautonomia condition and serving as a certified peer supporter to teens. Brianna plans to study science at the University of Winnipeg and work towards a career in medicine or law.
Julian Krizsan
École acadienne de Truro Truro, NS
Julian has shown how an open heart and mind lead to innovation and change. As the youngest board member of the Living Earth Council, a community environmental group, he planned local food events and promoted bike riding as sustainable transportation. An avid film-maker, Julian also ran a children’s agricultural program at the Truro Farmers’ Market and, as President of the school Environmental Committee, he created an art installation from used plastics, prompting staff to ban plastic cutlery. Julian played in Acadian bands to show kids that their musical and French language heritage are cool. Julian would like to study industrial design and become an engineer or product designer.
Alec Landry
École Mathieu-Martin Dieppe, NB
Believing that his community has enriched his own life, Alec dedicated himself to giving back to others amidst his busy academic and athletic schedule. After witnessing the isolation of special needs students at his school, he opened a Best Buddies chapter to build friendships between his classmates and students with disabilities. He expanded his effort by founding Best Buddies Action to help integrate students with disabilities into schools across Southeast New Brunswick. A hospital volunteer, debate committee member and math tutor, Alec was also elected President of his Student Council. Alec plans to study biochemistry at the University of Toronto and work in medicine, psychology or business.
Andréa Lévesque
Cégep de Rimouski Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, PQ
Andréa followed a belief that our future hinges on everyone’s involvement. While participating in a summer science internship with SLAquaponie, Andréa saw the potential of aquaponics, the agricultural system that combines raising fish and plants. She co-founded an in-school aquaponics youth cooperative to teach classmates this eco-friendly method of food production and instill an entrepreneurial spirit, by raising local, organic food for the school cafeteria. In addition to writing and cheerleading, she provided weekly homework support to children with learning disabilities. Andréa would like to obtain a Bachelor of Education degree towards a career as a pre-school or primary school teacher.
Si Ming Lin
Collège Marianopolis Montreal, PQ
Si Ming credits her immigrant parents for teaching her to step out of her comfort zone and face uncertainty. When she witnessed high anxiety among students, she became a leader with Jack.Org, planning events like exam-season yoga to help youth de-stress. Entering student politics, Si Ming became a Student Advocacy Coordinator for the Student Union, sitting as such on the Academic Council. She has also been active on mental health and sexual violence committees. She gained her school’s approval to create its first-ever mentoring program and applied her YMCA mentoring skills to train senior students to help new students with social and academic issues. Si Ming would like to study psychology and become a psychologist or lawyer.
Arpit (Arry) Pandher
Tamanawis Secondary School Surrey, BC
Believing that everyone wants to be a better version of themselves, Arry aimed to empower Indigenous youth dealing with inter-generational traumas. Joining Break the Divide, he helped student-run chapters connect these young people in global causes. After serving as a tutor for at-risk youth, Arry co-founded Board Game With BASES (Building Academic Social and Employment Skills) where students played games with special needs youth in three schools. As an RCMP youth leadership delegate, Arry designed an action plan to tackle gun violence with events to alert youth to the dangers of gang involvement. Arry would like to build a career in business or marketing.
Criswyn Paul
Kingston Collegiate Vocational Institute Kingston, ON
Grateful that his parents taught him good financial habits, Criswyn co-created Common Cents, a financial literacy campaign to help grade 4-12 students gain crucial life skills. He partnered with post-secondary professors and financial institutions to teach senior high school students options to finance their post-secondary education. Playing the first violin in the Kingston Youth Orchestra, Criswyn volunteered at a retirement home, performing for seniors and engaging them in games and conversation. He was a crew leader at his church’s Vacation Bible School and served on Student Council. Criswyn wants to study business towards a career in international business.
Lilaani Thangavadivelu
CW Jefferys Collegiate Institute Toronto, ON
When media coverage formed a negative image of her Jane and Finch community, Lilaani became a founding member of the SMILE program at school so that people would smile instead of frown when they thought about local students. She held a boot camp and excursions for immigrant and grade nine students to immerse them in Canadian society and teach social and employable skills to gain part-time work. As editor of an essay competition for the ROOTS Cultural Foundation, she edited 100 essays to help improve student literacy. She mentored kids with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto and was elected Student Council President. Lilaani wishes to pursue a career in medicine and continue to serve her community.
Jennifer Wani
Luther College, Regina, SK
As a child born to South Sudanese refugees, Jennifer dedicated herself to raising awareness of injustices around the world. She founded a Social Advocacy Club to promote gender equality and children’s rights and led a #WOKEWEEK campaign to shed light on the plight of Canada’s Indigenous people. She co-founded South Sudanese Youth of Canada to support and mentor other first-generation youth and planned Multicultural Nights at her school to celebrate cultural diversity. In addition to serving as an International Student Guide, Jennifer was Senior Manager of her school basketball program. Jennifer plans to study business and become an entrepreneur or human rights lawyer.
Risann Wright
Pickering High School Ajax, ON
Risann bridged the divides between marginalized communities and society by identifying and addressing their barriers to success. She developed a high school mentorship program, A Targeted Vision, to help racialized students, particularly black males, access role models and mentors. The program is being expanded to other schools. She led Breaking Barriers, a school social justice club, and founded PHS Students for Equity, to promote diverse youth groups. She was Prime Minister of Student Government and served as a Durham District School Board Student Trustee to represent students among policy-makers. Risann plans to study politics and economics.
Amanda Adam
From St Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, Oakville, ON.
Amanda spent her high school years changing stereotypes. She began her school’s first mental health club, founding a Jack.org chapter, to reduce stigma around mental illness. She hosted events to engage students and create a safe space for struggling youth. As a member of an all-girls robotics team, Amanda challenged attitudes in the male-dominated STEMR sector, encouraging girls to pursue interests in science, technology, engineering, math and robotics. By leading her school STEMR council as the STEMR Prefect, Amanda mentored girls and advocated to reduce the gender gap in the scientific community. Amanda would like to become an engineer, lawyer or entrepreneur.
Abigail Bonnington
From Annapolis West Education Centre, Granville Ferry, NS.
Inspired by the volunteer spirit of her parents and the Annapolis Royal community, Abigail co-founded a social issues club at school and embarked on fundraisers such as annual ‘Get the Goat’ campaigns, to purchase goats through Plan Canada, and a ‘Fast for Food’ event, in which youth fasted for 30 hours to support a food bank. Each successful event prompted Abigail to take on new causes and her club grew from two to 50 members. She was also active in Student Council, school band and drama, was a church youth leader, and was a member of the Annapolis Royal Space Agency and Royal Robotics team. Abigail would like to study environmental engineering.
Hayden Cheung
From St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School, Richmond Hill, ON.
Having watched his immigrant parents work night and day, Hayden founded Youth Nation Alliance to provide youth-to-youth support services to new immigrant students. His team provided peer mentoring to more than 1,000 youth, including volunteer matching, translations and social outings. Also committed to Canada’s history, Hayden joined the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network to support the Nipissing First Nations community. He and his friends created the CONNECT App to join isolated Indigenous youth through a virtual drop-in program to find physical activities and recreation sports wherever they live. Hayden may pursue a career in human rights or immigration law, social work or international relations.
Ivan Chiang
From Burnaby Mountain Secondary School, Burnaby, BC.
Refusing to ignore the homeless members of his community, Ivan founded The Hot Potato Initiative, a youth-led movement to overcome the indifference of everyday citizens. Looking beyond superficial ‘band-aid solutions’, he led a team of 50 students in creating a media campaign around the biographical stories of real people living on the streets, to inspire empathy and destigmatize homelessness. His project engaged over 50,000 Canadians through social media. Ivan also participated in Burnaby's Seniors & Technology program, teaching senior citizens to use electronic devices. He hopes to study business or international development.
Bronwyn Clifton
From St Pius X High School, Ottawa, ON.
After Bronwyn watched a loved-one struggle with their identity, she formed her school’s first gay straight alliance. To make the group inclusive of anyone who felt they did not belong, regardless of sexual orientation, she named the club HUGS (Humans Understanding Gender and Sexuality). They held school-wide events including presentations on bullying, lobbied for a gender-neutral bathroom and fundraised for a local community centre for LGBTQ+ youth. Bronwyn also headed her school’s Peer Helpers program for new students, took part in Ontario Youth Parliament and volunteered at church camps. Bronwyn would like to be a developmental psychologist, teacher or youth counsellor.
Justen Di Ruscio
From Leo Hayes High School, Penniac, NB.
From a young age, Justen loved science, electronics and engineering but struggled to find ways to explore these interests. Inspired by his school Science Club, he convinced the Fredericton Makerspace social enterprise to pilot an after-school science program, which expanded to offer city-wide competitions and a regular 'STEM @ The Ville’ for youth. Justen also helped create a solar passive greenhouse and indoor urban agricultural room at The Ville Co-operative, to test innovative growing techniques. His other volunteer work included community climbing wall instructor and in-school math and physics tutor. Justen wants to be an embedded systems designer or electronics hardware engineer, potentially in his own company.
Charlotte Durnford-Dionne
From Marianopolis College, Westmount, PQ .
While volunteering at the Tyndale-St. Georges Community Centre, Charlotte saw how some youth were not interested in sports-focused programing. She co-founded an after-school art activity for children age six through 12, after fundraising from local businesses to acquire supplies. Enlisting volunteers to help children from underprivileged backgrounds unlock their artistic selves – including artwork for cancer patients – the group became a continuous program at the centre. Charlotte also helped lead an inclusive running club and an intersectional feminist club at her school. She is interested in a career as a documentary film-maker or creative director for a non-governmental organization.
Jenna Harris
From Cawthra Park Secondary School, Mississauga, ON.
Jenna co-created her school’s first Black Students Association after she organized a meeting to learn about her classmates’ experiences and struggles with prejudice. The club helped students discuss their challenges, raise issues with school administration and celebrate black culture, through events like black history presentations by guest speakers. By recruiting younger student members, the group will continue once Jenna graduates. She was also involved in student council, tutored peers in math and science and danced in her school urban dance club and at the Collective of Black Artists. Jenna plans to study biomedical or electrical engineering.
Daniyal Kashif
From R.S. McLaughlin Secondary School, Oshawa, ON.
When his family emigrated to Canada from Pakistan, Daniyal felt ostracized by others since he was the only Muslim child in a school with no South Asian presence. To offer respect, kindness and friendship to other youth, in grade 10 Daniyal founded a Multicultural Committee. The group grew into his school’s largest club by welcoming students of all ethnicities and raising cultural awareness through fundraisers, multicultural food buffets and activities like the Abolish Hatred Poster Competition. He also served on his school Athletic Council and Reach for the Top team and played sports like ultimate frisbee. Daniyal hopes to study health sciences or biochemistry on the road to a career in medicine.
Jasmine Lee
From R.E. Mountain Secondary School, Langley, BC.
Environmentally-minded Jasmine saw how aquaponics – cultivating aquatic animals and plants in a symbiotic environment – could reduce global famine. After testing a backyard aquaponics system, she convinced school officials to let her build a unit in the commons, to teach students sustainable farming and donate the weekly harvest to a soup kitchen. As President of the school Sustainability Corps, she inspired other young environmentalists to create a school greenhouse and expand aquaponics to other schools. Jasmine served on her Member of Parliament’s Youth Council and volunteered at a camp for bereaved children. She would like to study engineering and architecture.
Matthew Linehan
From Nepean High School, Ottawa, ON.
Having experienced significant pollution when he lived in Asia, Matthew committed to creating a cleaner, healthier planet. After returning to Canada, he established a high school environment club to raise awareness and introduce solutions, such as composting school food waste. He travelled to the Arctic with Students on Ice to learn about climate change from Inuit elders and shared his knowledge on the Ontario Nature Youth Council, lobbying government on climate change issues. While planning environmental awareness events for the David Suzuki Foundation’s Blue Dot program, Matthew was active in many sports including hockey, karate and track. Matthew plans to study environmental engineering.
Jack Mogus
From Garth Webb Secondary School, Oakville, ON.
With his love of sports, Jack realized how many Indigenous children could not enjoy these healthy, positive activities since they could not access sports equipment. He collected used sports gear at his elementary school and shipped it to remote Indigenous communities. He later founded Change By Youth and donated 2,500 skates and hockey equipment to kids in need while providing volunteer opportunities to 300 youth. He has also led 22 Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanups to educate the public about protecting waterways. Jack was active in his school science fair club, trained in Taekwondo and helped lead the Oakville Leo Club. He is interested in a career as a researcher or scientific product or biotechnology developer.
Rickesh Mysuria
From Cariboo Hill Secondary School, Burnaby, BC.
Rickesh experienced firsthand how lack of economic means can exclude youth from community activities, so he pledged to improve social inclusion for low-income children. Inspired to study STEM subjects by an elementary school teacher, Rickesh established Mind Blown, an after-school science program in which high school volunteers offer weekly science lessons in two elementary schools. He volunteered with the homeless, on the Burnaby Task Force on Homelessness and the Indo-Africa Charitable Society, and co-founded Children’s Birthday Miracles, to throw monthly celebrations for children from homeless families. Rickesh is considering a career as a math and science teacher or a computer engineer.
Rickesh Mysuria
From Cariboo Hill Secondary School, Burnaby, BC.
Rickesh experienced firsthand how lack of economic means can exclude youth from community activities, so he pledged to improve social inclusion for low-income children. Inspired to study STEM subjects by an elementary school teacher, Rickesh established Mind Blown, an after-school science program in which high school volunteers offer weekly science lessons in two elementary schools. He volunteered with the homeless, on the Burnaby Task Force on Homelessness and the Indo-Africa Charitable Society, and co-founded Children’s Birthday Miracles, to throw monthly celebrations for children from homeless families. Rickesh is considering a career as a math and science teacher or a computer engineer.
Anne Xuan-Lan Nguyen
From Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, Montreal, PQ.
To help underprivileged youth experience culture and broaden their perspectives, Anne founded De-l’Air-Frais pour-un-Sourire-Vrai (Fresh Air for a Real Smile). With 15 volunteers, the group ran children’s excursions such as snowshoeing and art gallery visits. She encouraged other youth leaders in diverse projects and sports, from flag-football teams to Giive, a student-run organization focused on reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Anne represented youth at both Montreal City Council and on the Canadian Commission of UNESCO Youth Building Peace series. She also wrote for several youth publications to counter prejudice. Anne seeks a career in community engagement through social justice or medicine.
Luk Pham
From Britannia Secondary School, Vancouver, BC.
Knowing that families struggle to afford food and after-school care in his neighbourhood, Luk took action to help, and be a positive influence on disadvantaged youth. He co-founded Cook it Up, so grade 4 to 7 students could learn cooking skills from a professional chef. Luk was also a Link Crew leader, helping grade 8 students transition to high school through mentoring and social events. As Officials’ Club President, he encouraged students to volunteer as sports scorekeepers, to participate in positive pastimes, gain employable skills and enable scheduled sports to continue in his community. Luk’s career interests include accounting, marketing and graphic design.
Stephanie Simpson
From Bloor Collegiate Institute, North York, ON.
With a strong sense of empathy for the homeless, Stephanie began raising funds to prepare Christmas gifts for local homeless persons. She started the Off the Streets group at her high school to involve fellow students in fundraising and awareness events and volunteering trips to shelters. By doing so, she has empowered many peers to develop their own leadership skills and community mindedness. Stephanie co-led her school Model United Nations team and was involved in her debate team and student tutoring. She would like to study political science, towards a career in the public service, education or international development.
Shophika Vaithyanathasarma
From Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, Montreal, PQ.
With her interest in vegetarianism, Shophika became involved in the Collège Jean-Eudes Ecology Committee, leading awareness kiosks about water and food waste. She enlisted students in clean-up activities, started recycling and composting programs and lobbied school officials to create a green roof for urban agriculture. Today, it has become a student-run garden that grows and produces teas, pesto and fresh vegetables. At her CEGEP, Shophika helped lead the environmental committee and cooperative association while she volunteered with senior citizens and hosted a weekly radio show in her native Tamil language. Shophika would like to study mathematics, possibly leading to a career as a high school teacher.
Natasha Vatcher
From Oromocto High School, Oromocto, NB.
Natasha led many projects to build stronger connections among community members. She applied her love of knitting to start a hat-knitting campaign, with volunteers producing more than 200 warm hats for the Fredericton Homeless Shelter. She volunteered at a seniors’ home, the library and an elementary school activity program, while spending her summers offering swimming lessons to special needs’ kids and tending a vegetable garden for the Oromocto Food Bank. To inspire other girls to become leaders, Natasha was active on the WOW (Women’s Only Wellness) peer program and on the MP Youth Council to encourage young women to exercise. Natasha wants to study biochemistry towards a career as a doctor, orthopedic surgeon or biomedical engineer.
Avery Young-Lee
From Bert Fox Community High School, Wolseley, SK.
After observing how many of her fellow students put their health at risk by skipping meals, Avery revived an early morning Breakfast Club at her school. While providing busy students, parents and staff with access to a free or affordable hot meal, the program teaches young people about healthy diets, helps classmates earn volunteer experience and supports local businesses and farms. She also volunteered on student leadership council, sang in the choir, was active in recreational sport programs and assisted at a daycare centre. Avery wants to study science towards a career as a pharmacist, pediatrician or veterinarian.
Avery Young-Lee
From Bert Fox Community High School, Wolseley, SK.
After observing how many of her fellow students put their health at risk by skipping meals, Avery revived an early morning Breakfast Club at her school. While providing busy students, parents and staff with access to a free or affordable hot meal, the program teaches young people about healthy diets, helps classmates earn volunteer experience and supports local businesses and farms. She also volunteered on student leadership council, sang in the choir, was active in recreational sport programs and assisted at a daycare centre. Avery wants to study science towards a career as a pharmacist, pediatrician or veterinarian.
Qi Zuo (Ken Johnson)
From South Kamloops Secondary School, Kamloops, BC.
At age 16, Ken founded the Kamloops Youth Volunteers to empower other young people with the courage and knowledge to benefit their community. The city-wide group grew to 80 students who supported youth-led initiatives, such as making cards for sick children at the Royal Inland Hospital or cleaning the animal facilities at the SPCA. Ken also applied his personal drive for innovation and initiative by co-founding the Kamloops Student City Council to give students a voice at City Hall, and the Norkam Badminton Club. In addition, he was also a Model UN delegate, Ted-Ed Club leader, and Rutgers University laboratory assistant. Ken hopes to study neuroscience or immunology in pursuit of a career as an infectious disease specialist with Doctors Without Borders.
Sahar Abdalla
From Leaside High School, Toronto, ON.
Recognizing the challenges faced by youth in one of Toronto’s most multicultural communities, Sahar became a Youth Director on the Flemingdon Park Parent Association. She started a drop-in homework centre for students from grades 4 to 6 and applied her French skills as one of the volunteer tutors. Expanding her work to impart life skills among youth, Sahar also organized leadership workshops and a soccer house league, in which she managed coaches and planned schedules. She also edited her student newspaper and was active on the school robotics team. Sahar plans to study software engineering at the University of Toronto.
Loizza Aquino
From Institut Collegial Vincent Massey Collegiate, Winnipeg, MB.
Loizza became a social justice volunteer at age nine when the images of a typhoon in her native Philippines prompted her to fundraise for disaster victims and building schools in developing countries. In high school, she focused on mental health awareness after her best friend committed suicide. Loizza created Peace of Mind 204, a youth mental health support group that brings together students, speakers and performers to spark conversations on the issue. They later became the official youth advisory group to the Manitoba government. Loizza is considering a career as a lawyer or social worker.
Yiqiao (Cindy) Chen
From Leaside High School, Toronto, ON.
Cindy believes strongly in the power of learning. After tutoring a blind teenager in Beijing, she founded Vision Exchange, a non-profit program matching sighted English-speaking mentors with blind Chinese buddies for online classes and conferences. The program grew to 120 participants in three countries, helping Chinese blind people overcome their limited education options and fulfill their dreams. Cindy also ran music theory and science youth camps at the Victoria Park Hub community centre and founded her school’s first business club. After pursuing Engineering Science at University of Toronto, Cindy is interested in becoming a professor or economist, while continuing to be a freelance composer.
William Chinnery
From Leaside High School, Toronto, ON.
Inspired by volunteers who made a profound impact on him as a young cancer patient, William has been dedicated to helping people ever since. He designed an online test registration process to help Special Education students register for support during tests which has been adopted by other schools. As part of the executive for his school’s Mental Health Committee, he organizes events and assemblies to stop the stigma regarding mental illness and help students cope with stress. William also introduces children with disabilities to technology and robotics at a children’s rehabilitation hospital, and provides ongoing audiovisual and technology mentorship to students from his elementary school. William plans to attend Ryerson University in Business Technology Management.
Chaymae Chraibi
From Cégep de Trois Rivières, Trois Rivières, PQ.
Gaining inspiration and confidence as a participant in the international robotics competition, Robotique FIRST, Chaymae decided to make a similar difference for other youth. She set up an extracurricular robotics club at a local elementary school – the first of its kind for primary students in the region – and mentored more than 20 youth to research and build their own robots for team competitions. Chaymae also helped other immigrant youth with homework at a newcomers centre and volunteered at an Alzheimer’s patient facility. She would like to pursue a career as an industrial engineer.
Martin-Olivier Dagenais
From Collége Jean-de-Brébeuf, Montreal, PQ.
After volunteering at a summer camp with youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, Martin-Olivier realized how talented young people can be held back by their economic status. In response, he began Exception, a mentoring program for secondary school students in one of Montreal’s lower income neighbourhoods. With the mission of preparing tomorrow’s leaders, he raised funds for a scholarship and recruited college students to build long-term friendships with mentees. Martin-Olivier also volunteered at a homeless shelter and was active in student government. He plans to study politics, law and commerce at the University of Ottawa.
Elijah Dietrich
From Kelvin High School, Winnipeg, MB.
As President of his school’s Environmental Action Committee, Elijah learned that leadership requires strong listening skills to understand others’ interests. To reduce the contamination rate of school recyclables, the group organized a student and staff competition to recycle correctly, plus other awareness, fundraising and lobbying efforts to improve school environmental practices. In addition to serving as Student Council Co-president, Elijah co-founded an entrepreneurial development program to empower students to start their own ventures. Elijah would like to become an entrepreneur, venture capitalist or politician after studying engineering and business administration at the University of Western Ontario.
Kian Drew
From Se’t A’newey Kina’matino’kuom (St. Anne’s School), Conne River, Mi’kmaq Territory, Nfld.
Deciding to take things into his own hands to create a more open-minded atmosphere in his small community, Kian established his school’s first Gay Straight Alliance. The group offers a safe and accepting place for his peers who struggle with their sexual or gender identity, while also educating all students to respect others who are different. Kian also became a dedicated Girl Guides leader, and organized practices and training activities as captain of his school wrestling team. Kian aims to study mechanical or electrical engineering at the University of New Brunswick.
Émilie Dufour
From Collège André-Grasset, Montreal, PQ.
While Émilie discovered her love of science on her school robotics team, she was dismayed by provincial student drop-out rates and the fact that many youth don’t get to explore their own passions. She enlisted her robotics team to host free robotics workshops in primary schools to reach youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Over five years, they provided more than 4,000 youth with access to science and technology activities and the chance to realize their own dreams. Émilie also played the piano in a seniors’ residence and volunteered with St Jean’s Ambulance. She plans to study at McGill University and work towards a career in biomedical engineering.
Jan Lim
From Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, Vancouver, BC.
Shocked by high child poverty rates in her province, Jan established Starts With One, the only youth non-profit group in Vancouver to address child poverty. Growing from a group of seven students to 200 volunteers, they held youth concerts and art shows to support the Mom to Mom Child Poverty Initiative, providing financial and emotional support to single mothers. Jan also founded the Senior Citizen Companion Club, to match students with the elderly, and performed TEDx talks to destigmatize autism and promote greater community spirit. Jan would like to study at the University of British Columbia and build a career as a biotechnologist, physician or social entrepreneur.
Jathusha Mahenthirarajan
From Richmond High School, Richmond Hill, ON.
After observing how cultural norms, in Canada and around the world, can leave women powerless, Jathusha founded Ontario’s first chapter of GirlTalk, a peer-to-peer girls mentoring program. By pairing high school and pre-teen girls to talk about issues ranging from body shaming to abusive relationships, they help females build self-esteem, leadership and community service skills. Jathusha was also a national Because I am a Girl spokesperson and formed a non-profit group to empower youth to fundraise for diverse causes. She hopes to study human rights and equity studies at York University, towards a career as a human rights lawyer, politician or public policy advisor.
Twinkle Mehta
From Glenforest Secondary School, Mississauga, ON.
Seeing the growth of careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), but also the limited opportunities for students, and particularly girls, to explore STEM fields, Twinkle decided to do something about it. She served as President of her school STEM team, to interest youth in the profession, and organized an annual STEM conference that attracted 1,200 student delegates. Twinkle also started the Nahani Robotics and Engineering Club, through which high school students teach elementary students programming and robot design. Twinkle plans to study engineering at the University of Waterloo.
Aspen Murray
From Hartland Community School, Hartland, NB.
Inspired by the national We Day events in support of Free The Children, Aspen rallied other students to form a We Act social action group. After fundraising to support a shelter for women fleeing domestic violence, they also organized coin drives for international development projects, purchasing 28 goats for rural families, plus Halloween food drives and participation in the local Relay for Life. Proud of the legacy that this club has provided for future students, Aspen was also active on her school and provincial students councils. Aspen plans to attend McGill University and work towards a career in human rights or international labour law.
Jenita Poodwan
From Kelowna Secondary School, Kelowna, BC.
Recalling how she felt like an invisible newcomer at school, Jenita is proud that she transformed herself from a ghost to a leader. She co-founded the KSS Diversity Club to provide a safe space for students from racial, religious, sexual and gender minorities. The group fundraised for a local women’s shelter and hosted a presentation for school staff on challenges faced by minority students. Jenita also led a school board campaign to provide gender-neutral bathrooms, founded a mental wellness team and was active in a district-wide human rights committee. Jenita would like to study computer science at the University of British Columbia and achieve a career in technology, media or accounting.
Cameron Rice
From New World Island Academy, Herring Neck, Nfld.
Hoping to re-invigorate community togetherness in an isolated fishing port, Cameron joined the Coming Home Year festival committee and organized a dory race that attracted more than 400 people. He decided to make the Herring Neck Dory Festival an annual event and gained the support of provincial politicians and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. Cameron served as Co-president of the Student Council, hosted an annual community Christmas supper to share the holiday spirit and organized a benefit concert for the Canadian Cancer Society. He plans to study commerce at Memorial University.
Bronwyn Roberts
From Kinkora Regional High School, Kinkora, PEI.
Growing up among potato fields but with a passion for fine arts, Bronwyn was disappointed when her school’s weekly art class was cancelled. In response, the grade six student began a before-school dance program and choreographed a piece for the school Christmas concert. Having run the club for six years, Bronwyn introduced many boys and girls to dance and increased school-wide awareness of the benefits of performing arts. She was also a leader and mentor at her local boys and girls club and in her church. Bronwyn hopes to study fine arts at York University, in pursuit of a career in dance therapy and education.
Sahar Sajjadi
From Sutherland Secondary School, North Vancouver, BC.
As a recent newcomer to Canada, Sahar realized that she could adapt faster to Canadian culture if she joined activities that she was passionate about. After volunteering on youth health and science committees, Sahar began her own clubs to encourage student pride in their talents and multicultural backgrounds. Participants in The Rhythm Club demonstrate their music and dance skills while fundraising for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. In New2Canada Club, newcomer youth plan events to develop their leadership and communication skills. Sahar plans to study science at the University of British Columbia with the goal of a career as a neurologist or neurosurgeon.
William Sanderson
From Sydenham High School, Perth Road Village, ON.
During the 2016 Syrian refugee crisis, William saw misinformation filter through his school about refugees housed at a nearby Canadian Forces base. To educate students about the issue, he organized an event in which refugees talked to students about their experiences, inspiring his classmates to fundraise for a refugee family. William also shared his passion for the outdoors through presentations about his Students on Ice expeditions to study climate change. He formed a school mental health group and coached football and basketball. William plans to study engineering or business at the University of Western Ontario.
Ranbir Singh
From Castlebrook Secondary School, Brampton, ON.
Raised in an immigrant community where drug and alcohol abuse, leadership barriers and youth disengagement were common, Ranbir started the Dream Big Leaders organization to empower racialized students. Now known as Aspire to Lead, the group drives positive youth expression through hip-hop and spoken word events and mentorship projects. They held a Dream Big Assembly at which CEOS and social entrepreneurs from immigrant backgrounds inspired students. As an elected Peel Board Student Trustee, Ranbir encouraged youth to be politically engaged. He hopes to become a human rights or criminal defence lawyer after studying international development at the University of Toronto.
Yuhan (Angela) Wang
From Westwood Community High School, Fort McMurray, AB.
When Angela became the only youth delegate on the local United Way Community Investment Committee she realized how it can be hard for young people to find volunteer opportunities. She created SPARC, “Students Participating Actively and Responsibly in the Community,” so classmates can fundraise for the United Way. Following the Fort McMurray wildfires, SPARC packed and distributed more than 2,300 backpacks with school supplies for youth displaced by the disaster. Angela was Student Council President and taught traditional Chinese dance. She plans to study chemical or electrical engineering at the University of British Columbia.
Rabia Ahmed
From Monarch Park Collegiate, Toronto, ON.
In response to ethnic and religious conflict she saw both globally and locally, Rabia started a Multi-Faith Club at her school, so students could openly discuss discrimination, inequality and racism. Inspired to achieve peaceful co-existence of diverse cultures, she organized fundraising and information projects for marginalized communities, from Canada’s Aboriginal peoples to African children. These efforts included a Habitat for Humanity build in Scarborough and a Days for Girls event to support girls’ education in rural Africa.
Shelby Angalik
From John Arnalukjuak High School, Arviat, NU.
Growing up in isolated Nunavut where economic and social issues weigh heavily, Shelby discovered a love for theatre arts and its ability to help youth build confidence and life skills. To target low literacy rates in the north, she created a reading program for children under 10, in both English and Inuktitut. Following the loss of a paid school librarian, she volunteered to maintain the library. She also organized a peer orientation program to help grade eight students transition to high school.
Annie Berger
From Champlain College Saint-Lambert, Brossard, QC.
After attending the YMCA youth summit in 2014, Annie joined the year-round organizing committee to help plan the annual conference that promotes community involvement for youth from challenged socio-economic backgrounds. At school, she was a student union representative for the Champlain Student Association and she founded an online newspaper for students to share opinions on current events. Annie also participated in political simulations and leadership conferences.
Noa Bridson
From Pearson United World College, Stayner, ON.
While Noa felt privileged to have lived and volunteered overseas at a young age, on return to Canada she perceived that her fellow students lacked awareness of global issues. She started a school environmental club to engage youth in these topics and empower them to take action. At Pearson College, she continued to support sustainability causes by co-founding Eco-Justice. The group advocates for divestment based on environmental grounds and initiates outings to connect youth from various backgrounds to the outdoors.
Rachel Creighton
From Digby Regional High School, Digby, NS.
Following the suicide of a local student, Rachel founded the Digby High School Mental Health Support Group to help others overcome the stigma of mental health issues. After much research and planning, she recruited a retired mental health and addictions counsellor to facilitate the bi-weekly group. She was also active as a student representative on the community health board, served as Student Council Prime Minister, and was a soccer player and coach. Rachel also presented a motivational TEDx Talk.
Joanna El-Mikati
From Frank Hurt Secondary School, Surrey, BC.
Influenced by the culture of helping others she observed as a child in Lebanon, Joanna founded her school’s Community Connections Committee to link a local retirement home, elementary schools and community groups through cross-generational activities. Based on the group’s success, she participated in a documentary to share the concept with other youth organizers. In addition to starting a weekly neighbourhood clean-up and co-founding a community garden, Joanna was the head editor and designer of her school yearbook.
Isabel Gagne
From Harvest City Christian Academy, Regina, SK.
After noticing how students from low-income homes played volleyball without proper footwear, Isabel created “Shoe Drive to the Net,” collecting donated shoes for inner city schools. In addition to serving as President of the Student Leadership Council, she started her school’s first Cultural Diversity Day, to help students develop pride in their cultures, including her own Metis heritage. Outside of school, Isabel began a teen mentorship program, called Been There 2 and Made it Through.
Dardan Isufi
From Dawson College, Granby, QC.
In secondary school, Dardan founded an Earth Day Committee and helped organize a Celebrating Earth event for local youth. At Dawson College, he honed his political skills by arranging a Francophone delegation to take part in a parliamentary simulation at the National Assembly, and he is a member of the youth parliaments of Canada and Quebec. Elected as Director of Internal Affairs at his college, he handled administrative matters, resolved student academic problems and planned awareness campaigns.
HyunGu Kang
From University of Toronto Schools, Toronto, ON.
Impressed by Amnesty International’s focus on developing grassroots leaders, HyunGu started a youth chapter in her school. She also volunteered to re-energize Amnesty’s city-wide youth network, by organizing a Youth Leadership Council, human rights conference and magazine. After successfully mobilizing youth campaigns for prisoners of conscience around the world, HyunGu planned to expand her program model nationally and internationally. She also helped Volunteer Toronto audit youth programs at non-profit groups.
Jacob McGonigal
From Kirkland Lake District Composite School, Kirkland Lake, ON.
Upon realizing that a preventable disease like malaria was causing a humanitarian crisis in Africa, Jacob co-chaired a fundraising campaign to prevent the disease’s spread in Zimbabwe. Rallying support in his small high school, his committee raised enough funds to purchase 2,400 insecticide-treated bed nets to protect families from malaria-infected mosquitoes. In addition to serving as Student’s Council President, Jacob spoke out on issues facing the province’s educational system.
Muneeb Muzaffar
From Orchard Park Secondary School, Stoney Creek, ON.
To redirect youth from negative influences such as gang activity, gun violence and drugs, Muneeb created and co-led a Youth Focus Group. With the belief that small steps can change a community, his group organized a basketball tournament and food drive and hosted a leadership workshop series to help young people discover their strengths and seek post-secondary education. He has helped to develop a community garden to feed those in need and he also led school athletics teams, leadership and academics clubs.
Kikachukwu Otiono
From Colonel By Secondary School, Ottawa, ON.
After volunteering for her school’s annual Black History Month showcase, Kika became co-president of the organizing club to raise awareness of the struggles and successes of Black Canadians. She expanded the group’s mandate to help students appreciate diversity and encouraged younger students to get involved. As Youth Editor of Black Ottawa Scene, Kika created a Youth in Action page in the online newsletter so Black youth can share their experiences.
Olivia Parsons
From Holy Heart of Mary High School, St John’s, NL.
While volunteering to raise awareness of mental health issues, Olivia noted the harmful impact of social pressures on women. Feeling strongly that feminism, art and the support of other females can build women’s resiliency, Olivia started GLOW (Generating Leadership Opportunities for Women). Through monthly meetings and an online private forum, girls can meet women leaders, find mentors and connect with local organizations. Olivia was also active in performing arts.
Carlos Pena
From Leamington District Secondary School, Leamington, ON.
After a harmful algae bloom on Lake Erie caused beach closures and unsafe drinking water, Carlos led his school’s EcoTeam in a community campaign to raise awareness and work with scientists, politicians and citizens to find solutions. Carlos lobbied Town Council to protect residents’ environmental health and he spoke at conferences and rallies to urge others to become environmental advocates. Carlos also drew upon his background as an immigrant from Honduras to develop an ambassador program to assist new Canadian students.
Angelica Poversky
From Robert Alexander McMath Secondary School, Richmond, BC.
Reflecting her passion for connecting youth, the outdoors and art, Angelica founded Arts in the Park, a popular outdoors arts festival showcasing local youth. Committed to helping young people find their place in the community, Angelica coordinated writing programs for youth and an art exhibition. As a radio show host, journalist and spoken word artist, she was a voice at The Vancouver School Board Sustainability Conference, CHIMO Violence Against Women Conference and National Culture Days.
Lauren Powell
From Britannia Community School, Vancouver, BC.
Lauren’s community involvement was based on the idea of role models helping youth, and was inspired by the teachers, coaches and others who guided her. She founded the “Girls Got Game” program to connect inner city girls in grades six and seven with sports, activities and mentors. She served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Leo Club, which enables students to counsel other youth, and she was part of the school Link Crew to welcome freshmen students. Lauren played basketball, competed in track and served on a community centre youth committee.
Qendresa Sahiti
From Halifax West High School, Halifax, NS.
Concerned by her school’s disregard for its environmental footprint, including its litter-covered grounds, Qendresa started the Halifax West Environmental Club and partnered with a local trails association to hold tree plantings and nature walks. Qendresa organized leadership conferences on the regional cabinet of the Nova Scotia Secondary School Students Association, and was Secretary of the provincial inclusion committee, to involve students with disabilities.
Mamadou Wade
From Citadel High School, Halifax, NS.
Believing that you must build beautiful environments to build beautiful minds, Mamadou helped establish a youth-run community garden in Halifax’s North End inner city. They grow herbs and sell salad dressing at a local farmers’ market in support of at-risk youth programs and a scholarship fund offered by the Hope Blooms organization. Mamadou and his brother produce raw juices, with proceeds going to toy and food drives. They appeared on CBC’s Dragon’s Den to seek funds for a greenhouse to expand their growing season.
Anudari Zorigtbaatar
From Cégep de l’Outaouais, Gatineau, QC.
At the age of 14, Anudari held a successful fundraiser to build a playroom at a hospital in Mongolia, her birthplace, to raise the spirits of hospitalized children. She also planned a one-day event for 100 female students to improve their self-esteem and body image. She followed up by creating AXION, a group of 15 CEGEP students who hold workshops for secondary school students, who in turn promote self-confidence and healthy lifestyles among their peers.
Eshal Ali
Seaway District High School
Morrisburg, ON
Eshal dedicated herself to building opportunities for equity-deserving groups. As School Board Student Trustee, to help resolve the gap between student-led equity needs and school board actions, she created a district-wide, student-led Equity and Inclusion Committee. She also organized the board-wide Green Iglu fundraiser for Indigenous food sovereignty to respond to food insecurity among the region’s Indigenous peoples. Eshal also co-founded the Safe and Accepting Schools Committee, to raise awareness of mental health issues and student supports, and served on Students’ Council.
Clare Coleman
Corner Brook Regional High School
Corner Brook, NL
With a desire to both help those in need and nurture future leaders, Clare started a non-profit group, Game Changers, to engage students isolated during the pandemic and bolster their leadership skills. The group held basketball tournaments, concerts and other events to fundraise for causes far and near, including eyeglass distribution in Haiti with Team Broken Earth and food distribution for Newfoundlanders following Hurricane Fiona. Clare created the Future Me Project, where students discovered career options from guest speakers, volunteered at a soup kitchen, and played varsity volleyball.
Irène Diep
Collège Lionel-Groulx
Montréal, PQ
Irène was driven to make a direct, positive impact on the youth population, as a Student Association executive at her Cégep. As Treasurer and delegate to many committees, she addressed issues like discrimination and climate change, and she advocated for accessible health insurance by researching student needs and negotiating with group insurers. As a board member at her housing cooperative, Irène worked to introduce collective internet access to all residents. She tutored students in math and chemistry, volunteered at a food bank and on a Cégep feminist committee.
Da’von Ekering
Skeetchestn Community School
Cache Creek, BC
Growing up in a rural community and studying at a small Indigenous school, Da’von learned the role that older students can play in supporting younger peers. With the support of the 3% Project, a national environmental group to empower youth with employable skills, Da’von and several classmates proposed and fundraised for a future youth centre/emergency shelter. He also founded the Skeetchestn Art Club Collective, to explore his artistic talents while teaching and mentoring others to learn safe machinery skills, make and market art, and avoid unhealthy influences like social media and drugs.
Ahmad Elbayoumi
St Francis Xavier Secondary School
Mississauga, ON
Noticing how young people sought social change but lacked awareness of the political process, Ahmad launched FX Model Parliament, a political debate club, at his school. With over 60 members, the group hosted guest speakers, held a mock provincial election with widespread student participation, organized a humanitarian fundraiser for Ukraine, and prepared a student handbook on the political system. Ahmad was also a Legislative Page at the Ontario Legislative Assembly, taught at a private Arabic school, coached youth in martial arts, and wrote a political affairs newsletter.
Jay Hung
Holy Trinity School
Maple, ON
Jay found his purpose by honouring the memory of his mother who passed away from lung cancer. Having met many hospital patients who struggled with everyday tasks due to their physical limitations, Jay established 1Yard, a non-profit that dispatched more than 40 volunteers to perform labour-intensive household tasks for over 150 clients, while fundraising for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Devoted to living a life of service, Jay volunteered as a Track3 ski instructor to disabled athletes, was Head Prefect at his school, and founded the Future Medical Professionals Club to inspire other youth.
Besan Jadalowen
Lester B. Pearson High School
Calgary, AB
Alert to gaps in society, Besan decided to promote female fitness and healthy lifestyles by starting Sisters n’ Sport. With Besan coaching up to 20 girls, the group helped junior high and high school students of all abilities to build their physical, mental and spiritual health, through diverse sports and life skills lessons. To build bridges between the school population and diverse, underrepresented youth, Besan initiated the Muslim Youth Club and organized cultural celebrations like Ramadan decorating and an Eid Festival. She was also active on Students’ Council and Junior Achievement.
Sophia Lezhanska
Bishop Allen Academy
Mississauga, ON
Upon realizing that her high school lacked a 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusivity Club, Sophia successfully championed the idea and began leading weekly meetings, social justice discussions, themed movie nights, and communications to raise awareness, solidarity and allyship. She also co-led her school’s Literary and Arts Magazine, served as an orientation trip leader to grade nine students, played volleyball and took part in math club. To honour her heritage, she volunteered at Ukrainian Canadian Social Services, including client service, fundraising and outreach to displaced Ukrainian citizens.
Hayat Makwik
Chinook High School
Lethbridge, AB
As a member of a visible minority group who often felt marginalized and isolated in her family’s adopted home country, Hayat chose to empower herself and others like her by forming the Culture Club at her high school. She overcame the lack of school district funds for student-led groups by attracting local business sponsors, enabling the club to hold cultural awareness events like Black History Month for students and staff. The group voices student perspectives on incidents of racism and injustice. Hayat also mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters and volunteers regularly at the MCC Thrift Store.
Siobhan Marie
St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School
City of Kawartha Lakes, ON
Since it is difficult to access diverse learning resources in rural areas, Siobhan dedicated herself to empowering marginalized students. To help non-Indigenous students contribute to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations, she wrote grant proposals to purchase literature packages to facilitate youth storytelling. She founded Stepping Stones, a healthy living program to teach substance use prevention, mental wellness and physical health. As a Student Trustee, she advocated for safe spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ students. Siobhan also tutored elementary school students with disabilities.
Kyla Momanyi
Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School
Stoney Creek, ON
Kyla made ‘sky high’ efforts to support inclusivity, first as a Flight Sergeant with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. She instructed and mentored younger cadets and, as the only Black senior cadet, successfully lobbied the organization to permit natural hairstyles, to lift self-esteem and pride among Black squadron members. As part of her school Celtic Diversity club, she helped organize the very first CultureFest, to promote cultural awareness and community. Kyla was also a founding member of Black Student Success, to provide students of colour with a safe space to meet and be themselves.
Naomi Musa
Central Toronto Academy
Toronto, ON
Initially hesitant to join extracurricular activities that distracted from her studies, in grade 10 Naomi decided to take part in Students’ Council and she soon became interested in other activities like the Artivism Inclusivity Movement, which connects art and social justice. As part of the Black Student Association, Naomi organized empowerment workshops and heritage events and researched social justice issues. She later ran for Student Trustee on the Toronto District School Board, where she represented 240,000 students in the pursuit of equity, anti-oppression, and anti-racism policies.
Mackenzie Nolan
Cardinal Leger Catholic Secondary School
Brampton, ON
Mackenzie admired and mirrored the community spirit of her parents and grandparents who volunteered at her school. A member of Missanabie Cree First Nation, Mackenzie joined the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and earned top rankings, supporting both younger cadets and veterans. She completed a 24-hour, 75-kilometre, fundraising walk for the Poppy Fund on the 75th anniversary of World War Two and, when the pandemic halted regular volunteer opportunities, she helped both the City of Brampton Social Task Force and Global Medics distribute relief packages to address local and overseas food insecurity.
Sammie Orr
Stratford District Secondary School
Stratford, ON
Discovering environmental activism in grade 7, Sammie built connections among diverse groups to boost her impact. She was elected as a youth representative on Stratford’s municipal Energy and Environment Committee and she founded a school Eco Club, which organized events, collaborated with other like-minded community groups, and gathered student ideas that Sammie shared with City Hall. When the pandemic prompted a spike in take-out food container waste, Sammie helped start a Waste Reduction Group that consulted 10 local restaurants and sourced a reusable food container supplier.
Mahé Rabesa
Champlain College Saint-Lambert
Québec, PQ
A dedicated athlete who helped her Division 1 school team win the provincial finals, Mahé was also attuned to others’ needs to drive her community involvement. She was active in the Black Lives Allyship Mission and the Multicultural Crew, to address the issues faced by people of colour, and created Diversity of Arts, which welcomed performers and artists to campus to encourage students to pursue their own talents. She also founded a community cooking workshop in partnership with Les Semeurs grocery store to introduce students to healthy, local and organic foods.
Alya Rasoul
Anderson Collegiate Vocational Institute
Oshawa, ON
Dedicated to lending a helping hand and sharing a smile, Alya founded the Muslim Student Association & Allies club, connecting more than 60 students in equity and inclusion activities and establishing a multifaith room. When pandemic lockdowns isolated many, Alya created a Virtual Mentoring Program, so 30 students could fulfil community service hours and offer online tutoring to struggling peers. Alya also sent handmade cards to senior citizens secluded in nursing homes, was a teacher assistant, and advised the Durham Regional Police Chief of Police on ways to strengthen relations with youth.
Hemanya Sharma
Enver Creek Secondary School
Surrey, BC
Hemanya realized her love for robotics in grade five but she was surprised by the serious gender gap among participants. To help remedy the issue, she founded We Can STEM, and enlisted local elementary school principals, to support her group as it held after-school classes to spark interest among young girls and build their leadership skills. Hemanya was also President of her school Multicultural Club, raising awareness of cultural issues including discrimination, a goalie on the soccer team, and Coordinator of the Environmental Campaign at the British Columbia Youth Council.
Sophia Vaillant
Highland Secondary School
Comox, BC
Sophia was drawn to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) but she saw how existing campaigns to attract girls to the field focused on male-dominated competitions. Believing that collaboration would better interest girls, she established Zenius Labs to host student workshops. Securing grants, sponsors, members and equipment, the group achieved 80% female participation and extended its reach to the community. Also active in VEX robotics and community theatre, Sophia used 3D printing technology to produce training tools for local hospital staff to practice procedures economically.
Jérôme Verret
Cégep de Limoilou
Québec, PQ
Jérôme credits his community spirit to the influence of other change-makers, including his family, a leading scientist in quantum computing, and a young Ugandan refugee. Soon after meeting Plem Kijamba, a new Cégep student from Uganda, Jérôme and Plem founded “Le Québec en mouvement pour l’Afrique,” and fundraised to offer scholarships to seven refugee students at a Rwamwanja camp operated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Finding his spark for quantum computing at a young age, Jérôme participated in science fairs and gave science workshops to elementary school students.
Sophia Young
Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School
Regina, SK
Having quietly witnessed the transportation and financial barriers faced by immigrant youth, Sophia broke her silence by writing a poem on the issue. After reciting it at Regina City Council, she was invited onto the Community Advisory Group and became a youth contributor to the City’s Energy and Sustainability Framework. She successfully championed fare-free transit for youth under 13, and led energy literacy outreach to support Regina’s net-zero ambitions. She chaired and transformed the Miller4Nature Permaculture Club and was a peer leader to newcomers at the Regina Open Door Society.
Muhammad Ahmed
Collège Miles Macdonell Collegiate
Winnipeg, MB
Muhammad strove to make his school more inclusive and technologically-literate. Recognizing the stigma that STEM subjects are only for those who excel academically, and the financial barriers to robotics activities, he co-founded a Robotics Club to unite students from diverse academic levels and compete in the Manitoba Robot Games. He co-chaired a Hack Club, to help students solve societal problems through technology. Muhammad was Co-President of Student Council, and led the Makers Making Change chapter, to develop open-source assistive technologies for persons with disabilities.
Albany Benson
Chippewa Secondary School
North Bay, ON
From a young age, Albany was fascinated by her Indigenous culture but wasn’t sure how to take part. After joining the Indigenous Youth Circle, she began planning fundraisers and events and was later elected Indigenous Student Trustee, focusing on ways to make Indigenous students feel comfortable and supported at school. As a member of the Okimakan Indigenous student group, she helped organize annual assemblies for National Indigenous Peoples Day. An avid figure skater who volunteered weekly as a youth skating coach, Albany also organized bake sales and food drives to support community members.
Prisha Bhavsar
Stouffville District Secondary School
Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON
Prisha experienced firsthand the lack of enriching clubs for elementary school students in rural areas. She set out to make change, first by co-founding a spirit squad in grade seven and, in high school, as a Student Trustee, piloting a board-wide elementary leadership workshop for 1,000 grade five-to-eight students. Noting how the pandemic impaired student learning and well-being, Prisha founded Exam Prep workshops and led Empowered Student Partnerships, with student-run social and fundraising events. She also organized environmental and girls’ health projects in the developing world.
Chetanbir Brar
Garibaldi School
Maple Ridge, BC
Taking note of the dire, prevalent issue of homelessness, Chetanbir started a chapter of The Good Guys, serving as Co-president of this youth-led organization tackling homelessness and food insecurity. With the club growing to 30 members, they fundraised and distributed support to more than 400 individuals, while raising awareness of the complex root issues. Chetanbir also founded his school’s Model United Nations club, organized mental health awareness efforts with the Wellness Initiative, served on Student Council, and coordinated recreational activities for seniors at a long-term care home.
Kasey Budgell
Valmont Academy
Kings Point, NL
Raised in a family of farmers, mechanics and heavy equipment operators, Kasey developed the interest and skills to build food security in her hometown. In addition to growing extra produce to donate to local seniors, she volunteered on her school Leadership Team, organizing a community garden and a share bin with free snacks. She drafted a proposal and served as project manager to create an Earth Sheltered Greenhouse, with the Food Producers Forum, a program to address local and provincial food insecurity and inspire young people to become food producers. She also played hockey and soccer.
Omar Elgazzar
Maxwell Heights Secondary School
Oshawa, ON
Omar aimed to make his community stronger and more united. Seeing how many struggled financially in the pandemic, he founded “Ramadan Respite” to arrange donations, preparation and delivery of free meals and groceries to hundreds of families. At school, he established a multi-faith room and, as President of the Muslim Student Association, planned interfaith and intercommunity activities to spread positivity and harmony among all students. He started the Al-Arqam Youth Group to help kids overcome social isolation and, with his passion for STEM, created a robotics summer camp.
Béatrice Girard
Cégep Limoilou, Charlesbourg Campus
Boischatel, QC
“Changing the world, one human at a time,” is Béatrice’s mission, especially as a member of her CEGEP’s WUSC Student Refugee Program (PÉR-EUMC) committee. The committee sponsors refugee students through the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) program. During the school year, Béatrice organized awareness-raising and fundraising activities for the program, including candy sale and and grocery-bagging activities. She helped students upon their arrival by giving them an academic and cultural orientation and providing support throughout their first year in Canada. She also tutored some of her fellow CEGEP students.
Jackson Hurley
Charles P. Allen High School
Halifax, NS
While Jackson is proud to have played elite level hockey from a young age – and was drafted to the Quebec City Remparts – he personally understands the mental health struggles of juggling academic, personal and sports commitments. Knowing that mental well-being remains a taboo topic, among youth and NHL stars, he created the “Subz for Mental Health” fundraiser. As a goalie with the Dartmouth Steele Subarus, Jackson donated fifty cents for each save he makes, and matching sponsor funds, to Hockey Nova Scotia’s Mental Health Project. Jackson also volunteered as a Bedford minor hockey goalie coach.
Evan Johnson
Stratford District Secondary School
Stratford, ON
Witnessing how mental health impacted young people around him, Evan started a Jack.org chapter, to empower young leaders to address mental health. He organized events, guest speakers and online forums, and hosted United Way Wellness Wednesday activities. Since hunger is linked to mental health, he started a Passion-to-Purpose project, to provide food to fellow students, and his Food for Thought start-up group distributed take-home food kits. For younger children, Evan created the “Dear Younger Me” book, with stories and art to alleviate youth worries, and distributed copies to local schools.
Sara Kanafani
Steveston-London Secondary School
Richmond, BC
Sara describes how she matured alongside her Muslim community, by volunteering with seniors and families at her mosque. To help other teenagers hone leadership skills and build a sense of self, she established the BC Muslim Association’s first Youth Committee, and formed a group of 70 volunteers engaged in numerous activities. She was Founder and President of her school Muslim Students Association, a member of the City of Richmond’s Youth Strategy Street Team, coached basketball, and collaborated with classmates to create social media campaigns promoting clean water on Indigenous reserves.
Clara Misener
Perth and District Collegiate Institute
Perth, ON
Inspired by her grandfather, a seasoned gardener, Clara joined the Lanark Youth Climate Action Group, and made environmental presentations to students, helping her nurture the leadership skills to champion the survival of wild pollinators. She co-founded a chapter of the David Suzuki Foundation Butterflyway Project and collaborated with fellow students to plant pollinator gardens around the region, as well as a “Bee-a-Bee-Bud” program and “Native Plant Packages” to help citizens establish personal gardens. Clara was also active on Students’ Council and played soccer, basketball and the cello.
Alexander Mocanu
Marianopolis College
Montreal, QC
Alexander put his interest in teaching and volunteer work to good use during the pandemic, while many newcomer youths in Quebec and French immersion students across Canada were having trouble with their language studies, especially those who did not have the means to hire a tutor. He co-founded DeBonGré to offer free online French courses. He recruited over 50 tutors to help more than 70 students improve their academic results. Alexander has also volunteered at the Notre-Dame Hospital reception and coffee shop, where he greeted visitors and led patient activities. He was also Secretary of the local Toastmasters Club.
Aaliyah Pirani
Western Canada High School
Calgary, AB
Believing that ambitious students should not be bound by their financial situations, Aaliyah created equal opportunities for youth to further their education. She founded and co-led STEMinmotion, organizing free lessons, online events and team challenges in partnership with a science museum. As a school Math Club executive, she designed contests and lesson plans to inspire students to pursue math and, in the Math Attack Society, organized activities and tutoring for junior high students. She was also an Air Cadet, clarinetist, and executive with the Western Canada High School Band.
Ché Silvera
Upper Canada College
Toronto, ON
While Ché absorbed coding skills in the Umoja Robotics program, he realized that students with learning disabilities may struggle with technology. He founded the “Coding with Artie” club to help children with Autism or special needs learn coding and robotics, while developing academically and socially. Aware of the dearth of diversity in the tech sector, Ché co-created and facilitated the MelaninTech club, with social media posts and workshops to help students of colour gain information and mentors in the technology industry. He also played steel pan with the Toronto All Stars Orchestra.
Lucy Stobbe
Bishop James Mahoney
Saskatoon, SK
While cycling to school to promote healthy, sustainable commuting for students, Lucy was alarmed by dangerous motorists who put cyclists at risk. She organized a city-wide rally to promote road safety, drawing more than 100 cyclists. Lucy spoke at City Council on the issue and joined the Active Transportation Advisory Group, advocating for cycling infrastructure and policies to create safer roads. She also trained as a camp leader at the Simonhouse Bible Camp, was active in student government and theatre, and volunteered with her church.
Inemesit Usoro-Udo
Saint John High School
Saint John, NB
When Inemesit arrived in Canada three years ago, she was determined to immerse herself in diverse community activities, despite pandemic restrictions and settlement uncertainties. At school she joined, and later co-led, Club H.O.P.E., to plan events like fundraisers and nursing home visits, became active in the concert choir, yearbook, and co-founded an International Baccalaureate tutoring club. Beyond school, she took part in the YMCA Youth Community Action Network, to support projects like a pollinator garden, volunteered at the Imperial Theatre, and established a coding club.
Ainsley Wood
Kelowna Secondary School
Kelowna, BC
When Ainsley became a quadriplegic after falling from a tree, her courage and determination helped her overcome the adversity and drive meaningful change for others with disabilities. At the Sunnyhill Rehabilitation Centre at BC Children’s Hospital, she organized an accessible Halloween event for all patients, and observed how it energized their rehabilitation. She became a peer mentor at Spinal Cord Injury BC, served on the Rick Hansen Foundation Youth Leadership Committee, and as a PLEX speaker at Kelowna General Hospital, sharing her lived experience to help improve spinal cord injury care.
Fazayl Zahra
Wetaskiwin Composite High School
Wetaskiwin, AB
Fazayl immersed herself in bringing skills, support and inclusion to her small town. To help students use Artificial Intelligence responsibly, she co-founded the Society for Artificial Intelligence Literacy. As a Student Council executive, she led cultural and fundraising events, and joined the Kids Help Phone National Youth Council, to help build digital resources for youth. Through the Hussaini Canadian Educational and Cultural Association, she visited seniors during the pandemic, and she joined the AboutFace Youth Advisory Council to improve acceptance of persons with facial differences.
Candice Zhong
Dawson College
Brossard, QC
Although Candice embraced community roles at age 14 – joining a community garden and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets – she realized that others, including young women, may lack the confidence to do so alone. Upon discovering her own interest in technology, she began facilitating coding/business workshops at events like Women & Girls in Science. As Ambassador for Technovation Montreal, she advocated for gender equity in tech, engaging hundreds of young women in hackathons and other activities. She also supported COMPASS academic research projects on youth issues and helped lead her student union.
Leah Casey
Holy Spirit High School
Conception Bay South, NL
Observing a lack of opportunities for youth to contribute to their community, Leah stepped forward to stir student participation. As Youth Engagement Lead with the CBS Community Garden Committee, she enlisted young people to help maintain local gardens and plan events. As the youngest Board Member of the Chamberlains Park Action Committee, and as Founder and President of the school Environment Club, she promoted green spaces and food sustainability. She also helped lead the Interact Club, organizing community fundraisers, and supported the youth-led Fridays for Future global climate movement.
Hamid Ali
Edmonton Islamic Academy,
Edmonton, AB
Seeing his own parents struggle to resettle and heal after fleeing war-torn Somalia, Hamid strove to bring the necessary support to other displaced persons. He mentored youth from similar backgrounds, and founded the Youth for Humanity Club, organizing activities such as clothing drives for the homeless, tutoring local children, and fundraising to send care packages to refugees in the Middle East. Hamid joined the City of Edmonton Youth Council, to help influence youth-oriented programming, and served on the policy and anti-racism committees. Hamid is also a competitive youth fencer.
Noah Bryan
Bayview Secondary School,
Richmond Hill, ON
Noah focused on tackling health and social risks confronting underserved groups. When his grandfather suffered complications from hypertension, he founded The Make a Move Foundation to face this “silent killer” in the Black population. He designed Hypertension 101 seminars, to help participants manage their blood pressure, and urged doctors to better target at-risk communities. An accomplished science fair competitor and member of the Canadian Black Scientist Network, Noah formed the Black Student Alliance at his school to encourage academic and personal growth among Black classmates.
Ayesha Bukhari
Ernestown Secondary School,
Odessa, ON
Upon immigrating to Canada, Ayesha often found herself the only visibly racialized person in her school and faced incidents of racism and islamophobia. To overcome her feelings of fear and exclusion, she created Mosaic, an affinity group for racialized students. Through workshops and data gathering, the group prompted school officials to introduce new practices and resources to address the issue. They also organized the first Black, Racialized and Indigenous Student Career Fair. As an elected Rural Student Trustee, Ayesha drove inclusivity and unity among students across all district schools.
Joanna Cai
John Oliver Secondary School,
Vancouver, BC
As a STEM Sprouts volunteer helping early learners explore those subjects, Joanna became focused on empowering neurodivergent youth to apply their unique processing abilities. She founded a school club to promote the ‘Gardenbank’ neurodivergent therapy model, hosting workshops and activities like a sensory garden. A disciplined pianist, Joanna developed an open-source electronic keyboard and app to help these youth explore music production, and she tested it with the school special education program. She is active with the Air Cadets and is Co-President of her school sports Officials Club.
Ambreena De Menech
A.B. Lucas Secondary School,
London, ON
Knowing that one in three girls quit sports by adolescence, Ambreena started Girls Play Soccer London, a free, no-pressure soccer club for teens. After arranging equipment and field access, she held weekly pickup games, while coaching and refereeing girls of all skill levels. After losing a classmate to intimate partner violence, Ambreena planned the “Charity Kicks” penalty shootout fundraiser for the Anova women’s shelter. She also volunteered at the library as a bilingual literacy mentor to youth and on the Teen Advisory Group, and was HOSA Health and Science Club President, to encourage future health professionals.
Sophie Fan
Marianopolis College,
Montreal, QC
Having struggled to find spaces to share her thoughts without fear of judgement, Sophie helped other students express themselves openly. She co-founded a college podcast club that enabled peers to impart personal perspectives on diverse issues, helping build a more empathetic, less judgmental atmosphere among the student body. As a leader on the High School Student Council, she planned mental and physical health and wellness activities and championed student needs at the board level. Sophie was also a campus Oxfam/Fairtrade Ambassador and served as a captain for the Marianopolis Dragon Boat Team.
Ali Futa
Port Perry High School,
Cannington, ON
As a person of colour in a largely white high school, Ali often felt excluded and that his voice didn’t matter. He co-founded the school’s BIPOC Club to unite his peers and help drive inclusion through events that celebrated differences rather than shunned them. As a member of the Anti-Black Racism Team on the Durham District School Board, he collaborated with students, parents and officials to drive positive change in the lives of Black youth, helping create the Compendium of Action for Black Student Success 2.0. He also led the student government and played senior boys volleyball.
Tamika Gideon
Dalhousie Regional High School,
Charlo, NB
Tamika believed strongly in personal and professional growth, to help invest in her future and community. In addition to her role on Student Leadership Council, she worked to improve health and wellbeing across the region. Recognizing that nearly one third of youth experienced food insecurity, she fundraised to create the Dalhousie Smart Snack Program to distribute healthy snacks at school. Tamika collaborated with the University of New Brunswick and volunteers to host a community-wide Wellness Festival, with all-ages engagement and activities to raise awareness of her own Mi’kmaq heritage.
Tamana Haidari
Prince of Wales Collegiate,
St. John’s, NL
As a newcomer from Afghanistan, Tamana overcame the isolation she felt, and helped other youth do the same. She joined the Student Council – becoming one of the first ‘English as an Additional Language’ students to serve on that group – to shape more inclusive events and policies. Tamana also produced a weekly podcast, with student interviews on topics like school culture and identity, and led The Friendship Club, where diverse students could share their stories and build solidarity. She also served as a voice for her peers as a delegate to the City of St. John’s Youth Engagement Working Group.
Nathan Hellner-Mestelman
Mount Douglas Secondary School,
Victoria, BC
After attending a ‘Star Party’ at age 10, Nathan became “obsessed” with astronomy and bringing the community together to marvel at the universe and make scientific education widely available. He volunteered at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, educating visitors and serving as Planetarium Show Host, and joined respected astronomy societies to support educational programming. He co-created The Cosmic Generation, an online astronomy group for students in 11 countries, co-founded a school Astronomy Club/Science Fair Team, and authored two books, Cosmic Wonder, and Language of the Stars.
Chinmay Jindal
Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School,
Brampton, ON
As an innovator designing systems for societal impact, Chinmay scaled youth connections. He developed youth makerspaces to explore STEM, including online problem-solving forums. As a founder and mentor for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Change Challenge, he convened Peel Region students and business partners for ideation of the UN SDG. After recent wildfires, Chinmay co-founded FireWatch, to improve real-time fire prediction, through a team of young entrepreneurs designing geospatial machine learning data pipelines, with firefighting, Indigenous, government and venture capital partners.
Hannah Johnston
Governor Simcoe Secondary School,
St. Catharines, ON
After participating in a Lego robotics competition, Hannah decided to help other students access the same opportunity. Hannah founded the Lego Robotics Elementary Outreach Program and mentored a team at their former elementary school. Seeing how the club raised participant confidence and abilities, Hannah expanded robotics outreach, by training team members as ‘educators,’ running workshops in 12 schools, and achieving considerable student involvement, including among females who may lack STEM role models.
Loukas Juritsch
Waterloo Collegiate Institute,
Waterloo, ON
Appreciating that public services can have a significant impact on youth, Loukas set out to ensure young people are included in policymaking and service delivery. He co-founded and managed the Waterloo Collegiate Institute Youth Council, to engage students in the political process, help them develop ideas, and present solutions to civic officials. He secured regional government funding to expand the successful program into the city-wide City of Waterloo Youth Council. Loukas also helped organize the MechMania KW robotics tournament and led and participated in his school Trivia Team.
Aria Law
York House School,
Burnaby, BC
After witnessing a violent racist attack against senior citizens, Aria found mental healing in making bao (jiao zi) Chinese dumplings, which later helped her build cross-generational connections to confront hate crimes. She started Jiaozi.com, where all-ages volunteers made bao, with sales proceeds supporting Asian community elders. She created the Bots and Buns Fest, a multicultural and innovation celebration mixing Burnaby youth, seniors’ groups and robotics teams. Aria was an Ambassador and Trainer with the UBC Geering Up STEM youth program and a double bassist in the BC Chinese Orchestra.
Haleema Malik
Westwood Community High School,
Fort McMurray, AB
To help other young people feel they belong and can make a difference, Haleema created her community’s first Muslim Student Association. This group empowers young Muslims to join and lead school, mosque and city events, including the “Fast-A-Thon,” which invites district students and staff to attend the Ramadan Fast and iftar dinner, raising funds for humanitarian aid and a food bank. She served on the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Youth, and the province-wide Minister’s Youth Council, to engage youth in the community and improve the school system. Haleema also played varsity basketball and badminton.
Natalie Mitchell
Holy Heart of Mary High School,
Portugal Cove-St. Philips, NL
As a volunteer with a Best Buddies chapter, Natalie went from being a recess-time friend to a neuro-diverse classmate, to being a dedicated leader, focused on inclusion of youth with disabilities. Noting the lack of affordable assistive devices for neurodivergent youth, Natalie started Tech for Community, and partnered with young STEM enthusiasts to use 3D printing to adapt toys, so more children can access the joy of play, regardless of ability or income. Natalie also led school breakfast programs, co-captained an underwater robotics team, and was a chorister and leader in the Shallaway Youth Choir.
Shahdad Shafiei
Moscrop Secondary School,
Burnaby, BC
Shahdad helped young people experience “epiphany moments” by educating them about overlooked issues and engaging them in solution-building. He volunteered with the school chapter and national division of the Hot Potato Initiative, to involve youth in conversations about homelessness and fundraising. As President of the Moscrop Clean School Collective, he inspired peers to take-part in trash clean-up events and run a compost program. To help elementary students strengthen their math skills, he led volunteer tutors on the Moscrop Math Challengers club and also coached at Burnaby RCMP soccer camps.
Rachel Simantov
Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School,
Calgary, AB
During the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, Rachel observed issues around the globe in accessing healthcare. By coding a computer simulation, she developed a strategy to improve vaccine deployment, earning science fairs accolades, and a speaking invitation at the Canada Science Policy Conference on the use of data to guide health policymaking. When a friend struggled to access timely mental health supports due to financial constraints, Rachel drafted a proposal for cost-effective mental health programs, which Alberta’s Institute of Health Economics considered in future healthcare reforms.
Clara Tremblay
Cégep d'Alma,
Saint Gédéon, QC
Clara initiated diverse activities to help young people build an interest in public policy, boost campus culture, stir creativity, and support humanitarian causes. As a representative on the Student Life Committee, she advocated for enhanced activities and facilities for her classmates and organized an election-night event for students. She co-founded a Rotaract Club at school and fundraised to build toilet facilities at a school in Madagascar, took part in a theatre and improv troupe, and started a project to spark elementary students’ interest in reading.
Alex Wilson-Zegil
Manitoulin Secondary School,
Gore Bay, ON
Alex strove to bring technology to youth and senior citizens. Realizing that students on rural Manitoulin Island lacked exposure to STEM subjects, she prompted her school robotics team to hold coding workshops and presentations in elementary schools across a 171-kilometre range. To strengthen literacy skills that support STEM learning, she published a children’s book about robots protecting the environment, and presented it in island classrooms. Alex also delivered free, tech workshops for senior citizens, teaching cell phone skills to stay connected and live safely in isolated conditions.
Story Blottner
F.H. Collins Secondary School,
Whitehorse, YT
Believing that high drop-out rates in the north were often the result of students who felt unsupported, particularly queer youth, Story revived his school's Gender Sexuality Alliance. Through fundraising, he established the club’s Rainbow Room, a dedicated space for members to unite against bullying and harassment. Story is a musician and executive on the all-city band (playing flute and piccolo) and a foodbank volunteer. Story also helped create the Territorial Youth Strategy, a multi-year initiative developed by youth to deliver coordinated services and resources across the Yukon.
Charlotte Tankam
Cégep Gérald-Godin,
Montreal, PQ
Dreaming that science and technology could serve health, inclusion and collective well-being, Charlotte founded the InnoTechno for Community Wellbeing project, through which multi-disciplinary teams took part in STEM workshops to develop innovations such as stress and air quality sensors. Concerned for youth health, she created NutriJeunes nutrition and physical activity workshops for 650 youth, including residents of Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Nation. She also launched Manger Bien et Simple, a program to promote healthy and simple eating habits for students. Charlotte tutored and led activities for children and newcomers at public libraries.
Ava Clifford
St. Mary’s High School,
Prince Albert, SK
“When I feel that everything is hopeless, I hold another event,” explained Ava, to describe how she raised teen Pride in a conservative community. Shocked when provincial legislation banned students from choosing their name and pronouns without parental consent, Ava joined the local Pride organization and created an inclusive social club for teens. While helping other communities start similar Teen Pride chapters, Ava began a tutoring service and sang in musicals and choir.
Alexandra Gauthier
Iroquois Falls Secondary School,
Matheson, ON
Alexandra worked to “give a voice to those who couldn’t speak”, including youth in her Northern Ontario town where opportunities were scarce. She led Student Council, and became Student Trustee for the District School Board of Ontario North East and Vice President of the Ontario Student Trustees Association. She developed a free donated clothing closet for youth in need, and initiated a ‘mileage reimbursement program,’ to help families afford transportation costs when school bus service was cancelled. She volunteered at a local soup kitchen and with cat fostering groups.
Jeremy Green
Kennebecasis Valley High School,
Quispamsis, NB
After learning about the challenges encountered by neurodiverse and disabled persons, Jeremy decided to help change the way they live in his community. He became a student coach and coordinator for Unified Basketball, to help neurodiverse students enjoy the sport, and he continuously volunteered to include these individuals in school life. He founded and coached Shooting Stars, a welcoming program for 20 neurodiverse and disabled members of the community to play basketball, managing and mentoring 30 volunteers. Jeremy was also active on Student Council and volunteered at a food bank.
Jin Bei (Lisa) Han
Merivale High School,
Nepean, ON
Recalling how, as a first-generation immigrant, books helped her build connections with others – and the Ottawa Public Library helped her adjust to her new country – Jin Bei (Lisa) co-founded a school Book Club. She later approached the local library to relaunch its Reading Buddies program, which pairs high school mentors with ESL youth. She co-founded LitSpark Youth to distribute books to marginalized youth at settlement and community agencies. Lisa was also active in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, youth programming at the Ottawa Humane Society, and she refereed basketball.
Suhaib Hashmi
Robert Thirsk High School,
Calgary, AB
Having benefited from community leaders who helped his own family overcome struggles and instability, Suhaib vowed to make a difference for other kids. He created a Youth Support Circle at the Al-Salam Centre, offering social and emotional support to children who faced difficult circumstances, as refugees of war or survivors of family crisis. He also co-founded the Al-Salam (“Peace”) Youth Club, which unites male and female members in personal development activities. Suhaib was active in the Muslim Youth Club, to support newcomer and marginalized students and raise cultural awareness at school.
Laura Hétu
Cégep Beauce-Appalaches,
Sainte-Aurélie, PQ
Guided by her parents’ advice that even the smallest actions can make a community more inclusive, Laura started projects to alleviate economic challenges felt by students. To tackle food insecurity, she took charge of Le Frigo-Don, a community fridge she stocked with meals she prepared or donations from local grocers and the student association. She started L’Espace Libre Marché, a free online store with essential products, and distributed feminine hygiene products to international students. Laura was President of the Cégep student association, Vice President of the school co-op, and volunteered at a seniors' residence.
Seth Hyde
Gonzaga High School,
St John’s, NL
To give back to those who supported him – and show that the hockey community can make a positive impact – Seth leveraged his role as a hockey broadcaster. He created the Jamie Hynes Memorial “Grit” Award at the U9 Selects Tournament, to honour a friend’s late father who inspired teamwork and inclusiveness. He organized the “Pause for the Cause” fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society, and co-founded Seth & Matty’s Hat Trick for Easter Seals, to raise funds for an accessible sledge hockey arena. He coached girls' hockey and volunteered with Unified Sports.
Stephanie Ikharia
Markville Secondary School,
Markham, ON
Aiming to bridge the gap between youth and policymakers, Stephanie was an active member of the Markham Mayor's Black Youth Liaison, an advisory council that amplified the voices of Black students to shape inclusive city policies. Focused on anti-Black racism, youth engagement and equitable access to opportunities, Stephanie organized community consultations among students, educators and local leaders, and co-organized a professional development event for Black youth. She also started her school's Black Student Association, volunteered in her local MP’s office, and played ultimate frisbee.
Tianyu Lin
Vincent Massey Secondary School,
Windsor, ON
Knowing what it’s like to have ideas but not feel heard, Tianyu discovered that his school board Student Senate offered a community for young leaders to find their voices. He created a board-wide Mental Health Committee and helped establish in-school mental health groups affiliated with Jack.org. To help students access post-secondary opportunities and research resources, he co-founded Research Club and organized university visits and events to link youth with guest speakers, alumni and current students. Tianyu was also President of a DECA Team for Business and a Student Council advisor.
Oluwatomi Olagunju
Westdale Secondary School,
Hamilton, ON
As a long-time food bank volunteer, Tomi appreciated the vital role of school breakfast programs in student nutrition and learning. When these programs faced cancellation due to government budget cuts, she established the Bring Back Breakfast Initiative, and engaged students, school officials, media and community donors to restart the breakfast clubs, with shared leadership involving youth champions who advocate for community food security. In addition to being a Student Senator on her school board, Tomi served executive roles with Warriors for Wellness, Relay for Life and the Eco Warriors Club..
Alpita Patro
Gonzaga High School,
St. John’s, NL
Alpita combined her love of STEM subjects with her empathy for senior citizens. She founded Creators of Tomorrow to deliver more than 30 science workshops to youth in under-represented Newfoundland communities. As a regular volunteer at a seniors’ living facility, Alpita witnessed residents’ mobility and cognitive struggles and she encouraged her STEM club members to design and manufacture memory puzzles and 3D card holders, which were eagerly adopted by residents. An avid badminton player, Alpita competed provincially and coached junior players.
Sia Peetush
Laurel Heights Secondary School,
Waterloo, ON
Sia strove to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. After her brother who has autism was reproached for his restlessness by attendees at a singing recital, she created Inclusive Music Recitals, an annual talent recital for disabled kids. Sia also revived a Best Buddies chapter at her school to bring together neurotypical students and youth with disabilities through social activities aiming to build friendships and promote inclusivity. She served on the executive of the school DECA and Medical Clubs and held a co-op student research position.
Ansh Ramani
Westwood Community High School,
Fort McMurray, AB
Seeing how marginalized communities lacked enrichment opportunities, Ansh became lead organizer for Connect Wood Buffalo (STEM Connect), organizing class trips from isolated communities, so students could attend technology workshops and start their own local STEM clubs. Ansh and his peers also began a STEM Fellowship chapter, developing and delivering hands-on science lessons in elementary schools. He served on the RCMP National Youth Advisory Council, to share views on mental health and safety, and was active on the VEX Robotics team and the Green Initiative to engage youth in environmental projects.
Dilynn Scott
Kelowna Secondary School,
Kelowna, BC
Dilynn felt fortunate that, at a young age, she gained knowledge of Indigenous culture from community members and elders. However, she lamented that other youth lacked this experience, due to limited Indigenous content in the classroom. Alongside three peers, she founded the Indigenous Leadership Teaching Assistants, to help teachers introduce Indigenous lessons, while empowering Indigenous youth to build pride in their heritage. Dilynn was also a community theatre stage manager, a LINK mentor to students entering high school, and served on the school Truth and Reconciliation Commission Committee.
Vedant Sheel
Waterdown District High School,
Hamilton, ON
To ensure no one is excluded from things that others take for granted, Vedant created “A Voice for the Voiceless,” an artificial intelligence system to translate ASL gestures into text-to-speech. This translation system enabled more than 100 families to improve their communications. He also helped build the STEAM Innovation Challenge, a youth-led, non-profit for students to compete to solve real-world issues. Vedant co-founded Codify, an educational platform to make coding and AI learning accessible. He also led the school coding and robotics club, a DECA chapter, and the Hindu Students Association.
Ruth Elvanie Tankam Penka
Cégep Gérald-Godin
Pierrefonds, PQ
With her conviction that solidarity can bring lasting change, Ruth created the Harmonie project, organizing youth to visit seniors' homes, and bridge generations through music and dialogue. She also developed and received Health Canada funding, for two programs: Bien-Être avant les Examens, which helps youth manage stress, and Bouger autrement, which encourages physical activity and sports participation. With her sister, Ruth, co-founded the SafeMove bracelet project, a device designed to detect when a senior falls and alert loved ones. Ruth also mentored immigrant youth to aid their academic and social advancement.
Isabella Wen
R.E. Mountain Secondary School,
Surrey, BC
Noting that many girls lack diverse role models, Isabella co-founded Rose Tinted Ceilings Podcast. To “break glass ceilings to let girls shine,” they released over 100 episodes, and ranked in the top 30 per cent of Spotify video podcasts. She launched the Girls in Journalism Program, giving 30 girls hands-on media experience, and Loudly Together, a free public speaking series and improv workshops for at-risk youth, including those with incarcerated parents. Isabella also launched Spirit Squad to engage newcomer youth, was Student Council President, and a UBC research assistant.
Kayenat Zaidi
Western Canada High School,
Calgary, AB
To help youth learn about AI and prepare for a technology-driven future, Kayenat established AI Sparck, an AI education club to offer workshops, guidance and coding training for curious youth. She started Cercle Française, a free French tutoring program for local children, and was a founder and executive of the School Yearbook Club. Kayenat was also an Executive Director of the Young Writers Initiative, volunteered as a guide at the Calgary Zoo, and held entrepreneurship presentations for junior high school students with the Fuse Society.