Horatio Alger Award

In April of 2012, I was awarded the prestigious Horatio Alger Award (Unfortunately there was no official awards ceremony, back then the organization was mostly based in the States). The endowment comes from the Horatio Alger Association of Canada, a non-profit organization that gives out scholarships to high-achieving students. Supporters include hockey player Wayne Gretzky, astronaut Chris Hadfield, Toronto Mayor John Tory and former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

There have been many wonderful events I have been able to go to because of the Horatio Alger Awards. The first was a concert with Horatio Alger International Ambassador George Perris (October 2012), a very talented singer, who sings in French, English and Greek. I was the guest of honour and spoke to the audience beforehand. It was an amazing time and I was so happy I was able to attend! The concert was by Perris who was doing a fundraiser for the Horatio Alger Scholarships throughout Canada. 

When I met George, he was so kind. He not only gave me a signed copy of his DVD, but he also dedicated a song to me. He left me with this advice when I went to see him back stage. Whenever I run into a door, “do not open it, KICK it open!” Those words stay with me today.

After my speech, Member of Parliament Stephane Dion came up behind me and said he “Really admired me.” It was definitely a night to to remember.

Toronto East Rotary Club Scholarship

Toronto East Rotary Club Community Service Scholarship.

On July 12, 2012, I was awarded the Toronto East Rotary Club Scholarship for my volunteer work, my dedication to my community, keeping high marks and overcoming obstacles. These scholarships, given out by the Toronto East Rotary Club were wonderful. They really helped encourage me and 4 other recipients to go to post-secondary school.

http://www.torontoeastrotary.com/

55 Division CPLC Youth Scholarship Program

The 55 Division CPLC Youth Scholarship Program are presented to young people, between 15 and 18, who have combined academic excellence with outstanding volunteer service with the 55 Division community.

Featured in their article:

Camille Natale Award

Each year the District Human Rights and Political Action Committees from the Toronto District School Board solicit nominations of students by their members. Student winners are celebrated for excellence in activism in the areas of human rights, social justice and/or political action at a dinner event held in their honour.

This is the following criteria:

• worked directly to address issues of peace, social justice, human rights or
• equity in the school, local community or beyond
• advocated for the human rights or equity of an individual or group
• worked to bring groups in conflict together for resolution
• inspired others toward involvement in human rights & social justice

I was honoured to be awarded the Camille Natale Award for my work in human rights and social justice. I had the honour of being able to speak to everyone at the awards ceremony. 

Toronto Rotary Youth Civic Leadership Award

I was awarded the Toronto Rotary Youth Civic Leadership Award by the Toronto Rotary Clubfor sustained leadership, initiative, involvement, engagement and voluntary contributions aimed at creating positive change within the GTA community, and dedicating service above self.

Pictured are the other winners, left to right, Aaron, myself, Patricia and Zumer. In the other photos is (at the time), Minister of Children and Youth Services, MP Eric Hoskins and the other photo is myself with (at the time) Chief Bill Blair.

Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Award

In 1995, when the Beijing Platform for Action was adopted, the global average proportion of women in parliament was just 11 percent. Today, women hold 22.7 percent of seats in the world’s national parliaments as of 1 December 2015. Although this figure has doubled in the last 15 years, many barriers remain to women’s political participation and gender parity in political representation across the globe. Recognizing that to bring about sustainable changes that benefit all of humanity, women must have equal participation in the decision-making process, Zonta International established the Young Women in Public Affairs Award in 1990.

The Award recognizes young women, ages 16-19, who demonstrate superior leadership skills and a commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life. To learn more, please contact a Zonta club near you.

This is from when I was awarded Zonta Club of Toronto’s Young Women in Public Affairs Award. I was awarded it through my involvement in politics and my community. I wasto sit and talk with lots of business women and learn about the things they do.

I later went on to be awarded the Zonta District 4 Young Women in Public Affairs Award and then one of five around the world to be awarded the International Award.

I had these kind words said about me on their website as well as their facebook:

I was also featured in a couple news outlets, including the Beach Metro ...

...and the East York Mirror/Inside Toronto.

My old high school event put up a post!