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Students honoured with Give Back Awards for community service

May 14, 2021   ·   0 Comments

To mark National Volunteer Week last month, Neighbourhood Network honoured 20 graduating students living in York Region and South Simcoe with the Give Back Award.

The Grade 12 students, who represent the communities of Aurora, King, Newmarket, Tottenham, East Gwillimbury, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Georgina and Vaughan, were recognized for the work they have carried out not only within their schools but in their communities as a whole.

Award-winning students will receive a grant of $1,000 towards their post-secondary studies.

“The impact these students have had on their peers and the community at large is inspiring,” says Erin Cerenzia, Manager of Neighbourhood Network, an organization which connects potential volunteers with opportunities in their community tailored to their interests and skills. “Neighbourhood Network is so happy to celebrate their exceptional volunteer achievements, especially during these difficult times.”

Among this year’s honourees are:

Sarah Gangl – St. Maximilian Kolbe CHS (Tottenham)

“When Sarah began at St. Maximillian Kolbe C.H.S. she was immediately drawn to the Best Buddies Program. Her leadership in Best Buddies has opened the doors to so many exciting opportunities and has allowed her to use her time and talents to support a worthy cause. Sarah has been described as a ‘model Peer Buddy’ who is ‘an exemplary leader for her school’s Council and Catholic community.’ Sarah is also part of Kolbe Leaders at Work, a group that leads the school community in various charitable initiatives. Outside of school, Sarah started a youth band at her church. She always goes above and beyond and pushed through the many challenges of the pandemic by creating ways for her groups to continue meeting virtually. Sarah plans on attending the University of Toronto where she will study Music and Life Sciences. Combining these two fields of interest, she hopes to pursue a career as a music therapist.”

Bridget Neilson – King City Secondary School (King City)

“Bridget has been involved in Girl Guides for eight years where giving back to the local community is a regular occurrence. From successful bottle drives, to annual trash clean-ups, and weekend camps, Bridget has been a leader and organized activities for the younger Girl Guides and town-run camps for over three years. Bridget also gives back by volunteering for the Terry Fox Run, presenting time management and exam-prep workshops to fellow students, participating the Me to We Club, helping at the local food bank, and leading Earth Hour initiatives at her school. Bridget is heading to university to study Environmental Management to help restore our wildlife and communities.”

AVISHKA GAUTHAM – Cardinal Carter CHS (Nobleton)

“Avishka has made large contributions to the community by volunteering for diverse initiatives: from tree planting, assisting at Farmers’ Markets and Town festivals, teaching students with disabilities to swim, volunteering at children’s summer camps, entertaining seniors, and even helping to look after a variety of farm animals. Avishka is also President of Best Buddies at school, along with being a member of the Me to We Council, the school choir, and the cross-country team – and she still finds time to figure skate and read to young children at the library! On top of these achievements, Avishka has even started a new organization leading virtual oral health care seminars for seniors and new Canadians!”

By Brock Weir

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