A number of Saanich youth have been recognized for their exceptional achievement and leadership.
Saanich residents Nathan Brookes, Taylor Cumming, Lara Hoffecker, Spencer Lee, Arjun Niranjanan, Jacqueline Sun, Mackenzie Wensauer, Joshua Benjamin, Meggie Edwards, Colette Reimer and Melinda Wise were among the 28 youth from across the province to receive the Silver Level Duke of Edinburgh’s Award from Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon on Saturday at Government House in Victoria.
“Youth who achieve the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award demonstrate a commitment to leadership and self-discovery. Participating youth don’t work towards a cash prize, but rather the intrinsic value of challenging themselves by setting goals and then achieving them,” said Sushil Saini, executive director of the B.C. and Yukon Division. “These achievers truly are the leaders of today and tomorrow.”
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a self-development leadership program available to young people aged 14 to 24 across B.C. and Yukon, regardless of background, circumstances or abilities. To earn the Silver Award, achievers must work actively in the four sections of the award program: service to community, development of a skill, physical recreation, and an adventurous journey in nature, working consistently over a minimum of one year.
The award is presented in the form of a lapel pin and a certificate. Achievers also earn two Grade 11 high school credits for completing their Silver Award.