Surrey Youth Honoured with SASSY Awards
Each award recipients received a $500 bursary, $500 donation to the charity of their choice, a signed copy of Craig Kielburger‟s book "Me to WE‟ and a stylized glass "S" SASSY Award.
Each award recipients received a $500 bursary, $500 donation to the charity of their choice, a signed copy of Craig Kielburger‟s book „Me to WE‟ and a stylized glass "S" SASSY Award.
AGAINST - the - ODDS AWARD
John Davidson, an 18 year old honour roll graduate from Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School, currently studying at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. John grew up in a single family home of low socio-economics. When his mother passed away he was affected drastically and directed his anger outward. During the next couple of years he realized his mother would want him to do better in life and John decided to do two things; play football and be an honour roll student. John‟s life story has been featured on CTV‟s „Hometown Heroes‟. John will be making his donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
ATHLETIC / SPORTSMAN SASSY AWARD
Jake Bruchet, 18, a student at University of British Columbia. Jake was an honour roll student at Elgin Park Secondary School and as a member of the Ocean Athletics Track and Field Club, he is a mentor to the younger athletes. He is a leader for his peer group and also helps out with coaching. Jake is an all-around athlete and is a member of the UBC Track Team. Jake will be making his donation to White Rock/South Surrey Nite of Hope.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Amie Johnson, 18 year old student at Simon Fraser University. Amie is a driving force behind the growth and success of the Surrey Leadership Youth Council (SLYC) and wider youth engagement projects in the Surrey community. Through her work and success with SLYC she has demonstrated the potential of getting young people more deeply involved in their community, and is responsible for the increase in youth engagement projects. Amie will be making her donation to the Surrey SPCA.
CULTURAL DIVERSITY AWARD
Kanwalnain Grewal. Kanwalnain, 16, is a determined and committed Tamanawis Secondary School honour roll student. She has won a medal in Biotechnology and the BCIC Young Innovator Award held by Simon Fraser University. Kanwalnain has been chosen to represent her school many times on OMNI and CTV news. An excellent public speaker, she was the finalist in the Wayne Houston Speech Meet 2011 and plans to become a professional broadcaster. Kanwalnain will be making her donation to the BC Children‟s Hospital.
HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Stephanie Blain, 17 year old Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School student. Stephanie has been involved in fundraising for Free the Children since 2009, and has helped to organize a variety of events including „Vow of Silence‟ in 2010. In March 2010 Stephanie was part of a team that travelled to Kenya‟s Masai Mara to help build a school. Stephanie is passionate about global issues and dedicated to her work with Free the Children, the African Children‟s Choir and her local Interact club at her school. Stephanie will be making her donation to Free the Children – Kenya villages.
PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS AWARD
Joe Given. Joe has won numerous music related awards, including the "Artistic Achievement Award", from The Canadian Club of Vancouver, at the 2010 Canada SOARS Awards. He won a Dogwood District Authority Award Scholarship, in the Fine Arts Category in 2010. Joe loves acting, and has had roles in Community Theatre Productions. Joe is a 19 year old is a Kwantlen Polytechnic University student, enrolled in the Business Management program. Joe will be making his donation to Free the Children.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD
Cynthia Bhourji, 17, a grade 12 student at Tamanawis Secondary School. Cynthia was recently elected as the president for Surrey Youth Arts Council. Cynthia has helped create awareness, appreciation and pride in the artistic and cultural achievements of our youth community. She works with a team of passionate youth to organize annual city-wide events such as Surrey Shines, talent show, multicultural fashion shows, and Battle of the Bands. Cynthia also serves as the chair of the Tamanawis Secondary Global Awareness Club and works vigorously to plan events/campaigns, with a focus on humanitarian and environmental causes, both locally and internationally. Cynthia will be making her donation to Change the Beat.
Photo above shows SASSY Award recipients with Craig Kielburger, keynote speaker, Me to We and Free the Children. Back Row left to right: John Davidson, Craig Kielburger, Jake Bruchet. Front Row left to right: Stephanie Blain, Cynthia Bhourji, Kanwalnain K. Grewal , Amie Johnson, Joe Given. Photo by Michelle Louise Brunet (www.michellelouisebrunet.com)
