“The purpose of the John Gerretsen Youth Leadership Award is to support young leaders as they strive to develop their potential.”

The recipient of this year’s John Gerretsen Youth Leadership Award is Grade 11 student Jacob Laframboise from Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School. Laframboise will be using his award to take part in the SHAD program this summer, where he will attend a month-long competitive, in-residence program at Waterloo University focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & math).

“I applied for this award to support my participation in the SHAD program for the month of July, and I am tremendously excited to have been chosen. I feel absolutely great about how this award will significantly ease the financial burden of SHAD, and each day I am increasingly excited to participate in the program this summer,” Laframboise said.

“During my experience in the SHAD program I will engage in exciting seminars and lectures to challenge and grow my understanding of science, both individual and group-based project work to better my interpersonal collaboration and leadership. SHAD will challenge me to become a better person in so many ways, and I am very grateful and excited for the support of the John Gerretsen Award towards my experience.”

The purpose of the John Gerretsen Youth Leadership Award is to support young leaders as they strive to develop their potential. Students in Grades 9-12 within the boundaries of Kingston and the Islands are eligible to apply. Successful candidates are selected each year by a committee overseen by the Community Foundation. These students will have previously demonstrated leadership in their school and/or community by advocating and supporting others; being an accepting and inclusive role model; and by demonstrating commitment, compassion and courage.

Do you know a young leader who may be a good candidate for this award?

To apply, students must complete a form and submit two letters of reference that describe their character and commitment to leadership. Students may apply for leadership activities such as attending a conference, seminar or leadership a course or program, participating in a government related opportunity, or any activity that furthers the student’s understanding and skill in a specific area of leadership. Up to $2000 in funding is available each year.

Students in the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board can click here for more information: http://www2.alcdsb.on.ca/mediadesk/pr1415/apr15/JG_YouthLeadershipAward.pdf

Students in the Limestone District School board can click here for more information: http://www.limestone.on.ca/2017%20JG%20Youth%20Leadership%20Award%20LDSB.pdf

Click here for information on the inaugural recipients: https://www.cfka.org/2015/06/18/ldsb-students-first-recipients-of-john-gerretsen-youth-leadership-award/