Gwyneth Pella | Goderich District Collegiate Institute

Wanting to make her school a more positive and inclusive place, Gwyneth was a member of her Student Council for the last six years, and served as Vice President the last two. During her high school career, Gwyneth also acted as a member of the Social Justice Club, a member of the Cheer Squad, Head Coordinator of the Friendship Games, and a Member of the Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving Club. Gwyneth also has a love for theatre, and has acted in local productions of The Penelopiad and The Secret Garden, and in her school’s Sears Drama Festival. She also has as a passion for photography, a hobby she has pursued for many years. An active member of her community, Gwyneth has served as Assistant Crew Chief for the Goderich Celtic Festival Kids Area, as a volunteer for the Goderich Children’s Festival, and a volunteer for Relay for Life. She is planning to attend Queen’s University this fall to pursue studies in Science.

Joy Pizzati | Central Huron Secondary School

Joy was an active member of her high school community. She served on her student council for four years, most recently as Vice President, as well as playing on her school’s volleyball team, and serving as group leader for the school’s Change Day. In the community, Joy plays Division II soccer, is co-captain of her hockey team, and is a helper at the Vacation Bible School and with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Joy also volunteers and works part-time as a student caregiver at Anfield Manor, a retirement home in her community, where she helps residents with daily activities like gardening, going for walks, and preparing food. She is planning to attend McMaster University this fall to pursue studies in Nursing.

Emma Regier | South Huron District High School

Emma has been a member of her Student Parliament since the 7^th grade, first as Health and Safety representative, and most recently as co-President. Emma volunteered in grade 11 to teach life skills to students with complex needs, and connected with her peers at Goderich DCI to help facilitate the Friendship Games. In her role as co-President of Student Parliament, Emma began developing a Safe and Healthy School team to support students with mental health issues. Emma also volunteers in her church, teaching Sunday school lessons, and serving as a reader to practice her public speaking skills and inspire other youth. Emma is a successful athlete and has played rep hockey for much of her life. She began playing field hockey in grade 9, and served as the captain of her team this past season, always trying her hardest to provide a positive environment for the team to grow. Emma is planning to attend York University this fall to pursue studies in Kinesiology.

Breelle Shaw | F.E. Madill Secondary School

An avid athlete, Breelle has been a member of her school’s Nordic Ski team since 2014 and a member of her school’s Track and Field team since 2015, competing in shot put, discus, and javelin. She also played both soccer and basketball on school and community teams. Breelle demonstrated leadership in her school, serving as Grade 11 Student Council Representative and then as President of the Student Council. Breelle is an active member of her community. She was a school ambassador and volunteer for Building Bridges to Our Future, a community fundraising group that worked to build an accessible community playground, upgrade community sports fields and create outdoor learning grounds. She is a regular volunteer at the North Huron Community Food Share. In her spare time, Breelle studies piano and teaches swimming lessons. She is planning to attend the University of Waterloo this fall to pursue studies in Science.

Hannah Wheeler | F.E. Madill Secondary School

Hannah was a strong member of her high school community, as Treasurer, Secretary, and Student Trustee for her student council, and as a Student Trustee for the Avon Maitland District School Board Student Senate. Hannah also helped to initiate a mental health awareness week for students, which included activities that promoted the development of coping skills, self-care, and a stronger sense of community. In the community, Hannah is a member of Mental Health Matters Wingham, a group promoting mental health awareness through workshops, training sessions, and wellness events.  Hannah has also been volunteering for St. Helen’s Hall for many years and joined the Hall’s Board of Directors, where she helps to organize community dinners and other events that keep the Hall open. Hannah has helped to make decisions regarding a number of updates to the Hall, including in her role as chair of the Playground Committee. Hannah works as a childcare provider and is planning to study Child Studies at the University of Guelph starting this fall.