Since 1981, the prestigious Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year awards program has recognized the best of Ontario’s youth.
Coordinated by the Ontario Community Newspapers Association with the support of its 300 and more member Newspapers and sponsors, the Junior Citizen Program is also wholeheartedly supported by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
The Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Awards Program strives not only to recognize the dozen or so outstanding young people who will be the recipients of awards, but to also give recognition to hundreds of others who represent the “good kids” everyone knows. To achieve that, everyone nominated receives a certificate of recognition from their local community Newspaper.
Nishin Nathwani
Nishin’s resume shows his committment to both the local and global community. Some of that includes:
– Joining Amnesty International’s ‘Urgent Action Network’, writing letters weekly to international leaders calling for an end to human rights abuses;
– Chief organizer for the “Arts for Freedom Amnesty Concert 2006” which raised $1,342 for AI Canada’s “Stop Violence Against Women Campaign.”
– Piano performer at several community e vents including the annual general meeting of the local horticultural society
– Elected Prime Minister of the student council at Elora Public School by executive student council members and staff.
– Founder and president of Amnesty International Group at Elora Public School.
– Member of Kids Without Borders Committee at Elora Public School, this group funded the construction of Graham’s Children’s School in Nigeria through the Mennonite Central Committee.
– Worked with Developmentally delayed children at the school during three lunch hours a week
– Completed a one month intensive German course designed for adults, at the age of 12
– Participated in the International Student Exchange to France where he attended a fully-French school and resided with a French family.
– Trained in Brahma Kumaris technique of meditation.
– Poetry published in two Indian books on spirituality
– Canadian Red Cross Babysitting qualification through course at University of Guelph.
– Currently co-president of Amnesty International Group at Centre Wellington District High School
– Co-organized the first annual “Acceptance Week” at Centre Wellington District High School and organized a series of campaigns, competitions and rallies in the school to promote acceptance and non-discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and a Rainbow March .
Karen Welch, principal ofCentre Wellington District High School wrote, "Nishin has been at our school for two and a half years. During that time he has maintained an A plus average showing outstanding skills academically."
"Teachers have made the following comments on his report cards “outstanding critical thinking at an exceptional level”, “superb understanding, amazing work”; “most competent that I have ever worked with”; “nothing short of exemplary” and “excellent work ethic and attitude.”
"Nishin has also shown himself to be outstanding in his giving back to our school community.
"He has been a leader in Centre Wellington District High School’s Amnesty International Club, our GSA (Gay Straight Alliance), and in setting up a school mediation centre for staff and students. He is active on the school’s cross country team.
"In our community, Nishin assists seniors at our senior’s home – the Wellington Terrace. He conducts classes at a yoga studio, and for nursing and senior administrative staff at Groves Memorial Community Hospital. He has a black belt in karate and has taken a gold medal in a karate Goju tournament. He plays the piano and is working on his grade 10 level.
"Our staff see him as an incredible young man who is willing to share. He has a deep understanding of himself which will help him at school, work and life choices. He is a true humanitarian and a very wise, poised young man who will do much for his community, both locally and globally."
Tayler Black
Tayler Black, of RR1 Fergus, is 15 years old a grade 10 student at St. James Catholic School in Guelph.
In his letter of nomination by Paul and Laurie Rooney, of Fergus, they wrote:
"His positive attitude and strength of character clearly demonstrate a commitment to his community and a desire to make life better for others."
"He was a three time class winner and two time school winner for public speaking, representing St. Joseph School, local and District Lions Club ad the Legion in regional competitions.
"Black was a VIP student recognition award recipient in 2007.
"He was a member of student council and the yearbook committee at St. Joseph’s and in grade 8 was voted class valedictorian.
"Black was a peer coach for the Wellington Special Olympics Day, with duties including training challenged students for physical events and providing encouragement at the event.
"He was also a peer mediator on the school playground, solving schoolyard problems in a peaceful manner.
"Those contributions to the school community continue at St. James where he was Outstanding grade 9 student, a class representing on the grade 9 and grade 10 yearbook committee and grade 10 class representative on the school council.
"Black is a member of the Wellington County Historical Society and assists with many of its events, showing not only pride in his family history, but that of the community.
"He is also a member of the Wellington County Library, Aboyne branch, TAG (Teen Advisory Group) where he works with young students, encourages reading and acts as a mentor. He’s very involved in 4-H and is a dedicated Altar Server at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Fergus for the past seven years.
"Tayler is not only involved in the Celtics Basketball program as a participant, but is an active volunteer assisting children aged 6 to 12 years with various basketball skills and development. Tayler works at Coneybeare’s Apiary on weekends and has a yardwork business in the spring and summer.
“It is clear that Tayler Black is an active, intelligent young man no different, perhaps, than many of our bright young children in this community who contribute to their society. However, Tayler distinguishes himself with his quiet and humble manner. Tayler is thoughtful and he leads quietly and gently. He contributes, participates and is involved enthusiastically without complaints.”
