An intimate glimpse of the real values in community life Special people I am the editor of a small town newspaper. Who I am, or the town I'm from is not important. The story you are about to read is important; it could happen -- and probably will -- in your own community. No matter how large or small the place you live in, we all are blessed with a sense of 'community'. Even in the larger metropolitan areas there are smaller, closely-knit pockets our families call 'home'. Those are the areas served by the 275 members of the Ontario Community Newspapers Association. The paper you're reading is a member of that group. Each year since 1981, Ontario's community newspapers and Canadian Airlines International have sponsored the 'Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Awards' program, designed to recognize 'the acheivements and/or personal courage of outstanding young people in Ontario, aged 6 to 18 years. Some young people we honoured this year saved lives in dangerous circumstances. Some performed invaluable services which produced incalculable benefits for their fellow citizens. And some suffered from incurable illnesses, or tremendous physical handicaps. In previous years our newspaper supported this program, and watched our nominees as they were honoured for their accomplishments. Although none were selected as an "Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year", they all received certificates and derived a great deal of satisfac- - tion from their nominations. This past year was different. Our 1990 nominee was a lovely young girl, only seventeen years old, living with the same terminal cancer that struck down Terry Fox. She came from a close-knit family. She lived in a close-knit town. The news of her illness devasted the family, and rocked the entire community. For a while, the only person capable of coping with the tragic situation was the young lady herself. What a job she did! She continued her education while undergoing treatment. She performed volunteer work with other cancer patients at home, and also while hospitalized at a larger centre during the times when more intensive treatment was necessary. There are no words to describe what her family experienced for the past two years. This incredible youngster, ignoring the cruel hand fate had dealt her, realized what was happening to her loved ones, and took it upon herself to pick up the shattered pieces of the family's dreams and hopes. This Spring at OCNA's annual convention as the audience and her proud family watched Ontario's Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander hug her, then present the Ontario Junior Citizen plaque, most were unaware she was wearing a wig, or walking on an artificial leg. She was beautiful. And when she turned on the podium with the Lieutenant Governor to pose for our photo, the grin which beamed toward us was worth all the effort the association put into this program in the past decade. Within a month, the cancer spread to her lungs, and she was back in hospital. A far too brief period of remission followed before she lost the battle. But with the help of our community, and the OCNA Junior Citizen program, our young heroine had her moment in the sun. She knew she had done well, and how important she was to her family...along with many others she helped along the way. There are other worthy youngsters just like our Junior Citizen in every community across this province. Contact this newspaper for a nomination form and more information on the Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Awards program. Take a moment. Please help us to provide these young people with the recognition they deserve. Believe me, it matters. 0 We oking for ONTARIO €" JUNIOR CITIZENS Do you know a young person, aged 6 to 18 years, who is involved in worthwhile community service or a special person who is contributing, while coping with a physical or psychological limitation? Do you know a youth who has performed an act of heroism? The Ontario Community Newspapers Association with Canadian Airlines International as the patron, are looking to recognize these 'good kids', the young people of our province who show a commitment to making life better for others. To nominate an individual or a group of young people, for the Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award, please contact this newspaper or the 0.C.N.A. at (416) 844-0184. Nominations, for this year's awards, will be accepted until October 31, 1990. Every nominee will receive a certificate and up to 12 individuals and one group will be the recipients of a plaque presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, an Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year lapel pin, $200.00 and a family portrait with the Lieutenant Governor. NOMINATION FORMS - are available by contacting this Community Newspaper or O.C.N.A. 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