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33| The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,M ay 10,2018 theifp.ca Improving the lives of people is what drives Zoe Tavenor, a Grade 12 student at Georgetown District High School. Her recent humanitari- an trip to Africa and her leadership class at school has helped solidify her de- sire to make the world a better place, as she works to further her studies to fulfil this goal. Her selflessness caught the attention of the Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA). Tave- nor is being recognized for her volunteer efforts after receiving a nomination for an Ontario Junior Citizen Award for 2017. Through her education and community involve- ment, the Georgetown youth is learning the im- portance of helping others while preparing for her post-secondary education. "It feels so great to help others and to give back," says Tavenor. "I do this vol- unteer work in hopes that I can help change lives. How- ever, what usually happens is my life is the one that is changed." Each year, the OCNA leads a nomination process to acknowledge youth who have demonstrated inspir- ing levels of community in- volvement. Tavenor recently trav- elled to Africa to volunteer with an HIV Task Force where she visited women and children who have con- tracted aids. "This was a very diffi- cult thing to be involved in, however, very rewarding to see the happiness we brought to these individu- als who were suffering," says Tavenor. During her time in Afri- ca, the Georgetown student volunteered at bible, music and sports camps. She also delivered food, toys and stickers to young children. Tavenor says GDHS's Leadership program has been influential in her vol- unteering choices. The program encourages stu- dents to volunteer and be- come involved in the com- munity to develop leader- ship skills. In her community, Tave- nor volunteers with special education students, coach- es sports teams and works with a Grade 9 female phys- ical education class at GDHS. "My leadership class at GDHS helped me to be a stronger leader," Tavenor says. Hoping to pursue a ca- reer as a nurse, Tavenor opted to do a co-op while enrolled at GDHS and se- cured a placement at a lo- cal health centre. Through the Halton District School Board's Specialist High Skills Major program, where students gain prac- tical experience in a cho- sen field, she was able to re- ceive first aid training and visit McMaster University to learn first-hand about the school's nursing pro- gram. "This helped me prepare for post-secondary educa- tion as it opened my eyes and helped confirm this is what I want to do," says Ta- venor. Following her passion to help others, Tavenor plans to travel to Guatemala this summer to embark on an- other volunteer initiative. "It is so important to give back and spread hap- piness as it goes a long way," says Tavenor. Heather Francey is the communications co-ordi- nator for the Halton Dis- trict School Board. COMMUNITY Zoe Tavenor encourages high school students to sign up for a leadership class and volunteer in the community. Jason Misner photo Georgetown student's passion to help others earns OCNA recognition HEATHER FRANCEY Movers and Shakers Marketplace Your Best Choice For Bin Rentals 6 - 40 cu. yd, sizes available A Family Tradition since 1953! "Scrap or Waste" www.sandersondisposal.ca 519-833-2614 One of a kind same day service diSpoSal CONTAINER SERVICES di S.O.W. BIN RENTAL (905) 873-79 CARPET, FLOORING & RUGS Est.1993 www.CarpetPalace.ca OVER 3,000 GEORGETOWN HOMES SERVICED! 3 ADAMSON NORVAL, CARPET, HARDWOOD, RUGS & TILE The One Store For Your Perfect Floor 26 Guelph St., Downtown Georgetown Floor and Home WINDOWS & SIDING www.winside.ca 873-0841905 CHINMEYS Chimney Repairs/Rebuilds Tuckpointing Ken Lahey klahey@cogeco.ca 416-837-6866 Serving Georgetown for over 10 years KEN'S PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS CHIMNEYS Locally Owned & Operated Since 1982 ACTON 519.853.3332 GEORGETOWN 905.702.2339 info@wwminc.ca www.wwminc.ca BINS IDEAL FOR: • Renovations • Shingles • Dirt • House & Yard Clean-Up • Concrete • Asphalt • Driveway Friendly • Junk Removal DISPOSAL CONTAINER RENTALS FULL JUNK REMOVAL SERVICES waste disposal containers 873-7955 .CarpetPalace.ca SERVICED! ADAMSON ST. S. AL, ON 26 Guelph St., Downtown Georgetown www.carpetone.ca http://carpetonegeorgetown.goldbook.ca 905-877-9896 THREE EASY WAYS TO SHOP. SIDING .winside.ca 873-0841 To advertise in this full colour directory delivered to every home in Halton Hills every Thursday, please call Kelli 905-234-1018 or email kkosonic@theifp.ca