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THURSDAY, May 13, 2010 YOUTH POWER Making a difference in our community PAGE 2 CREATIVE MINDS Award-winning artists exhibit their work PAGES 3-4 CELEBRATING OUR YOUTH Youth honoured for service to the community In honour of International Youth Week, May 1-7, the Mayor's Youth Action Committee (MYAC) recognized the achievements of youth in Halton Hills at the seventh annual Youth Recognition Awards on May 4 Award winners were recognized for promoting a positive image of young people and generating awareness of the value and contributions youth can make. The youth recognized are being acknowledged for different reasons, some for volunteer accomplishments and their commitment to our community, and others for their artistic abilities. "When we are seeking candidates for these awards we look for individuals that are involved in the community at a capacity that benefits both their peers and others," said Jennifer Ancona, Town of Halton Hills Recreation Coordinator for Children and Youth. Read about these inspirational youths on this page and page 2. In conjunction with this event, MYAC hosted the Youth Art Competition for youth between the ages of 13-18. The winning artists and their work is previewed on pages 3-4. MYAC also hosted an open mic night called Amped up for Youth on May 5 at The Roxy in Acton. This open mic night gave local musicians an opportunity to showcase their musical talent among their peers. All photos by Eamonn Maher Maggie Connolly Award Kerri Kosziwka Maggie Connolly was a Halton public blic heath nurse who was an inspirational and nd dedicated individual to the youth of Halton on Hills. This year's recipient is Kerri Kosziwka, a, who is an individual that proves to be e dedicated and selfless in her volunteerism. Kerri attends Acton District High School, and has been an exceptional student and outstanding member of her community. Kerri not only organizes fundraisers for local and global issues but she is a mentor and teacher for her school's peer-tutoring program, a teaching assistant for a Grade 9 class, a dance teacher at Georgetown Dance Company and a member of the concert and jazz band at her school. She is a founding and active member of the Me 2 We studentrun organization at Acton High School where they aim to raise awareness about local and global issues such as bullying and poverty in East African countries. Furthermore, Kerri is a member of Acton's Link Crew, who are peer mentors for all the Grade 9s, and facilitate events throughout the year to make the transition and school experience better for their younger peers. In addition, they organize Grade 9 Day and exam study sessions called "Coco and Cram" . Kerri is a positive role model to others by getting involved and staying active in her community. Colin Brennan is a student at Acton District High School who demonstrates a pasassion for theatre production and music. Colin is currently a stage manager for a local al play, he is the VP of Finance for his Junior or Achievement program, he is a member of the Acton Citizens' Band, and is an audio-vid-video technician for his church. Colin is self-motivated and a positive role ole model to fellow youth in his community. He has contributed to his community through his involvement in food drives, tree planting and community cleanups. Colin Brennan Hayley Gendron Hayley Gendron is a student t at Acton High School student, who is a relentless contributor to o her school l and community. Hayley is involved in her school's yearly plays and Improv Club. In addition, she has played an influential role to other members of the community with her involvement with P.O.S.S.E. (Peer Outreach Support Services and Education). Hayley is a hardworking and dedicated individual who is a positive role model for other youth. Emily Hamilton is a student at s Georgetown District High School who is s a regular volunteer at the Links2Care's Off the Wall Youth Centre. From starttning out as a participant at the Youth Centre, Emily has taken an active volunteering role where she assists with the daily operations of the Centre. She demonstrates exceptional leadership skills, creativity, and dedication to her work in addition to her natural trustworthy and dependable characteristics. Emily has developed great relationships with staff and is an outstanding role model to all of the participants. Emily Hamilton The Town of Halton Hills celebrates the many contributions of youth and appreciates the vital role they have in our community. from Mayor Rick Bonnette & Members of Council