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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, June 12, 2013 | 16 Quiet student follows her heart to be heard by Dominik Kurek Oakville Beaver Staff Grade 8 Maple Grove Public School student Victoria Winslow is a quiet person. But, there is one issue about which she will not stay silent. The youth will not stand for mistreatment of young people such as herself, especially girls. "It's wrong. It shouldn't be happening," the 14-year-old said. "I feel like you're still a person no matter where you live in the world. I could have easily been born (elsewhere) and I could have been in a situation that girls my age are facing. They're being married off and I get to go to school every day. I want to help make it so that girls all around the world can also go to school like me because it's not fair they get treated differently just because they were born in another country." Winslow is the deputy minister of Maple Grove's Me to We Club, and has worked diligently for the past two school years to get her peers to fundraise the $8,500 needed to build a I want to help make it so that girls all around the world can also go to school like me because it's not fair they get treated differently just because they were born in another country. 2013 Louise Russo Leadership Award winner Victoria Winslow, Fine cabinetry for anywhere in your home Family Owned & Operated Since 1976 S 905-632-0029 · Bath and Kitchen Showroom · Designer Kitchens · Kitchen Renovations FREE HST purchased with a complete kitchen before June 30th, 2013 4150 South Service Rd. on cabinets only uniquekitchensofburlington.com for FREE w o n r e t Regis school in Sierra Leone through Free the Children. Not only has the youth's voice empowered her fellow students to raise enough money to build the school, they have surpassed their goal and will be able to use the extra funding for a new social initiative. For her efforts, Winslow was recognized at the Louise Russo W.A.V .E. Empowering Youth Day (Working Against Violence Everyday) recently, where she received a 2013 Louise Russo Leadership Award. Winslow said she's honoured to receive the recognition. "I'm a very quiet and shy person, but when it comes to issues such bullying, child labour and child marriage I make sure my voice is heard," she said. "By winning this award, it shows that even the quiet people can make a difference and the quiet people can have their voices heard." The awards program recognizes youths from Victoria Winslow $29 for a 1-Hour Photo Shoot Package with Prints and Images (up to a $250 Value) 88off % ACTIVE WagJag ACTIVE WagJag up to r u o v a S the t he SHADE EST. 1966 63% off 61% off Brought to you by $7 for $15 towards fireworks, plus a Hot Tamali from Phatboy Fireworks ($19 value) Other options available 86% off 62% off $29 for $200 towards a Complete Pair of Prescription Eyewear or Prescription Sunglasses across Canada for their work in their communities. Winslow's social justice efforts took root at New Central Public School, where she attended until Grade 6. There, students raised money to build a school in Kenya. When Winslow arrived at Maple Grove, the students had already been fundraising for a school in Sierra Leone, but she recognized a major push was needed to complete the fundraising before she and her classmates graduated. "In Grades 7 and 8, I worked really hard to keep it going and to finish the fundraising and to help build a school WITH A QUALITY AWNING OR PATIO ROOF SYSTEM in Sierra Leone." Winslow has attended We Day in Toronto the past three years with her schools, which she said is motivational. When the youth heads to high school, she said her social justice work will not end as Winslow intends to form a social club outside of school. "I want to find a new project. I'm thinking of doing something with girls and education to help prevent things like child marriage. That's a really big thing for me," she said. Winslow is also a nominee for Me to We's Youth in Action Award, which is handed out to youths aged 13-17. AWNING PRODUCTS ACTIVE WagJag $29 for a 1-hour massage of your choice at Halton RMT ($75 value) ACTIVE WagJag $49 for a 20-point inspection and tune-up from Dexicab Electric Heating and Cooling Inc. ($129 value) Other options www.jansawningpoducts.com SHOWROOM 4361 Harvester Road, Burlington 905 335 3733 Emily Carr rain date Emily Carr Public School is hosting its end-of-year CARRnival today (Wednesday). The event was rained out June 6 and rescheduled for today. It runs 4-8 p.m. at the 2255 Pine Glen Rd. school. Everyone is welcome. HAVE QUESTIONS? CALL 1-855-4WAGJAG Uncompromised Quality Since 1966