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continued from p.1 To that end, Sahil Abjuta, a Grade 12 Appleby College student who created a program called SPEAK (Students Proficient in English Applying Knowledge), to help international students' transition into the community, earned the youth medallion. "People with similar interests, backgrounds and appearances tend to be attracted towards one another and naturally form a group," he said. Abjuta wanted a more "cohesive" school where students are comfortable interacting with one another, regardless of their background, appearance or language, he said. "I saw this most prominently when I first entered high school where there is a large number of international boarding students. The students arrived to Canada with little or no history in the culture, language or customs here." Although Abjuta graduates in 2014, he said SPEAK hasn't reached its potential yet. Meanwhile Jo Fallon, cofounder of Oakville's Light- Breakfast served a message of inspiration for Peace Week house Program for Grieving Children, won the adult category peace medallion for her efforts to support grieving families and children who have lost a loved one. She said one of the principles behind YMCA Peace Week is the belief there is peace "when our basic needs are met." "In order to thrive, we each require four simple things -- attention, acceptance, affection and appreciation. When we're seen, heard, accepted and allowed to be trusted, we become strong in who we are," she said. Fallon said the Lighthouse Program can "change the trajectory a specific event puts our life onto." "Over the past 15 years, the Lighthouse has been providing this environment for children, teens and their caregivers and will continue to do so for many years," she said. Last year, the Lighthouse helped 180 participants cope with loss through group discussions and activities. "It's been my privilege to for social justice and time," said Carpenter. "We've held two food drives for Fareshare (food bank) each year for the past 10 years. We also assisted Amnesty International by getting people to join and sign petitions for the rights of indigenous people," said Carpenter. Special recognition was also given to youth medallion nominee, Tatum Martino, 9, who made wallets to raise money and awareness for Angelman Syndrome, which affects her friend and classmate, Callum Blackburn. The breakfast also featured speaker Cheryl Perera, founder of OneChild -- which empowers youths to take action against child sex slavery. Perera said she was humbled by the work of the local medallion recipients and nominees. "I can only hope your stories of conviction, courage and compassion, and my story and journey, can inspire every single person to engage in acts of peace in their lives, their communities and in their world." 5 | Wednesday, November 27, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Peace Medallions were awarded at last Thursday's YMCA Community Breakfast for Peace. From left, Sahil Abjuta, Appleby College student, picked up the award in the youth category. Jo Fallon, founder of The Lighthouse Program for Grieving Children, won in the adult selection while Tatum Martino, earned a special word for her work in support of Angelman Syndrome. For more photos, visit www.oakvillebeaver.com. | photos by Riziero Vertolli ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) witness overwhelmed and frightened children growing into self-assured young adults with grace and insight," said Fallon. The St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) Peace and Justice Club -- the PJs -- took home the group peace medallion for its support of local and international charities. Established in 2002, the 180-member stu- dent group organizes 10-15 fundraisers each year. Accepting on behalf of the group, club chair and Grade 12 student Sarah Carpenter said the PJs is the largest club in Halton "devoted to peace and justice." "Almost 20 per cent of our school's population takes part in running our charitable projects and events. Some of these events have become tradition in our school, like our fall and spring coffee houses and our dances for Grade 7s and 8s coming to STA," she said. In 2012, the club donated approximately $8,000 to 10 charities, including the YMCA's Strong Kids campaign. The club's activities aren't limited to fundraising as some causes require only "a passion New Patients Welcome! Our door is always open We pride ourselves on the high quality of treatment, service and care we provide. 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