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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, July 1, 2016 | 4 Recognized for making a difference in the communty by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver A group of Oakville females is leading by example in efforts to build a better community, which is why they were recognized June 22. Issued by Ontario's Women's Directorate, the Leading Women/Leading Girls Building Communities Awards acknowledges and celebrates women and girls who demonstrate exceptional leadership in their communities to improve the lives of others. Oakville MPP and Ontario Labour Minister Kevin Flynn handed out the accolades at a ceremony held on the grounds of Erchless Estate. The event also featured a rendition of O Canada sung by local recording artist Paige Rutledge. This year's Leading Girls Awards were given to Jennifer Zhao, Kiara Hassan and Maeve Crowne, while Julia Hanna garnered the Leading Women Award. "Every year, I have the pleasure of witnessing the hard work and passion that our recipients have for bettering the lives of our community members and those around them," said Flynn. "It is my privilege to congratulate you and to thank you for the accomplishments and positive impact (you) have had." The Oakville MPP said the winners have accomplished a great deal as students, business Ontario Labour Minister and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn, left, recognized a group of local females, from left, Julia Hanna, Kiara Hassan and Jennifer Zhao, with the Leading Women/Girls Awards at the Oakville Museum for making a difference in town. | photo by Noah Park ­ special to the Oakville Beaver leaders, volunteers and "as role models to everyone in their lives." Those recognized are role models "The people we honour tonight exemplify the necessity of having women involved in the leadership of our community through the passion, determination and insight they bring to the table," said Flynn. "These women and girls have shown commitment to helping others and confronting issues that other people simply haven't been able to confront in the past." Jennifer Zhao Zhao was named a recipient for her extensive involvement with volunteer groups at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School and Flynn's Ontario Provincial Youth Advisory Council (OPYAC). She was "very surprised" to receive the award because she had submitted her application close to the deadline, Zhao said. "I can't believe I'm recognized for this because I wasn't expecting it. I just feel really happy now," said Zhao. At St. Mildred's, the 17-year-old pitches in at its Empty Bowls and Special Olympics events and tutors other students, including one she's been helping for two years. "I love seeing her grow," Zhao said. "She won the most improved math award last year. I was very happy because it shows that I'm having an impact on her life." Volunteering is a "great way to give back to your community," she said, especially if you learn from others while doing it. "When you're older, you can use your skills to do something good for the community. I like being a part of (OPYAC) because I get to talk to different teenagers about issues that are affecting youths today," said Zhao. The soon-to-be Grade 12 student is also involved with the Teen Advisory Group at the Oakville Public Library and Suite Melody Care see Students on p.13