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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, August 19, 2016 | 12 YMCA of Oakville helps youths achieve dreams by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver For these five youths, the YMCA of Oakville has been a stepping stone to their dreams. The group of Y employees and volunteers received the Peter Gilgan Leadership Award Tuesday (Aug. 16) for their contributions to the organization and the wider community. Valued at $4,000 each, bursaries funded by the Peter Gilgan Foundation were given out to assist recipients with their post-secondary education. Each applicant, 17 this year, was assigned a score based on their achievements and activities in the Y and community, their impact, area of study and future career goals. Twenty-seven YMCA youth leaders have garnered the award since it was created in 2011. "The Peter Gilgan Leadership Award is so much more than just an award. It represents an investment in the future of our youth, our community and our country," said Kyle Barber, YMCA of Oakville president and CEO. "These five inspiring youths will go on to achieve even greater heights in their academic studies and future careers." From left, Chenya Bourne, Max Boateng, Sarah Rouse, Elizabeth O'Brien and Erica Pettinato, are recipients of the Peter Gilgan Award. They were given $4,000 each along with the recognition for their involvement in community services at the Peter Gilgan YMCA of Oakville Tuesday (Aug. 16). | Noah Park photo This year's bursaries went to Elizabeth O'Brien, Erica Pettinato, Max Boateng, Sarah Rouse and Chenya Bourne. A staff member and volunteer for five years, Boateng developed leadership skills and a passion for working with youths through a variety of positions in the camp, community and child and youth departments. "I value the YMCA as a top priority in my life. It's icing on the cake for the YMCA to help me with school now," said Boateng. "I knew there were so many people who applied this year. I didn't think I was going to be one of them (recipients), to be honest. I was so happy." When his older sister worked at the Y, Boateng would accompany her on her 14-hour shift. It inspired the now 20-year-old to join the organization, as a volunteer, when he was 14 because the YMCA is "part of my blood and part of my life," he said. Currently a summer camp counsellor, Boateng has built strong communication and time management skills by co-ordinating relief shifts for his fellow co-workers. He has also spent time as a basketball and soccer coach. "Working at the Y has taught me what I want to be in my life. It showed me I want to work with kids in my life," he said. In September, Boateng will be attending Sheridan College with the aspirations of becoming a child and youth practitioner. "So many people in the YMCA community have helped me be a better man and better person, so I want to give back. Being a child and youth worker is a way to give back," he said. O'Brien has called the Y home for five years, first as a one-on-one integration camp counsellor see Winners on p.19 COMPLETE BATHROOM, KITCHEN & LAUNDRY RENOVATIONS www.jwarchitect.com Fully Licensed, Insured & 2 Year Workmanship Warranty We Supply · Custom Vanities · Counter Tops · Tubs · Faucets · Sinks · Toilets · Custom Shower Doors · Tiles And Much More 2666 Royal Windsor Drive, Unit 1D, Mississauga (at Winston Churchill) 905-823-2278 Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10 am - 5 pm, Saturday 10 am - 4 pm www.clarksonbathandtile.com HOUSES OUR FIRST PASSION New · Additions · Cottages · Interiors · Landscape We fill more than your prescriptions. We fulfill your expectations When you need a prescription filled or advice about an over-the-counter medication, you can rely on your Morelli's Pharmacy team to be fast, helpful and knowledgeable. Online Prescription RENEWAL 10% off seed cylinders on now until August 22nd Specialty compounding available at all our morelli'S locationS. "We specialize in compounding pain management therapy, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy & cosmeceutical compounds" We have the best bird food in town! All locations are located inside Longos & are open 7 days a week MORELLI'S PHARMACY (INSIDE LONGO'S) 2900 WALKERS LINE BURLINGTON, ONTARIO L7M 4M8 PH: 905-331-4554 · FX: 905-331-8486 MORELLI'S PHARMACY (INSIDE LONGO'S) 469 CORNWALL ROAD OAKVILLE, ONTARIO L6J 7S8 PH: 905-845-8999 · FX: 905-845-8990 MORELLI'S PHARMACY (INSIDE LONGO'S) 1225 FAIRVIEW STREET BURLINGTON, ONTARIO L7S 1Y5 PH: 905-333-5537 · FX: 905/333-8213 MORELLI'S PHARMACY (INSIDE LONGO'S) 338 DUNDAS STREET EAST OAKVILLE, ONTARIO L6H 6Z9 PH: 905-257-1277 · FX: 905-257-4537 MORELLI'S PHARMACY (INSIDE LONGO'S) 3455 WYECROFT ROAD OAKVILLE, ONTARIO L6L 0B1 PH: 905-469-6523 · FX: 905-469-6804 3350 FAIRVIEW STREET, BuRlIngTon 905-634-7700 · EmAIl: wbu1@bellnet.ca We bring people & nature together