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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday April 4, 2007 - 29 Introducing the Emcee... Introducing Elysia Nisan Kirkup This year the honorable role of emcee for the Oakville Awards for Business Excellence will be filled by none other than Elysia Nisan Kirkup- educator, worldwide activist and renowned volunteer. Elysia's caring nature and knowledge have earned her this position, as well as the respect and gratitude of the community. Elysia began her contributions to the community as a high school student. Even in her youth Elysia was conscious of the international community, and for this she was chosen to represent Canada on the international stage as a youth ambassador. This was certainly the first of many life-changing experiences for Elysia. Soon, Elysia was gladly accepted at Queen's University, where she was able to complete a semester in El Salvador. While she was in El Salvador tragedy struck and an earthquake hit. Elysia was deeply touched by the needs of those suffering around her and spent much of her free time dressed as a clown teaching life skills to children after the earthquake. She completed a BA at Queen's and, after deciding that the way to change the world was through children, she went on to do a B.Ed. While completing her B.Ed, Elysia did an "alternate placement" in Bosnia with a World Vision team. During this time she assisted children who had been traumatized by war. Just when she thought her years at university were over, Elysia was chosen to receive the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. She then attended Keele University in England which she felt supported her beliefs. She completed her Master's in International Relations, with Distinction- one of only two people in her class to do so. While in England, Elysia spent more time volunteering- this time at a woman's shelter. Since returning to our community, Elysia has piloted a program called the Halton Internship Program (HIP). This program strives to help the region's at-risk students. Elysia also teaches part time at Sheridan College in the Police Foundations Program. Elysia has already done so much for the community- both local Congratulations to all the nominees! and worldwide, but she does not plan to stop there. She has already made plans to spend this summer volunteering at a "Failure to Thrive" clinic in Romania. The children at this clinic are ages four and under, and all have been effected by a serious developmental physical challenges; many have been abandoned. Elysia's work is certainly commendable- she is a true inspiration to our town, and undoubtedly to her students. She is definitely the appropriate choice for emcee on such a momentous occasion. Dorval OPEN: Mon.-Thurs. 11-11 Fri.-Sat. 11-11:30 905.338.1888 Lakeshore Rd. Kerr 134 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville