Youth Recognition Watch Awards Program

“ I became more mindful of my actions, even from Grade 7.  These awards encourage us to reach out.  They inspire us to be kind and generous and proud of our involvement in our school.”
– Student from Sir John A MacDonald School

“These awards inspire us.  I was excited, but humble and doubtful.  I didn’t feel I’d done anything too grand to earn this award, but realized I’d done lots of little actions.  I realized too that ‘excellence isn’t a skill; it’s an attitude’”.
– Student from GP Vanier School

 
Since 1976, with the support of Roberts Repair & Custom Designs, this program has celebrated Junior High teens who demonstrate excellent community spirit in their school and are promising future leaders. These are the students who are always ready to lend a hand, are kind and compassionate, encourage others, show positivity, and get things done in the school. They know that change comes from “one person doing one action at a time”. As one teacher said, this program is a rare opportunity for students to be recognized by people in the community for their contributions and achievements. Students are presented with an engraved watch at school assemblies and then are recognized at an annual event in May hosted by the club. All award recipients, their parents and their teachers are invited to attend the event honoring them. ​

The program provides incentive for young people to develop positive attributes that will carry with them into their adult lives. These young people act as role models for the other young people in their schools.