Lindsay resident and St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School student, Siobhán Marie, has received the 2023 Terry Fox Humanitarian Award for her continued impact within the community.
This award honours the legacy of one of Canada's greatest heroes, Terry Fox. With over 840 applicants, 15 people are granted the award with a monetary scholarship up to $28,000. This award is to recognize young individuals across Canada that exhibited outstanding courage and perseverance when faced with a difficult challenge and have made a positive difference in society, along with strong academics and athletics.
At thirteen years old, Siobhán was diagnosed with Lyme disease. The disease affected her physical and mental health but she didn't let that adversity stop her from learning and growing as an individual. She has dedicated herself and her time to many different humanitarian acts within her school and her community.
Siobhán is the Student Trustee for the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington District School Board and the Policy Coordinator for the Ontario Student Trustees' Association. From excelling in her academics holding an average of 98.4% in grade 11 and 12, she also advocated for free menstrual products in schools. This led to a provincial level change that established a three-year grant program. Her passion for school improvement continues to be shown as she volunteers at a local elementary school in the Special Education Resource Department.
Outside the classroom, Siobhán founded Stepping Stones' a healthy living program promoting physical and mental wellbeing including the prevention of substance abuse. She was able to provide grant-funded recreational opportunities and donations to local breakfast facilities which helped countless families. She is also an employee in the Parks and Recreation division at the municipality. She plans to continue her education at Queen's University in the Concurrent Education program starting in the fall.
Siobhán will be acknowledged at the Regular Council meeting on May 23, 2023.
"I want to thank Siobhán Marie for her inspiring impact and the dedication she has shown within our community," commented Mayor Doug Elmslie. "With people like Siobhán leading the next generation in Kawartha Lakes, the future is bright. Congratulations on an incredible accomplishment. I look forward to seeing where your future takes you and the accomplishments you achieve."
Siobhán shared, "Let your dreams be your driving force in all that you do. No matter what adversity you face, it is always possible to persevere with a positive mindset. The impact of your work will leave a mark of kindness on the world and on your community."
Visit the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award website to learn more about the award.
