If you've ever wondered what will happen when Boomers retire and it's all left to the next generation, this announcement might provide a little comfort.
The College Heights secondary school leadership class and teacher Cindy Smith have earned the AdvantEdge Leadership Award 2010/11 for the best leadership program in British Columbia.
"This is a great honour for me and the students in the leadership class," said Smith.
The College Heights class of 40 students in Grades 10 to 12 are involved with their feeder schools to help promote leadership at a young age.
"This is an integral part of developing a leadership mentality for those in Grade 6 and 7 who will be coming into CHSS asking how they can get involved with the leadership class," said Homan.
The class has raised funds to build a school in Kenya and volunteered for projects like 30-Hour Famine, collecting for food drives and serving meals at St. Vincent de Paul's Society.
In fact, the students have put in 4,000 volunteer hours and the last three Youth of the Year for the City of Prince George have been College Heights secondary students, Smith said.
"Find your passion and follow it," she said.
Through much of the volunteer opportunities students have found what path they will choose as a career, she added.
"I don't seek awards," said Smith. "I seek opportunity."
The last award was given in 2007 to D.P. Todd under teacher Don Homan's leadership.
Homan, who is retired, is now the president of the Canadian Association of Student Activity Advisors and presented the award to Smith.
Homan won the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence in 2008. He was one of only 51 teachers in the nation to earn such an honour.
"This is not an award that gets handed out for the sake of handing it out," said Homan. "You have to go above and beyond, which Cindy's program has done. Cindy is a really special lady. She has worked on regional leadership conferences for more than 300 students and she and I just co-chaired a provincial conference in October where almost 400 students attended. She is well deserving of the award."
The leadership class works with local Rotary clubs Interact group for young people ages 14 to 18. The club provides an opportunity for youth to participate in fun, meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills.
