St. John's Youth of the Year
Today, Mayor Danny Breen proclaimed National Youth Week in the City of St. John's and presented the annual Youth of the Year awards to recipients who through volunteer contributions, extracurricular activities and community involvement have helped to make St. John's a better place to live. Youth award recipients receive a recognition award as well as a cash award sponsored by community leader Ron Ellsworth.
The Youth of the Year award recipients are:
- Senior: Jorja Hinks, St. Kevin's Senior High
- Junior: Margaret Peters, St. Paul's Junior High
“It is my honour to present this year's Youth of the Year awards to two very impressive individuals. Jorja is an inspiring young person with a passion for local and international community development, as evidenced by the international non-profit organization she formed,” said Mayor Danny Breen. “Margaret has an excellent record of leadership and is a genuine person who truly cares about people, her school and her community. These award recipients and all nominees are doing the real and concrete work to make their school, community and the world-at-large a better place; thank you."
Jorja Hinks has been an exceptional role model and humanitarian since she was a young girl. In 2012, at age 8, she created an international non-profit called Jorja's Journeys that with the help of others provides emergency relief and educational skill development in developing countries. Jorja has taken part in eight international impact trips and through these have developed strategies to ensure Jorja's Journeys is providing responsible and effective aid with long-term transformative outcomes. Through this work Jorja inspires and empowers others including MUN Hope, MUN Go Abroad, NL Go Getters, Girl Guides of Canada, various church groups, women's organizations and more. Jorja is an active member of the Cabot Taekwando Club, a competitive synchronized figure skater and singles skater, on her school volleyball team and is working on the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Margaret Peters is an outstanding French Immersion academic, leader and volunteer. Margaret is a member of her school’s student leadership team, providing support and encouragement to younger students. Margaret volunteers with the school breakfast program, plans special events and theme days as well as organizing food drives. Despite COVID-19 limitations Margaret has continued to provide leadership for the school band and choir and is a member of Shallaway Youth Choir, Girl Guides of Canada and St. Mark’s Anglican Church Youth Group. At such a young age, Margaret has an excellent record of leadership and is a genuine person who truly cares about people, her school and her community.
During National Youth Week May 1 to 7, the City of St. John's celebrates and recognizes youth and their active participation in the community. Various youth community leaders will be profiled throughout the week on Connect St. John's social media profiles on Twitter and Facebook.