HSC student, Mina Kazemi recipient of the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers

On April 17, 2009 the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration released the names of this year’s recipients of the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers. From a pool of 100 nominees, eight outstanding young Ontarians were honoured, one of which was Mina Kazemi of Hillfield Strathallan College. 

The honour was presented the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in the presence of the Honourable Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration on Monday, April 20, 2009 at Queen’s Park.

The award – the highest civilian award issued by the province – is given in recognition of the time and effort made by young volunteers, between the ages of 15 and 24, to improve the quality of life in their communities, and throughout Ontario. By honouring the contributions made by these young volunteers, this award distinguishes these exceptional young people as role models. The Medal is celebrating its tenth year, and is invested during National Volunteer Week – this week.

“I am pleased to invest eight of Ontario's finest young volunteers with this tremendous honour for their leadership and dedication. They are inspirations for all Ontarians”, said The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

The award winners included a high-school student who had led a successful campaign to keep open his high school in Niagara-on-the-Lake, to individuals volunteering in northern communities, to a young man that designed and led anti-bullying programs in his community.

“Volunteering is a way for young people to put their ideas into action for the benefit of others. Each of us has contributions to make to society and these young people are outstanding examples of how one person’s contributions can positively affect many”, said The Honourable Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
Mina won the award because she displays a keen and enduring interest in service and leadership training. In 2008, for example, she attended the Academy Power of One Camp; the Free the Children Me to We Day, at the Red Pine Camp on Golden Lake; and was also awarded her Bronze Cross, Bronze Medallion, Standard and Emergency first Aid CPR, and received her Pre-Instructors and Distinction Award. 

As such, Mina felt confident and prepared enough to develop and lead her own leadership camp for young women. She did this with her cousin, Julia Falco, also an HSC student, in her home town of Dunnville, Ontario. The camp was meticulously planned and a great success. 

Mina is also a member of the SISO service group at HSC.  This group (unique in Ontario, possibly even Canada, according to the Minister) works with a government agency (Settlement and Integration Services Organization). Mina is a key player within a group of approximately 35 volunteers. The volunteers are partnered with refugees aged between 6 and 21. The individuals are government sponsored, and come from war-torn countries in Sudan and Myanmar. Each week, HSC volunteers help teach them English and adjust to life in Canada: they are their first – and often – only Canadian friends. Mina’s ability to connect with others, particularly those less advantaged than herself, and her leadership has been vital in developing the service, which is co-ordinated with Mrs. Peragine, the group’s faculty advisor. 

Moreover, at HSC, Mina is a peer counsellor and volunteer at Fair Day, Homecoming and Winterfest. She also participated in the Rides for Diabetes and environmental projects.  She was an organizer for the Education Awareness Week, and, astonishingly, has participated in two World Vision 30 Hours Famines, as well as many other school fundraising projects. She is a member of the DREAM organization, which designs routes to education and mentorship.  She also attends monthly planning meetings and participated in four DREAM service trips to Mexico. In her community, Mina has volunteered as a camp counsellor, stage manager and choreographer for the Symphonic Storyteller Music Camp. 

“This extraordinary honour is well deserved.  It attests to Mina’s unfailing commitment and wonderful strength of character. It also reflects the College’s Vision of inspiring ‘its students to reach their full potential and to better the world around them’.  I am so proud of Mina and of all of our students who turn that ideal into a reality on a daily basis”, said Dr. Tom Matthews, Headmaster, Hillfield Strathallan College.  

Well Done, Mina! Congratulations from all at HSC.