Nominate a Student for a Power of Positive Change Award

Nominations are open for Nova Scotia's Power of Positive Change Awards, which recognize young Nova Scotians who make a positive difference in their schools and communities.

To be eligible, students from grades Primary to 12 must demonstrate leadership by organizing a school or community activity or promoting positive attitudes and behaviour.

"In many cases, the nominees' efforts have positive effects that reach far beyond their schools," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "These children are not only setting a good example for their fellow students; they are also teaching the rest of us that change for the better is possible.

"If you know of a student who fits that description, you can nominate them so that they are eligible for a much deserved bursary."

The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 22. Up to 10 awards will be presented at a ceremony in June. The winners will each receive a $2,000 bursary for post-secondary studies, apprenticeship training, or other educational opportunities.

Last year, students from grades 4 to 12 received awards for achievements such as organizing a high school conference on climate change, setting up a safe place at their school for youth to discuss sexual orientation issues, bicycling across the country to raise funds and awareness for Amnesty International and raising money for earthquake survivors in Haiti.

Criteria for the Power of Positive Change Awards and nomination forms are available online at www.powerofpositivechange.ca .

Successful candidates are selected by a committee of representatives from the Premier's Office, the Department of Education, the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, the Nova Scotia School Boards Association, the Nova Scotia Federation of Home and School Associations and La Federation des parents acadiens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse.