Apr. 27, 2016
Zarek Wright-Winnipeg, Grade 11 student at James Fowler High School
Zarek Wright-Winnipeg, a Grade 11 student at James Fowler High School in Calgary (Calgary Board of Education), is the 2016 recipient of the Indigenous Shining Student Award, which celebrates First Nation, Métis and Inuit students who are shining examples in their communities.
Zarek, described as an active leader in both his high school community and in the Calgary community, is passionate about sharing his culture with others. He has persevered in his studies despite a number of challenges, articulates his ideas and encourages others to do the same. As the 2016 recipient of this award, Zarek will be sponsored to attend a youth conference on leadership and he will be recognized in his local school community.
Forty-one students were in the running for the 2016 award, which is presented annually by the Education Partners’ Task Force on First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Success and Well-being.
Four finalists were also selected; each will receive a cash prize:
- Macyn Morning Bull, Grade 12, Henry Wise Wood High School, Calgary Board of Education
- Justice Grandjamb, Grade 12, Father Patrick Mercredi High School, Ft. McMurray Catholic Schools
- AJ (Alden) Young, Grade 12, Siksika Nation High School, Siksika Board of Education
- Thomas Rayment, Grade 12, William Aberhart High School, Calgary Board of Education
The task force, which works to improve the success of Alberta’s First Nations Métis and Inuit students, includes representatives from the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA), Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA), Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS) and Alberta Education, First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Division. Xerox Canada Ltd. sponsors this award.
Mary Martin, ASBA Vice-President, Calgary Catholic School Division trustee, is chair of the Education Partners’ Task Force on First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Success and Well-being.
Story courtesy of ASBA.
