Annapolis Royal’s Holden Reed Power-Grimm is among 60 of Nova Scotia's young community leaders receiving scholarships in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.
"These young people have taken on everything from opening new skate parks in their communities to raising support for schools in rural Zimbabwe - all while excelling in the classroom as well," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "We are proud to recognize them with these scholarships and encourage them in their further studies."
The commemorative scholarships, one for each year of Her Majesty's reign, are awarded to Grade 12 students who have demonstrated leadership and made significant contributions to their communities and the province.
"It's wonderful to have this special opportunity to honour so many of our students," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "They have already accomplished some very impressive things and I know they'll continue to have a positive impact in our province and far beyond."
The students receive a $2,000 scholarship, which must be applied to a post-secondary education, and a certificate of recognition.
Students will receive the awards at their graduation ceremonies. The full list of winners can be found at http://diamondjubilee.ednet.ns.ca .
Power-Grimm
Holden Reed Power-Grimm is a Grade 12 student at Annapolis West Education Centre and is recognized for his academic potential and ambition. In order to be thoroughly prepared for post-secondary opportunities, Reed assumes the challenge of difficult courses as well as voluntarily participating in enrichment programs offered at the school.
“Gifted with oral fluency, Reed engages in meaningful discussions and it is this skill that has gained him outstanding recognition both locally and nationally,” says the scholarship citation. “Relentless and determined, this young man achieved a personal goal that would take six years to accomplish.”
As a member of the Annapolis Society for Youth-Friendly Public Spaces (ASYPS), Reed’s endless effort and energy resulted in the creation of a skateboard and family park in an historic town, the citation says.
“After hard-fought battles, and numerous fundraising and planning events, the park was opened with the Lieutenant-Governor in attendance. The accomplishment also earned Reed the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award in 2011.”
Influenced by his father’s contribution to the community as a volunteer and believing in an active approach to community development and enhancement, Reed’s biggest dream will be actualized this summer when he travels to Kenya to take part in an international volunteer mission to build a school.
Reed has demonstrated that youth are willing and capable of stepping up to make a difference for the betterment of the world. Reed sums it up in his own words, “To me, active citizenship is expected, not exceptional.”
