On June 25, 2024 Upper Island member Jim Pogson presented the Community Service Award along with a $500.00 cheque and the book ” Voices from Bridge River”  to Ava Shaw of Cedar Community Secondary School.

Dianne, Lois, Ava Shaw, Jim Pogson and Joan Pogson

Ava was the valedictorian this year at her Cedar Community Secondary School.  Ava’s ”good heart, good mind” initiative became a real option for positive change in her community.  Her idea generated a school wide event, with topics tailored to mental health issues affecting students.  The local school district has expressed interest in piloting the project before introducing it to schools across Nanaimo-Ladysmith.

Ava is an example of the importance of the Community Service Award to the young citizens of BC.