Award Descriptions

Are you, or do you know, a student who sets an example in one of these awards? 

Below you will find the descriptions of 13 awards; five of these are asterisked (*) because they are intended for those students facing financial challenge in the pursuit of post-secondary education.  Candidates applying for one of the asterisked awards may eventually be awarded one of the others from this group.

Apprenticeship Award
Sponsored by: Sarnia-Lambton Workforce Development

The award winner will be recognized for demonstrated proficiency in any apprenticeship area of skilled trades education, both in school and in the community. Proficiency includes:

• DEMONSTRATED proficiency in skilled trades education at the school level.
• RECOGNIZED success in the apprenticeship placement, both in skill development and personal growth.
• DEMONSTRATED ability to work with others.
• ILLUSTRATION of the use made of skilled trade experience in school, the workplace or in the community.

Arts and Culture Award
Sponsored by: Ray and Stephanie Curran

The award winner will be recognized for demonstrated contribution to selected or all areas of expression, development or preservation of the visual, literary and performing arts. Beyond his/her contribution in the mentioned arts, the following should be considered:

• CONTRIBUTION to selected or areas of expression, development or preservation of visual, literary and performing arts.
• PERSONAL ASSESSMENT of your growth in the area of Arts and Culture.
• DOCUMENTED RECOGNITION for his/her contributions.
• INITIATIVES to encourage

Business Development Award
Sponsored by: Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corp.

The award winner will be recognized for commitment to and proficiency in business development. The selection committee will be looking for proficiency in the following:

• ANALYZING markets and developing business plans.
• TEAM BUILDING, supporting, guiding and mentoring others.
• SECURING sponsors and arranging needed capital.
• DEVELOPING a successful sales strategy (selling product(s) or services).

Creativity Award
Sponsored by: cineSarnia

The award winner will be recognized for both creativity and technical proficiency in any field of the media arts (e.g. film, computer animation, graphic design, photography, radio broadcasting, video production) thereby enhancing the cultural life of the candidate’s school and/or community.

• INITIATIVES personally taken in school or in the community.
• EVIDENCE that some aspect of the work involved original creative input (could be collaboration). Include audio/visual material if available to enhance your presentation and demonstrate your creative process.
• SUCCESS in creating a body of work that has been or has the potential to be shared with others.
• EVIDENCE that the body of work is intended to contribute to the cultural life of the school or community.

Environmental Award
Sponsored by: Shell Canada

Meeting the world’s growing energy needs and protecting the environment requires new technology, new partnerships and new ways of operating. The Award winner will be recognized for demonstrated contributions made to improve our local or global environment in the following:

• THE RANGE OF PARTICIPATION in environmental and resource management activities.
• PERSONAL INITIATIVES taken at the school or community level.
• LEADERSHIP ROLES taken at the school or community level.
• EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS in motivating other to strive towards and/or to achieve environmental stewardship initiatives.

Excellence in Leadership Award
Sponsored by the Sarnia-Lambton Federal Liberal Association

The Sarnia-Lambton Federal Liberal Association provides this award to recognize active leadership through service to others within the school or broader community. Ideally the successful candidate will have put others before self, mentored others toward leadership roles, and demonstrated the skills of careful planning, sensitive listening, and the ability to write and speak well within the leadership role.

Health, Fitness, and Recreation Award
Sponsored by: CIBC

The award winner will be recognized for demonstrated contributions to all or selected fields of athletics, health, fitness and recreation. Beyond personal participation in these areas, the selection committee will be seeking:

• DEMONSTRATED CONTRIBUTIONS to all or selected fields noted.
• LEADERSHIP ROLES in the growth, development, and level of health and/or recreational activities amongst other school and community members.
• MENTORING others in their individual growth and involvement in health, fitness or recreational activities.
• INITIATIVES TO MOTIVATE the development, level of health and/or recreational involvement of other schools and community members.

International Ambassador Award
Sponsored by: Rotary Club of Sarnia

The award winner will be recognized for the nature and extent of her/his demonstrated interest in the field of international humanitarian service. The selection committee will be looking for proficiency in the following:

• DEMONSTRATED INTEREST in all or selected areas of travel, international, civic, and governmental affairs, especially as they may relate to humanitarian service.
• VERBAL ABILITY to express herself/himself on behalf of Canada (this ability will be noted from the details of the application itself, as well as the interview).
• DEMONSTRATED ROLE MODEL activities for others to follow in the promoting of international humanitarian service.
• FOSTERING GOODWILL at home and abroad.

NOTE: Lambton County students registered in grades 9-11 are also eligible for this award.

McKay Family Award *
Sponsored by: The McKay Family in honour of John and Margaret McKay

This award is intended for students who have set goals for higher education in spite of financial restraints. The recipient must have educational goals that are realistic and are reflective of their academic marks. The recipient must show evidence of volunteerism and demonstrate YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

McMurray Family Award *
Sponsored by: Jim McMurray & Carolyn McMurray

This award is intended for students who have set goals for higher education in spite of financial restraints. The recipient must have educational goals that are realistic and are reflective of their academic marks. The recipient must show evidence of volunteerism and demonstrate YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Personal Achievement Award *
Sponsored by: CIBC

This award is intended for students who have overcome personal obstacles in their lives such as significant physical challenge and/or difficult personal or family circumstances. The recipient of this award will be recognized for exhibiting the following qualities:

• COURAGE in the face of adversity; acceptance but not submission; optimism.
• SELF-AWARENESS; using personal experience for goal-setting.
• DETERMINATION

St. Clair Auto Repair Award *
Sponsored by: Richard & Becky Bellavance

This award is for students facing financial need who have demonstrated strong family values and have overcome challenges in their lives. The recipient will be an individual who is determined to seek an education to improve life for self and family.(Although not necessary, special consideration is given to individuals interested in auto mechanics or other trades) .

Thelma McMurray Award *
Sponsored by: Jim & Carolyn McMurray

This award is intended for students with financial need who have demonstrated strong family values, have overcome personal challenges and have set goals for higher education. The award recipient must be determined to “make a better life for themselves” in the future through education.

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