PRESS RELEASE

Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant will recognize young people across the province who show outstanding leadership and commitment to fostering inclusive environments in their schools and communities with the establishment of a new Lieutenant Governor’s award. 

“Young people in Nova Scotia are demonstrating exceptional leadership in their efforts to address bullying within their communities,” said Lt.Gov Grant. “The Respectful Citizenship Awards will recognize these efforts and provide an opportunity to thank the recipients for their contribution to the development of a more caring and inclusive society.” 

Details of the Lieutenant Governor’s Respectful Citizenship Awards were announced today, Aug. 16, by Lt.-Gov. Grant at the Speak Up! Anti-Bullying Leadership Conference.

“Broad societal change is necessary to address the root causes of bullying and cyberbullying and make real change,” said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. “Our children and youth can bring about this culture shift by showing that bullying is not acceptable today or tomorrow. The Lieutenant Governor’s new award supports this change by offering an opportunity to praise and recognize the leadership and work of youth.”

Two awards within each school board will be presented to an individual young person and a team of two or more people, respectively, who have developed a project or activity that supports the promotion of safe and inclusive spaces in their school and/or community. 

Youth nominee(s) must be a registered student in Nova Scotia and enrolled in a grade from Primary to 12. Nomination forms will be circulated in schools.  The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will coordinate the award. Applicants who best fit the award’s criteria are chosen by an independent selection committee. 

Lt.-Gov. Grant will present the inaugural Respectful Citizenship Awards on National Anti-Bullying Day February 27, 2014.  Those recognized with this award will receive a pin and certificate.  The recipients’ schools will also receive a certificate. 

The Lieutenant Governor’s Respectful Citizenship Awards is the first award established by Lt.-Gov. Grant since his installation in April 2012.

-ENDS-

Media Contact:

Meghan Doherty
902-424-0763
Cell: 902-478-9209
E-mail: dohertmf@gov.ns.ca