The Gillam School Student Representative Council (SRC) won a Group Certificate of Merit at the Manitoba School Boards Association 48th annual convention on March 15.

The group of students from Grades 5 through high school were honoured for numerous fundraising and community initiatives.

In the SRC’s application forum for the awards, they stated that the group’s goals were:

to enhance the morale of the student body by providing recreation activities;

to make change locally and globally;

to become the influence of change in other students to build a better community.

Applicants for the awards were required to collect two sponsor letters in support of their work.

One sponsor, Janice MacDonald, from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 245, wrote to praise the group for their “Pie a Teacher” event, which raised $300 for the Legion’s Christmas Cheer Committee. The money raised enabled the committee to deliver 25 Christmas hampers to needy families and the elderly of the community.

From Macdonald’s letter:

Please consider these students for their outstanding support and contribution to our community, as well as setting a good example for the students who will follow and exceed their efforts in the future.

The SRC grew by more than five times in number of students participating, from seven students just last year, to 39 on this year’s award winning team.

SRC garnered support and raised money for Kid’s Help Phone. The students also managed to raise over $21,000 through community backing, to host a concert for the youth of the community.

The work of the Gillam SRC is ongoing, as they have adopted a community in Haiti through the Free the Children Charity. The students hope to raise $15,000 over the next 12 months.

Gillam School SRC Advisor Joe Alcock was another community member to write a support letter, and commended the dedication of the group.

From Alcock’s letter:

I cannot say enough about the initiative and positive influence upon our town and school this group has had. They are truly amazing to work with as they continue to demonstrate character, determination, and positive messages to everyone they work with.