Story: Jennifer Hao
Red Cross Youth Symposium Inspires Student to ‘Green’ her High School
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Jennifer, who is always keen to get involved in her community, registered for the 4-day Red Cross Symposium after seeing a flyer advertising global issues posted in her school. Jennifer went alone, but was soon connected with a large group of youths who shared her ideals and interests. “I have never met so many young people excited about helping humanity”, says Jennifer. “I really felt like I belonged with everyone there.” Jennifer attended workshops on five humanitarian issues, but was particularly inspired by one on climate change and green energy, called ‘Footprints’. “I never knew what fair trade was or what the benefits of local markets were”, says Jennifer. “It was a good learning experience for me.”
When Jennifer returned to school, her Biology teacher mentioned a nation-wide contest in which applicants submitted how they would make their schools more eco-friendly. Motivated by what she learned at the Red Cross Symposium, Jennifer wrote a compelling submission on why Burnaby North Secondary School needed to make environmental changes and how they could be accomplished. Out of 250 entries, Jennifer’s submission was the favourite amongst Canadians who voted her into first place.
On May 18th, 2010 Jennifer walked into a crowded assembly of students, staff, media, friends and family at Burnaby North to wait for the contest results. Jennifer thought that each finalist’s school was holding an assembly to hear the winner announced live, but Jennifer’s principal had been told of Jennifer’s win and had secretly arranged the assembly as a surprise celebration for her. When the Chair of IC Bus announced that Jennifer had won, she literally jumped in the air for joy. “I just felt so lucky and thankful”, says Jennifer. “I wish all 10 contestants could have won because I believe that if youth are willing to put the time and effort into greening their schools, we all deserve a bus!”
Jennifer received a $3,000 scholarship as well as a hybrid school bus for Burnaby North Secondary School to relieve traffic congestion. Burnaby North will also be given an assessment on how environmentally friendly their current practices are and how they can implement greener systems in the future.
The Red Cross congratulates Jennifer on this remarkable achievement and is honoured to have played a small role in this step towards a greener planet.
