Two Chinook’s Edge students appointed to Minister’s Youth Council

Dec 1, 2022 | 11:47 AM

Two of 40 student positions on the province-wide Minister’s Youth Council have been filled by enthusiastic and grateful students from Sundre High School and École H.J. Cody High School.

According to officials with Chinook’s Edge School Division, it took Jersey Magtangob, a Grade 11 student at Sundre High, a couple of attempts before her application to the Council was successful. Officials say she had been encouraged by different teachers in each grade to apply, as her dedication to addressing the relevance and enjoyment of each school day for everyone was apparent very early.

“I know our schools try hard, but I think we could take respect and awareness of individual differences to another level,” said Jersey, who immigrated from The Philippines when she was six-years-old.

“As a person of colour and first generation immigrant to Canada, I share a lot of similarities with students who may need some accommodations. I have great empathy for students with disabilities and those from the LGBTQ++ community, for example. Wouldn’t it be amazing to take something like CALM class, which involves all students, and create opportunities for everyone to gain knowledge and understanding of one another.”

“There is a great diversity of experiences and opinions – every student at the school and in Alberta is different and should have the opportunity to be heard,” added Magtangob. “The Minister’s Youth Council is such an amazing and prestigious opportunity. We’ve had one meeting (of three scheduled this year) so far and I feel like I’ve made new friends. We shared our plans to make school better – we voiced our opinions to make change and we were heard.”

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Abby Shaver, also in Grade 11, has been participating in leadership activities at École H.J. Cody School in Sylvan Lake since she first arrived, say Chinook’s Edge officials. From helping organize dances to writing and delivering school-wide announcements, or participating in School Council to mentoring younger leaders, Abby is said to be committed to creating opportunities for her peers at school.

“I just try to make school a safe and fun place for all students,” said Abby, whose mom brought home the application information to the Council. “She heard about it and thought it would be a perfect fit for me. It’s all about working toward making changes together, and that’s what I’ve been doing at school all along.”

“Right now I’m part of a new Ethics Class at school and we’re working with the local Parks & Rec department to plan events for Sylvan Lake,” she continued. “’m working on an Earth Day proposal – it’s so exciting. I love being part of the Minister’s Youth Council, because it’s an opportunity for any student in Alberta – no matter their background or where they live. I think it’s really beneficial for students to hear different perspectives, seeing what life is like for others and having a say in what education looks like. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Two Chinook’s Edge students appointed to Minister’s Youth Council

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