The Next Chapter in Sam's Success Story
August 7, 2008 | Community News | Archive 2008
Award Underscores Bright Future for Youth Volunteer
Former RaY client Sam is one of two youth volunteers with links to United Way who received the 2008 Lehotsky Scholarship Award
Today, this bright young woman continues to shine as a RaY volunteer, speaking in schools and sharing her powerful story in an effort to prevent a new generation of youth from encountering the same obstacles.
Acknowledging Sam's extraordinary resilience and dedication, Mayor Sam Katz recently presented her with the 2008 Lehotsky Scholarship Award for Community Activism.
"When I found out that I was receiving the scholarship, I felt so honoured," says Sam.
Each year, the Lehotsky Award recognizes youth who have demonstrated a considerable commitment to the health and safety of Winnipeg's West End community.
Created in 2006, the award honours the late Reverend Harry Lehotsky who founded New Life Ministries, another United Way agency partner.
Now in her third year of university, working towards a degree in psychology, Sam says the $2500 scholarship will go a long way toward paying tuition and helping achieve her goal of working in addictions support.
"RaY as a whole has helped me through so many situations and continues to help me today," she says.
Sam shares the honour with Eddie Keeper, who received the Lehotsky Award for his work with United Way agency partner Spence Neighbourhood Association, where he launched and secured ongoing funding for the Building Belonging Program.
Since leaving to pursue further education, Eddie remained an active community volunteer through United Way, serving as a Community Investment (CI) liaison and sitting on the CI committee.
Having already obtained a psychology degree from the University of Winnipeg, Eddie is now in his third year of sciences at the University of Manitoba and has his eye on a career in medicine.
Congratulations Sam and Eddie! Successes like yours remind us how important it is to help youth achieve their potential. Thank you also to the thousands of other United Way volunteers who give their time, lend their muscle or donate money in support of our community.
A message to Winnipeg about United Way's campaign Janury 5, 2012
