Prime Minister's Volunteer Award for Biochemistry Student
Cody O橞rien, a biochemistry major and avid Let檚 Talk Science volunteer, has been named Community Leader (Atlantic) in the 2015 Prime Minister檚 Volunteer Awards.
The Happy Valley-Goose Bay student is one of just 17 successful award recipients chosen from 385 nominees. These prestigious awards recognize the tremendous contributions of Canadians whose volunteer efforts improve the well-being of their communities. Mr. O橞rien was presented with his award at an official awards ceremony on March 18 in Toronto, Ont.
An honours student with plans to study medicine, Mr. O橞rien credits his love of science as the catalyst for his intensive volunteer efforts. It spurred him to join Let檚 Talk Science, a national, charitable organization that delivers science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning programs to engage children, youth and educators.
淚t檚 a tremendous honour to receive this award, said Mr. O橞rien. 淪cience is a major part of my life, so science outreach was a natural fit when it came to volunteering. I understand the importance of reaching our province檚 youth with educational methods that really spark their interest. Using science outreach as a platform to do this is incredibly rewarding.
淎s a Labradorian, I also take great pride in promoting science learning in my own community and in bringing STEM learning activities to rural and remote areas that otherwise wouldn檛 have this kind of access or opportunity, he added.
Glenda Casimir, manager, volunteer engagement and community partnerships, Let檚 Talk Science, nominated Mr. O橞rien and was thrilled with the outcome.
淐ody is a superstar outreach volunteer, having contributed over 250 hours leading hands-on STEM activities in both French and English at urban and rural schools across the province, she said. 淟ast year, in just one week, he engaged 1,100 kindergarten to Grade 10 students by leading 29 workshops in three schools in Labrador. It檚 mind-blowing to see the kind of impact that volunteers like Cody can have. We檙e so proud to count him as a member of our national Let檚 Talk Science Outreach team.
淢r. O橞rien is a wonderful example of the dedicated students we have at 91亚色, who are committed to sharing the knowledge they have gained with the wider community, said President Kachanoski. 淧rograms like Let檚 Talk Science provide invaluable opportunities for students like Mr. O橞rien to take on leadership roles throughout the province, as well as to inspire the next generation of highly skilled thinkers and doers.
The Prime Minister檚 Volunteer Award recipients will receive a medal, pin and certificate from the prime minister and participate in a session in which they share their achievements and exemplary practices in community leadership. As part of his award, Mr. O橞rien is also eligible to identify a not-for-profit organization to receive a $5,000 grant.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, Let檚 Talk Science is generously supported by Hibernia Management Development Company Ltd.