An award-winning GH Dawe School student will serve as a youth ambassador to raise awareness about child and youth crime prevention, education, and intervention programs across the province.
Grade 8 student Brayden Chenier will take on the ambassador role as the recipient of the Integrated School Support Program Provincial (ISSP) Chief Youth Courage Award, presented by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation.
Presented to Chenier earlier this spring at the Calgary Police Awards Gala, the award celebrates students who demonstrate courage and dedication to becoming a responsible and caring citizen, especially within a diverse school and community.
Chenier was recognized for his resilience, leadership and commitment to his community.
“It’s pretty surreal that I will be all over the province for a year. I am looking forward to helping out in the community,” said Chenier, in a statement.
Chenier has been part of the ISSP program through GH Dawe School since 2023 and has benefited greatly from the support offered.
With the support of the mental health professional, Chenier has been able to successfully navigate a variety of challenges in his life including coming to terms with his disability and navigating a tragic loss in his life.
Born with clubfoot, Chenier has never let his physical disability stand in his way. He is an avid athlete in a number of sports including hockey, basketball, golf, track, volleyball and soccer. His goal is working towards becoming an athlete in the Paralympics.
Chenier was nominated by GH Dawe School counsellor Amy Johansson, who described him as a compassionate, kind, hardworking, and honest person who is driven and motivated to be his very best at all that he attempts.
She added that within the GH Dawe School community, Chenier is a highly respected citizen by all students and staff.
“He is highly committed to sports connected to our school, as well as sports outside of our school community. Brayden works diligently at his academics. And is so very helpful and caring, always. Brayden works to overcome a list of things that he will not allow to hold him back," Johansson said.
