A Ponoka high school student is the inaugural winner of an award aimed at recognizing aboriginal students with potential.
Latiya Northwest, a Grade 11 student at St. Augustine School in Ponoka, was announced as the winner of the award that recognizes a First Nations, Métis or Inuit student who demonstrates leadership and inspires others through an aboriginal perspective, embracing and respecting all cultures.
“Latiya’s nominators describe her as a confident, dedicated student, who is fluent in Cree and proud of her culture, who sets a strong example for the girls at her school,” said Sharilyn Anderson, First Nations, Métis and Inuit student success and well-being task force co-chairperson.
As a result of the award, Northwest will attend a youth conference on leadership and change.
Northwest was among 29 students nominated for the 2014 Indigenous Shining Student Award. Jason Bigcharles, a Grade 12 student in High Prairie, and Jacey Solway, a Grade 12 student in Bassano, were given honourable mentions.