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2006
YMCA Peace Medallion to Seyma Sarikök
TORONTO
(Bizim Anadolu) - St. Joseph Secondary School student
Seyma Sarikök received the 2006 YMCA Peace Medallion for her
efforts in the school and community. Sarykök was recognized
for her efforts to fight crime and as an anti-drug activist.
Presenting the award Tuesday night on behalf of the YMCA at
a reception in Mississauga were, from left, Darlene Holowachuk,
Steve Boone and Paul Hubahib. (Attached picture 2705)
In 2003,
when she was just fifteen years old, Seyma Sarikök arrived
in Canada on her own, while her family remained in Turkey.
Since then, she has become an exemplary leader both at her
high school and in the community at large.
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| Seyma
Sarikök |
With no
family members nearby for companionship, Seyma devoted herself
to her education and her community. In addition to succeeding
in school, Seyma joined JAG Force, a youth outreach program
sponsored by the Mississauga Crime Prevention Association,
which creates awareness and understanding of serious problems
facing young people including drug use and bullying. With
the support of JAG Force, ?eyma has visited many schools in
her community where she gives inspiring presentations to young
students.
After
chairing an Anti-Drug Awareness Week and organizing an assembly
for the school community, she received high praise from her
school's administration, teachers, friends and staff advisors.
She realized then that she possesses outstanding leadership
skills and committed herself even more enthusiastically to
social causes. Seyma took on the responsibility of Minister
of School Safety for her Student Council and became JAG Force
Chair. From there, she went on to the Mayor's Youth Summit
to work with students from many schools on issues of importance
for today's youth.
 In
addition to her responsibilities with these numerous organizations,
Seyma Sarikök is now developing a curriculum called "Quest"
for junior and middle schools that focuses on drug abuse,
bullying, making positive decisions and youth outreach.
Also a
Retreat Leader who helps students who are new to the school
community and a member of the White Pine Literary Reading
Club, Seyma is a student who leads by positive example by
accepting others and promoting peaceful actions throughout
her school community and in Canada, her new home.
In Seyma's
own words: "Living in Canada on my own taught me
how to stand on my own feet and how to help those who are
in need."
YMCA Peace Medallion
This award
honors individuals who are peacemakers working in a volunteer
capacity towards peaceful solutions to end violence, conflict,
discrimination and injustice; who have hade a significant
impact on the lives of others in their community, but without
any special recognition or special resources. Past recipients
come from all walks of life yet they are united in their active
commitment to creating a culture of peace.
February 2007
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