 Ronan
MacParland, 19
St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador
The people of North Maragoli, Vihiga District in Western Kenya
refer to Ronan MacParland as 'the miracle boy' and children have
been named after him.
In fact, since going to Kenya on a gap year project, the
community has undergone a transformation, and is looking forward
to a brighter future. This is all in recognition of Ronan's
genuine interpersonal and leadership skills and his devotion to
championing progress for the benefit of the community.
In 2005/2006, Ronan went to North Maragoli as part of the
United World College South East Asia project team. The objective
of the visit was to promote sustainable development in education,
and in doing so set up a fully functional Community Resource
Centre comprising of a well stocked library, fully equipped
computer training facility, and meeting rooms.
Once there, he led an international team that coordinated and
mobilized the local government to build the resource centre in
less than 3 months, which is unheard of in that part of the world.
Ronan also successfully mobilized international and local funds,
including a grant from the Kenyan government.
The Resource Centre is "ever busy" and has attracted the
interest of the Kenya National Library Services, who are keen on
rating it as a National Library.
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 Tracy
Mah, 19
Edmonton, Alberta
After discovering that her lethal allergies were thanks to a
complex immunological warfare, Tracy Mah became fascinated by the
immune system's responsibility for a myriad of disorders and in
particular, diabetes.Through months of intensive research
alongside scientists including those who were part of the Edmonton
Protocol team, Tracy's experiments suggested that the creation of
chimerism - the co-existence of two genetically different
populations of cells - may be a remarkably effective and natural
alternative to immunosuppressive drugs.
Tracy's involvement in this project has earned her many
accolades and national awards. She was also chosen by the Province
of Alberta to share and highlight her science project to the Royal
Family during the Queen's Royal visit in 2005.
In recognition of her involvement in science and extensive
community volunteerism, she has also been awarded the Alberta
Centennial medal which honours outstanding Albertans whose
achievements have benefited their fellow citizens, community and
province within the last century.
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 Samantha
Milner, 16
Beaconsfield, Québec
At the age of 11, after reading the book "Chicken Soup for the
Pre-Teen Soul", Samantha Milner became inspired to start her own
retail gift business - Sassy Sams Inc.
What distinguishes her and her company from others, aside from
her age, is her commitment to donating a considerable portion of
her profit to help the less fortunate.
Sassy Sams Inc. products are carried by over 500 stores across
Canada and has over one million dollars in sales. In addition,
Samantha employs three full time adults and has over 12 regional
representatives.
Samantha's success has meant significant financial support to
multiple charities. Since inception, Samantha has donated over
$40,000 to the SPCA, YMCA International Youth Program, M.A.D.D.
and Dans La Rue, a local homeless shelter. Samantha is currently
working on a bracelet where 50% of the profits will go towards
fighting AIDS in Africa.
When she is not running her successful business, she is active
in her school, serving as Student President for the past two
years. |
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 Ted
Paranjothy, 17
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Losing a close childhood friend to leukemia at the age of 5 has
etched into Ted Paranjothy's mind the emotional devastation
induced by cancer, and the pain that is inflicted upon friends and
family. This memory is the basis for his motivation to rid the
world of this vicious disease and Ted is well on his way.
As a high school student, Ted spent over 2,000 volunteer hours
doing research in a lab at the University of Manitoba, often with
peers 10 years older and holding PhD degrees.
Ted's innovative scientific project, which he designed and
finalized on his own, has lead to the discovery of a novel
anticancer agent.
Ted's work has caught the interest of the University of
Manitoba, which has filed a provisional patent application.
Ted's scientific wizardry has earned him the 2006 Manning Young
Canadian Innovation Award, as well as distinction awards by the
Canadian Cancer Society.
Besides his hard work in the lab, Ted has also been extensively
engaged in charitable work, earning him the United Way Community
Service Award. |
