Submitted by:
Province of Manitoba |


Emily Klekta, a Grade 12 student at the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, has been awarded the Premier’s Healthy Living Award for Youth.



Klekta is the president of her school’s Teens Against Drunk Driving (TADD) group. As president, Klekta is responsible for leading several initiatives within her school such as Addictions Awareness Week, classroom quizzes and ‘mocktail’ fundraisers. She helped paint handprints on paper bags for her local Manitoba Liquor Mart in an attempt to remind members of her community about the dangers of drinking and driving. She also volunteers at her local food bank filling hampers for members of her community.

Premier Honours 10 Students For Their Contributions To Healthy Living

June 8, 2012 | Premier Greg Selinger and Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau presented 10 outstanding Grade 12 students with the Premier’s Healthy Living Award for Youth at a ceremony at the Legislative Building today.

“Each of our award winners has worked tirelessly to help build stronger schools and stronger communities,” said Selinger. “Their remarkable dedication and achievements are an inspiration to their peers and to all Manitobans.”
This year’s recipients of healthy living awards are:

* Betelhem Chala, Elmwood High School, Winnipeg;
* Michelle Coupland, Boissevain School, Boissevain;
* Israa Elgazzar, Kelvin High School, Winnipeg;
* Marie-Rose Hanyurwim-fura, Nelson McIntrye Collegiate, Winnipeg;
* Brayden Harper, Kildonan East Collegiate, Winnipeg;
* James Harper, Dakota Collegiate, Winnipeg;
* Keith Johnson, Teulon Collegiate, Teulon;
* Emily Klekta, Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, Swan River;
* Alana Robert, St. Mary’s Academy, Winnipeg; and
* Jeremy Ryant, West Kildonan Collegiate, Winnipeg.

Each participant received a medal, certificate and letter of congratulations from the premier for their achievements.

“These young Manitobans are making a difference in many ways, from the promotion of physical activity, healthy eating and prevention of chronic disease, to helping prevent bullying, addictions and gang participation,” said Rondeau. “Today, we are proud to honour their passion, creativity and determination.”

A partnership of Manitoba’s Healthy Schools Initiative and MB4Youth, the Premier’s Healthy Living Award for Youth builds on the existing Manitoba Youth Leadership Scholarship Program that recognizes Grade 12 students who have engaged in meaningful volunteer activities that promote leadership, citizenship and healthy living in their schools and communities, Selinger said.

Since its inception, the Premier’s Healthy Living Award for Youth has recognized more than 30 Manitoba youth for their volunteer contributions.