Sudbury youth garners Lt.-Gov's award

Mélanie-Rose Frappier's outstanding contributions to the community have earned her a Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Youth Achievement.

She will be presented with her award at 4 p.m. at a ceremony at Queen's Park in Toronto.

Each year, the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards celebrate individuals, groups and communities that have made outstanding contributions to conserving Ontario’s heritage. In 2014, the award program was enhanced to focus on leadership, commitment, creativity, positive impact on community and good conservation practices.

Frappier is one of two youth to receive the award this year.

Frappier is involved in a wide range of youth, community and cultural activities that led École secondaire du Sacré Cœur to nominate her for the Youth Achievement Award, said a news release.

“Mélanie-Rose is proud of her Francophone and Métis heritage, and is the sole student representative for the Aboriginal Advisory Education Committee and was integral in creating the first Aboriginal Studies course to be offered in the French Catholic School Board,” said the news release.

“She was spokesperson for the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples’ Find Your Voice program, helping to inspire other students to realize their dreams and to make a difference in their community. She also volunteers to promote healthy living to her community.”

In 2013, Frappier was chosen to be Youth Ambassador of Canada to the United States Embassy.

“I am extremely honoured to be receiving such a prestigious award,” Frappier said. “As a Youth Ambassador of Canada and a motivational speaker, I am grateful for the recognition of my volunteerism and my non-profit organization, It’s Cool to be Healthy. Health and community service are lifetime commitments for me. Merci.”