Martensville High School’s Project Change was one of the recipients of Public Schools of Saskatchewan’s Student Citizenship Awards for 2022. This prestigious award was presented on June 3rd at a special ceremony at the Travelodge in Saskatoon.
The awards recognize initiatives undertaken by public school student groups or classes that support citizenship or character building within their school and community. Three $1000 awards were presented for Grade 1 to 8 projects, and an additional three for high school projects.
Since 2013, Project Change has been a part of daily life at Martensville High School, and prior to that, the group was called ‘Be the Change’. The goals of Project Change are to spread kindness through fundraising and volunteering, to help local communities, global communities and the school community. Students that participate in project change have an opportunity to learn about teamwork, advocating for a good cause, financial planning, leadership and the importance of giving back.
This year, a total of 60 students from Grade 9 to Grade 12, were involved in Project Change, which includes those who attend weekly meetings and those who volunteer for Project Change initiatives.
“Project Change felt surprised and honoured to receive the Student Citizenship Award,” MHS Teacher Breanne Cooper, explained. “The group felt very appreciated for having their work recognized.”
In the 2021/22 school year, Project Change led numerous initiatives such as; a food drive for the City of Martensville, fundraising for the Terry Fox Walk, Fundraising for Ukraine charities, 12 days of kindness, a clothing drive, baking for the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon and more. In total, this school year, Project Change raised over $7000 for various causes. Project Change is wrapping things up for the current school year; however, there will be new goals planned for the 2022/23 school year.
You can view the video submitted by Martensville High School’s Project Change at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRm4cAy_T3c.