Youth Appreciation Day returns, inspiring next generation of community leaders
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Casandra Turnbull
Managing Editor
After a six-year hiatus, a long-standing Paris tradition returned this spring, giving local students a behind-the-scenes look at the people and organizations that help keep their community running.
The Paris Optimist Club's Youth Appreciation Day welcomed eight students from Paris District High School on May 25, providing them with opportunities to meet local leaders, first responders and elected officials while learning about careers in public service and community leadership. The event concluded with an evening awards banquet recognizing the students and their contributions.
According to Paris Optimist Club Vice President Julie Henwood, the program has been a community tradition since 1968.
"The Paris club has been hosting the Youth Appreciation Day since 1968 during the month of May to honour students at PDHS," said Henwood.
Students are selected by school staff and assigned roles representing community leaders, including mayor, councillor, police commander, fire chief and media representatives. Throughout the day, they accompany professionals in those positions to learn more about their responsibilities and career paths. Henwood said the program was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, but members felt strongly that it was important to bring it back.
"During Covid the program had to be cancelled and this year we decided it was something we wanted to do again as it was so rewarding to meet with these students and share with them the benefits of learning how a community works," she said.
The day included visits to the Brant OPP detachment, Paris Fire Station No. 1 and the County of Brant Council Chambers. Students met with Brant OPP Inspector Jason McTaggart and Const. Enzo Coletta, County of Brant Fire Chief Darren Watson, Brant-Brantford Chief Paramedic Lyndsey Longeway, Paramedic Superintendent Jennifer Horvatin, Mayor David Bailey and Coun. Steve Howes.
Along the way, they learned about emergency services, municipal government and the many ways local organizations work together to serve residents.
"We hope for them to learn more about the various leadership and cooperation within our community while also exploring the idea of any of these roles for a future career," said Henwood. "One thing that they all noted was that in a way, all these roles are connected in that they all serve the purpose of helping others."
The experience also highlighted the importance of volunteerism and civic engagement, lessons that resonated with many of the students. The evening banquet featured guest speaker Doug Hunt, known locally as "Doug the Great," who delivered a presentation on "Failing Forward."
Henwood said Hunt's message encouraged students to persevere through challenges and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
"He talked about how you only fail if you quit, because otherwise you just haven't found the best way to do something yet," she said.
Reflecting on the day, Henwood said she was impressed by the maturity, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm shown by the students.
"We want them to feel special and appreciated and we also want them to know what is possible," she said. "We hope they left feeling like there is something in them, something that they have to offer and a community that is ready for them."
Editor's Note: This year's student reporter was Jamie Gray, who participated in the program while also documenting the day's events. While many of the students had the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the presentations, Gray was busy taking notes, conducting interviews and writing a detailed account of the experience. The Paris Independent is pleased to publish his article in its entirety. Based on the professionalism and insight demonstrated in his reporting, Gray shows tremendous promise as a future journalist.
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