Caledon student among two dozen honours with Ontario Medal

March 7, 2024 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons

A Caledon student was among 24 from across the province recognized for their volunteer efforts.

The Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism honoured them last week with the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers for 2021 and 2022. The medal represents the highest honour bestowed by the province for young people between the ages of 15 and 24 in recognition of outstanding contributions through volunteering in their communities and throughout the province.

“I am excited to help present the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers to such an inspiring group of recipients,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont. Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “As we recognize their achievements, we also shine a light on their tremendous potential, and the bright future for Ontario that these youth represent.”

The recipients of the 2021 and 2022 Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers include community organizers, gender equity advocates, creators in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), mental health advocates, and many more individuals who through their commitment and dedication have helped drive positive change and made a difference in their communities.

Mehak Dhaliwal established Caledon’s first all-girls high school robotics team and led Central Peel Secondary School to the “FIRST Robotics” International Championship in 2019. She also co-founded “SPARK,” a non-profit dedicated to giving everyone equal opportunities to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs and computer coding. Mehak is helping thousands of youth discover what’s possible through science and technology.

As The Queen’s representative, the Lieutenant Governor presided over the medal presentation to the recipients during a ceremony at Queen’s Park.

“Congratulations to the 2021 and 2022 recipients of the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “As champions of volunteerism, you are a reminder that Ontarians of any age have the power to drive positive change within their communities. We are proud to recognize your efforts and all you do to build a stronger Ontario.”

The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers is the highest honour a young person between the ages of 15 and 24 can achieve for their outstanding volunteer contributions to our province.

Recipients are those youth who through their actions and dedication, improve the quality of life in their communities, our province, our country, and even around the world and who have inspired other young people to volunteer.