It’s one thing to be a good leader. That takes knowing yourself, knowing your people, being great at communication, having diplomacy and seeking feedback. A lot of these skills are learned over time and come with experience. But it is another thing to be considered a top leader and to do it at a young age!
That achievement is precisely what Davina Merritt, a recent École Olds High School graduate, did when she earned the title of Canada’s top student leader. Way to go!
Chinook’s Edge School Division announced that Davina was honoured with the Bill Conconi Leadership Award by the Canadian Student Leadership Association (CSLA). Securing the award is no easy feat.
A student must be enrolled in a secondary school in Canada that is recognized as a CSLA member to be eligible for the award. Winners must also have a greater than 70 percent average over their last two years of study and plan to continue with post-secondary education.
In addition to being book smart and a hard worker, a student must show an impressive ability to lead others by making significant contributions to their school and community.
Davina participated in the Fire Cadet program in Olds and said it was one of her favourites. The program was developed last September and taught cadets general fire-fighting skills, such as operating tools and equipment and tying necessary knots. Cadets also had a chance to wear and use a 70-pound self-contained breaking apparatus worn by firefighters to provide oxygen.
OK, so Davina is bright and strong!
Twelve students, one from each province or territory, are shortlisted, each receiving $500 and provincial recognition. The CSLA narrowed the selection to three students, eventually selecting Davina for the leadership award after the interviews. While every student was outstanding, Merritt represented Alberta with pride and emerged as the top leadership student in the country.
“I honestly feel like I am in awe…I did some research on past recipients, and I am humbled. Mostly, I am grateful for all of the opportunities that I have had that led me to this prestigious award,” Merritt told the Red Deer Advocate.
The national leadership award includes a $1,000 scholarship. Merritt’s other awards and accomplishments that include the Alberta Premier’s Citizenship Award, the Rotary “Service Above Self” Award, the Lion’s Legacy Award, and the Town of Olds Youth Volunteer of the Year Award.
Merritt was also awarded a leadership scholarship from the University of Alberta, reserved for students with high academic standing and exceptional leadership skills. She studies Environmental Studies with a minor in Politics, Society, and Global Environment at the University of Alberta.
“When we think of students who truly make change in their school communities, who do so because they love it but also because they know the difference it will make in the lives of others, we think of Davina. Her leadership capacity is natural; she is humble, humorous and hardworking. Our whole community is so proud of Davina,” said Meaghan Reist, the principal of Olds High School.
Looking to the future, Merritt has her sights set high. What else would you expect from a certified leader?
She aspires to work with organizations like Rotary or the United Nations, specifically in the environmental sector. Until then, she remains committed to volunteering and staying involved in her community. Merritt also shared some words of wisdom for future high school students, highlighting the importance of active participation.
“Engaging actively in school culture enriches the high school experience. The challenge is not in doing everything, but in mustering the courage to begin,” expressed Merritt.
Whether you’re in high school or not, we could all learn something from Merritt.
Who knows? She could be the next Kim Campbell, who was Canada’s first female Prime Minister.
Prime Minister or not, forward-looking students like Merritt will pave the way for our future. The students of today are the leaders of tomorrow. And with leaders like Davina, we’ll have a bright future!
