Brooks Secondary School student Alenor Boyd was among 34 youth from across the province presented with the silver level of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award on May 12 in Victoria.
The ceremony took place at Government House and achievers were presented their awards by BC lieutenant governor Janet Austin.
“It’s an award system available to all the commonwealth countries,” said Boyd who is 15 and in grade 10. “I had to work on four different areas.”
The four areas include service to community, development of a skill, physical recreation and an adventurous journey in nature, working consistently over a minimum of one year.
“For my adventurous journey I hiked the Sunshine Coast Trail from the Timberlane barracks all the way out to Lund over three days and two nights,” said Boyd.
She completed the adventure with the help of her air cadet squadron over spring break and credits the group, along with her mother, for getting her involved in the program.
“They are really the ones who got me going on it, as well as my mother; I owe it to all of them,” she added.
The hikers camped at the trail’s Rieveley Pond Hut and Manzanita Hut along the way.
“The weather was great,” said Boyd.
The award is presented in the form of a lapel pin and a certificate. Youth also earn two grade 11 high school credits for completing their silver award.
“Youth who achieve the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award demonstrate significant ability and commitment,” said executive director of the program’s BC and Yukon division Sushil Saini. “Participating youth don’t work towards a cash prize, but rather the intrinsic value of challenging themselves by setting goals and then achieving them,” she added.
The “Duke of Ed” is an international self-development leadership program available to young people ages 14 to 24, regardless of background, circumstances or abilities. Its mission is to provide youth with opportunities to challenge themselves and develop into the best possible versions of themselves.
Boyd said she has had great fun participating in the project and learned many valuable skills during the process.
“I’d encourage anyone ambitious to just go out and do it,” said Boyd. “I had the time of my life and can’t wait to start my gold.”
