Dozens of Ranch youth have been presented with the Stay in School Award in recognition of their exceptional achievements in educational development.

“The youth work hard each semester to do their best in school, academically and socially, in hopes of receiving a Stay in School Award,” said Tamara Nicolas, principal of the Hansen Education Centre at Buckland campus. “This award is great motivation for the youth to strive to meet their goals, to be involved in school sports and activities, as well as move forward in their education plan.”

The Scotia Capital Stay in School Award is an annual grant received from the Children’s Aid Foundation. The program, introduce to Ranch students in 2008, was established to recognize “at-risk” elementary and high school students who are doing exceptionally well in school given their personal circumstances. The awards are also intended to encourage students to complete their high school education. Each youth is able to receive a maximum of $300 over the course of the year.

“The award is just another positive way of praising the youth for their achievements and accomplishments which allows them to feel a sense of pride in their educational development,” Tamara continued. “Many of our youth have had negative experiences in school which can deter them from wanting to do well.”

“The Stay in School Award propels the students to do well and to feel that their hard work is noticed and valued,” she added.

Current and former Ranch youth are eligible for the award each semester. Students are reviewed and nominated by criteria including: overcoming significant academic challenges; demonstrating academic excellence, and having overcome a particularly challenging experience.