for Sustainability' club, growing it to 45 members and organizing fundraisers and community cleanups. After she moved to Cape Breton, Lysa collaborated with Nigerian peers to raise over $3,700 for the Eukalypton Charity Foundation in Lagos, supporting environmental and health initiatives. Lysa has also used her love of science to address environmental issues. For her Grade 10 science fair, she developed a method to recycle thermoset polyurethane foam by combining it with polylactic acid and plum stones, resulting in a material with 30% greater tensile strength. This project earned her a spot at the regional science fair. Lysa has also used public speaking to spread environmental awareness. This past spring, she participated in the Cape Breton Regional Concours d’Art Oratoire, delivering a speech on balancing energy needs with environmental responsibility, and advanced to the provincial level.Beyond her environmental leadership, Lysa has been deeply involved in community service. Through Key Club, she has supported initiatives such as fundraising for the Nova Scotia SPCA and participating in food bank drives. She has also volunteered with her school’s Learning Centre Program. Lysa will be attending the University of St. Andrew’s in Scotland in the fall, where she will pursue a medicine degree.

she learned about change-making and environmental action at the global level. As part of the committee, Colette researched options for Goré, a region of Chad experiencing desertification after years of drought. Based on their research, the committee fundraised over $6,000 to support the planting of 600+ drought-resistant trees. In recognition of this work, Colette spoke at the Global Youth Consultation on Poverty and Hunger at the G20 Summit, where she presented her research and logistical findings remotely. Colette is also Co-President of Horton High School’s Environment Club, where she has led waste reduction and conservation campaigns in addition to expanding students’ access to environmental opportunities outside of school. She founded an organization, EducaShine, to foster inclusive spaces for youth-led environmental dialogue. She is the Secretary of the NS Youth Climate Council, and was a panelist at the Nova Scotia Youth Climate Summit, where she spoke about her experience and perspective on the environment here in Nova Scotia.Colette also serves as a national ambassador for UNICEF Canada, providing input on youth perspectives on environmental issues in Canada.Colette also has a keen interest in biological systems and hands-on scientific research. She is attending Acadia University in the fall, pursuing a biology degree.

e and protecting the environment led her to found a community project called Community Lynx. This volunteer initiative collects, cleans, and sorts used clothing and household items, and gives them to those in need at no charge. She started the initiative in 2023, with a couple of badminton facilities, Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), and local family centres. Community Lynx now consists of 18 schools and community centres across HRM. To date, over five hundred winter jackets, thousands of gloves/mittens, hoodies, and footwear have been collected. In addition, they also collect, wash and distribute hundreds of water bottles, lunch boxes, and any other miscellaneous items that are abandoned at gyms and community centres in HRM. This spring, they expanded to collect items from university students and those moving abroad who can't afford to move everything. By promoting a circular economy and diverting unwanted items from Lost and Founds/student apartments to newcomers, Madeleine has had a positive, significant impact on hundreds of families in Halifax.In addition to her work with Community Lynx, Madeleine is a student athlete, playing badminton at Citadel High. She is also a senior Flight Sergeant in Canadian Air Cadets and plays lead trumpet in their marching band. Madeleine plans to attend NS Community College in the fall. She is enrolled in the Radio Television Journalism program and plans to be a producer behind the camera.

sign and execute community-based actions to promote sustainability and waste reduction. With the club, Jiyu has organized and participated in at least 10 litter cleanups at her school. The club has also organized and hosted several community clothing swaps, both independently and in collaboration with Waste Check. As co-lead of the club, Jiyu was responsible for setting up donation collection, assigning shifts, and promoting events. She also helped run the events with her fellow club members. In addition to litter cleanups and clothing swaps, Jiyu’s club hosted various events such as bottle drives and tote-bag decorating activities. While these events were meant to raise funds for the club, they also helped increase students’ awareness of the need for sustainable consumption and waste management (especially recycling). Other activities and events that Jiyu has been involved with include designing a Christmas tree out of bottles and organizing a community-based winter jacket drive. After applying for and receiving two grants, the club also hosted a free tree seedling planting event for the school.Through her work with the Youth for Future club, Jiyu has developed a strong sense of responsibility for the youth of future generations and hopes to continue contributing to the promotion of sustainability and environmental conservation.

ipated in multiple litter clean-ups at her school, community, and church. She’s also worked to raise awareness about the environmental aspects of air pollution through a lung cancer initiative, giving talks and helping organize community awareness walks to educate others about the link between air pollution, health, and the environment. Inioluwa is also the Founder and President of Sydney Academy’s Girls in STEM chapter, leading labs and seminars that empower young women to pursue science and health-related disciplines. As the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Equity Club, she orchestrated the school’s inaugural Black Excellence Assembly for an audience of over 500, demonstrating an ability to manage large-scale initiatives. Inioluwa’s passion for helping others continues into her professional aspirations as she begins a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in the fall. She chose to pursue nursing since it combines science, compassion, and service to the community.

ve more sustainably. As a member of the club, Jamar has participated in a litter cleanup around school grounds and planted trees around the school. Jamar has also been a member of the school’s Envirothon team, learning about environmental science and competing at Acadia University against other high schools. The Envirothon has broadened his knowledge and experience with a variety of environmental topics, while volunteering to plant trees at a newly developed baseball field in Truro increased his knowledge of sustainable tree planting and made him appreciate how trees work as a collective. In addition to his environmental activities, Jamar is involved in numerous school groups, including being a co-founder of the Transfer Student Support Collective, Secretary General for Model UN, and a Recruitment Coach for Relay For Life. Jamar plans to attend Mt. Allison University in the fall, taking a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.

been part of several environmental initiatives and is very conscious of the impact of her daily activities. She’s participated in several beach and roadside clean-ups in her community, including her 4H group’s annual cleanup for the last seven years. Ruby has also supported her school’s recycling and environmental awareness efforts by encouraging classmates to recycle properly, helping clean shared spaces, and participating in classroom discussions and projects related to climate change and sustainability. Her efforts extend to her daily choices, using reusable water bottles, lunch containers, and shopping bags, composting and recycling, reducing energy and water use, and carpooling or walking whenever possible. Ruby’s genuine desire to contribute positively to the world around her has led to her receiving this scholarship and she will continue to make an impact as she pursues a Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University.

ols and local cemeteries. She and her mom also regularly clean up litter along the ditches and roadways in their community. In addition to her volunteer activities with the KEY Club, Sierra sits on several school committees and the RCMP’s National Youth Advisory Committee. She’s also volunteered to plant trees with the Native Council of Nova Scotia Youth Group and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). As part of the project, a few hundred trees were planted in the community of Milton, and Sierra learned about the importance of trees in the ecosystem. Remaining trees were then donated to Dr. John C Wickwire Academy, where they were planted by the school. Whenever possible, Sierra incorporates environmentally conscious choices into her daily activities. She buys eco-friendly clothing items and thrifts clothes as much as possible. She uses reusable water bottles every day, has grown her own vegetable garden, and frequently turns off devices and lights when not in use. In the fall, Sierra plans to take a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Dalhousie University.

nnementale en se promenant chaque matin et en ramassant les déchets, lui apprenant ainsi que les déchets sauvages constituent un problème grave et que la protection de l’environnement est essentielle. Melia et sa famille participent régulièrement à des activités de nettoyage communautaire, notamment à des événements comme le Grand nettoyage du Cap-Breton, le nettoyage du centre-ville de Sydney et d’autres initiatives organisées au sein de leur communauté locale. Ces expériences ont renforcé chez elle des habitudes bien ancrées, comme celle de ramasser instinctivement les déchets dès qu’elle en voit, même en dehors des événements organisés.Melia s’efforce également de réduire activement son empreinte environnementale dans sa vie quotidienne. Elle évite les plastiques à usage unique en utilisant systématiquement des sacs, des contenants et des bouteilles d’eau réutilisables, et réduit sa consommation d’énergie en éteignant les lumières, en faisant sécher son linge à l’air libre, en jardinant et en plantant des arbres. Outre ses gestes quotidiens, Melia contribue au développement durable par l’éducation et l’innovation. Ses projets scientifiques annuels ont porté sur la résolution de problèmes environnementaux concrets, comme l’amélioration de l’efficacité énergétique des maisons. Melia prévoit s’inscrire à l’Université King’s College à l’automne pour y suivre un baccalauréat en sciences.Melia has had a lifelong commitment to environmental protection, deeply influenced by her grandfather. Her grandfather modeled environmental responsibility by walking every morning and picking up garbage, teaching Melia that litter is a serious issue and that protecting the environment is important. Melia and her family regularly participate in community cleanups, including events like the Great Cape Breton Cleanup, Downtown Sydney Cleanup, and others in their local communities. These experiences reinforced strong habits—such as instinctively picking up litter whenever Melia sees it, even outside organized events.Melia also actively reduces her personal environmental impact. She avoids single-use plastics by consistently using reusable bags, containers, and water bottles and reduces energy use by turning off lights, air drying clothes, gardening and planting trees. In addition to everyday actions, Melia contributes to sustainability through education and innovation. Her annual science projects have focused on solving real-world environmental problems, such as improving home energy efficiency. Melia will be attending the University of King’s College in the fall, taking a Bachelor of Science.

Kate participated in large beach cleanups and created an art piece from recycled materials that was displayed at a flower festival in Saudi Arabia, discovering early on that sustainability could be communicated through creativity as well as activism. In high school, Kate joined their school's environment club, where she served as social media coordinator, crafting posts on climate change, pollution, and waste reduction to make environmental topics more engaging for peers. Kate has also helped organize school cleanups, clothing swap events, and tree planting initiatives. Outside of school, they participated in a veterans' grave cleanup, recognizing that environmental responsibility and community care often go hand in hand. Kate hopes to continue building on these experiences and expanding their contribution to sustainability in her community.

th Club. With the club, Dakota organized garbage clean-ups, put compost bins in classrooms, arranged presentations on recycling, raised money to plant trees, created battery disposal for all classrooms, and helped paint an Earth mural. At home, she’s incorporated environmental sustainability into her daily life. She regularly cleans up litter with her mom, uses sustainable, reusable products at home, and bikes to work at Ingonish’s Groovy Goat Farm. Whether it’s getting involved in outdoor pursuits with family and friends, or taking charge in Earth Club at school, Dakota is committed to making their community more sustainable and eco-friendlier. Dakota plans to attend Mount Saint Vincent University to study Mathematics in a Bachelor of Science this fall, with future aspirations to be a math teacher.

erwater cleanups through the International Coastal Cleanup organization, the Love Your Lakes Program by Green Future, and through her time as a student in the International Baccalaureate program. As part of the IB program, she’s also undertaken research on temperature impacts on the blue shark. Kourtney is also involved in the Canadian Youth Climate Action Team, where she engages in research, policy preparation, and leading group discussions as the Campaign Manager in Policy and Advocacy. Amongst all of these projects, Kourtney is preparing to study Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Guelph.

ent. Since then, Mae has channeled that passion into meaningful action at every level. She has volunteered with the Ecology Action Centre's Pop-up Bike Hub and Back to the Sea Centre, gaining hands-on experience in community-based climate education. As a member of the Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council, Mae met with provincial government officials to advocate for youth perspectives on climate policy. Academically, her commitment shines through a science fair project on microplastic pollution across Nova Scotia beaches and an IB curriculum she has consistently connected to environmental themes. Next fall, Mae will study Environmental Science at Mount Allison University, with aspirations to work in climate change mitigation, ecosystem management, and research.

onsible for organizing an Indigenous Medicine garden in the front area of her school, increasing biodiversity and paying homage to Indigenous practices in Nova Scotia. Joy is also responsible for organizing a student cleanup at Charles P. Allen High School as the student council co-president. Joy is passionate about the environment, healthcare, and lifelong learning. She has plans to attend Western University in pursuit of a Bachelor of Sciences degree in the fall.

h her family, Caitlin has developed a deep appreciation for nature that has shaped her commitment to conservation. For several years, she has submitted weekly bird observations to eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology's community science platform, contributing to wildlife research and biodiversity monitoring. In her community, Caitlin participates annually in park cleanups and volunteers at events like the Prescott House Busy Bugs Workshop, where she has helped children discover and identify local insects. At school, Caitlin has spent two years in the Environment Club, raising awareness through posters, activities, and outdoor cleanups, while also caring for classroom animals and developing hands-on animal welfare skills. Next fall, Caitlin will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Acadia University, with hopes of contributing to habitat research and biodiversity preservation.

p with Every One Every Day, she helped community members build planter boxes to support local gardening and address food security, while actively encouraging others to participate in sustainable living practices. She has also taken part in community cleanups, helping maintain the neighborhood basketball court and surrounding areas, and regularly encourages younger youth to take pride in and responsibility for shared spaces. On an overnight trip to Falls Lake, Susan stepped naturally into a mentorship role, teaching younger participants about outdoor safety, environmental respect, and the importance of leaving natural spaces clean. What distinguishes Susan is her genuine understanding that community well-being and environmental well-being are deeply connected. She leads consistently through action and example, making her a thoughtful and dependable young environmental leader. Susan will be attending Dalhousie University for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the fall.

anso, Nova Scotia has been a highlight for her, along with her efforts with the District of Guysborough as a PACY leader, working in active programming with children. In both roles, Brooklyn has dedicated herself in keeping public spaces clean and safe for all to enjoy. Brooklyn states that “being involved in my community has shown me that these small, everyday actions add up and can have a lasting impact.” Her plans to become an ultrasound technologist and a lifelong environmentalist show her dedication to giving back. She will be attending Dalhousie University for a Bachelor of Science in the fall.

ndation Clean, Claudia crée une œuvre d’art axée sur le concept d’économie propre. Celle-ci sera présentée à des centaines de personnes, dans le but d’inspirer le changement et de sensibiliser le public. Elle travaille également sur un documentaire consacré au changement climatique, comprenant des entrevues avec des membres de la communauté et des visualisations de données provenant de sa région. Claudia a également remporté récemment un concours régional d’innovation Ingenious+ pour son projet visant à réduire les eaux usées. Ce projet consiste notamment à mener des recherches et à concevoir des moyens de réutiliser l’eau du bain pour la chasse d’eau des toilettes. Ensemble, ces initiatives reflètent à la fois les aspects créatifs et pratiques que Claudia met à profit pour relever les défis environnementaux. Claudia s’inscrira au programme de baccalauréat ès arts et sciences de l’Université McGill, où elle prévoit se spécialiser en sciences cognitives.Claudia is using her creativity and her practical skills to make a difference. As part of the Clean Foundation’s Creative Climate Showcase, Claudia is creating an art piece centered on the concept of the clean economy. This will be presented to hundreds of people, with the aim of inspiring change and raising public awareness. She’s working on a documentary about climate change, featuring interviews with community members and data visualizations from her region. Claudia has also recently won a regional Ingenious+ innovation competition for her project on reducing wastewater. The project includes researching and designing ways to reuse bathwater for toilet flushing. Together, these initiatives reflect both the creative and practical aspects that Claudia uses to address environmental challenges. Claudia will be entering the Bachelor of Arts and Science program at McGill University, where she plans to specialize in cognitive science.