Weiqi Xu of Washago is this year's recipient of the Jean Lumb Defence of the Environment Award, sponsored by Fay and John Wong.
Weiqi Xu is one of nine students whose excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, community services, innovation, defence of the environment, and dignity of life was recognized at the University of Toronto Scarborough on Oct. 28, a news release said.
Every year, the judging panel is challenged with selecting the winners out of "so many outstanding applications" from across Canada, said Arlene Chan, eldest daughter of Jean Lumb and president of the Jean Lumb Foundation.
"I am so impressed by these inspiring young people who are the best of the best," she said.
The annual Jean Lumb Awards, now in their 26th year, recognize outstanding high school students of Chinese heritage from across Canada.
Weiqi Xu, a graduate of Twin Lakes Secondary School, was a student trustee for the Simcoe County District School Board.
He consistently demonstrated his ability to encourage others to reduce their impact on the environment, a news release said. Through his advocacy for student wellness and sustainability, he fostered a culture of environmental consciousness among his peers.
Xu showed leadership, working to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and actively engaging others in the cause.
His involvement in the Sustainable Orillia Youth Council further exemplified his commitment to environmental protection and his ability to foster innovation in this field, the release added.
In his role as the manager of the council's IT aspects, he led a small team in coding projects that promoted sustainability.
His contributions to the Climate Change Summit at Lakehead University, where he coded the registration and event website and played a key role in event planning and hosting, demonstrate his ability to achieve tangible results in challenging circumstances. His involvement with the Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition as a summer student is a testament to his commitment to protecting and preserving natural spaces.
"It is a great honour to be receiving this award as it serves not only as recognition of my impact on my community through youth climate action but also my friends and family who have supported me along the way and my peers who I have worked tirelessly with to achieve the things that we did," said Xu.
He said such efforts are more important than ever to protect the environment.
"Through lots of hard work and perseverance, a group of youth whom I was a part of in my city organized rallies, conferences and more all of which gave youth the opportunity to participate in the defence of the environment," said Xu, who is enrolled at the University of Waterloo where he is studying geomatics.
The Jean Lumb Foundation is a registered charitable organization that provides scholarships and honours the legacy of its namesake. Born in Nanaimo, B.C., Jean Lumb was the first Chinese Canadian woman appointed to the Order of Canada. Since 1998, over 150 young people have been recognized, many of whom are now leaders in their chosen fields across Canada, as far north as Nunavut, and around the world. Applications for the 2024 Jean Lumb Awards can be made at Jean Lumb Foundation.
The nine winners of the 2023 Jean Lumb Award are:
- Yu Han (Helen) Li, Lisgar C.I., Ottawa, wins the Academics Award sponsored by the University of Toronto Scarborough.
- Rachel Sun, Father Bressani Catholic High School, Woodbridge, wins the Entrance Award sponsored by the University of Toronto Scarborough.
- Danae Kong, Christian Homelearners eStreams, Victoria, BC, wins the Arts Award sponsored by the Chung-Kotcheff Family.
- Grace Anyu Sun, Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, Toronto, wins the Community Services Award sponsored in memory of Dorothy and Jung Shao Lu.
- Michelle Deng, Ross Sheppard High School, Edmonton, wins the Athletics Award sponsored by Murphy & Chung Chartered Accountants.
- Christina Wang, Sacred Heart Catholic High School, Newmarket, wins the Innovation Award sponsored in memory of Choi King and John C. Mah.
- Michelle Wan, Markville Secondary School, Markham, ON, wins the Dignity of Life Award.
- Weiqi Xu, Twin Lakes Secondary School, Washago, wins the Defence of the Environment Award sponsored by Fay and John Wong.
- Jiayu Li, Harrison Trimble High School, Moncton, NB, wins the Foon Hay Lum Commemorative Award for the Centenary of the Chinese Exclusion Act.
