Grade 11 student Brandon Strawberry from West Central High School in Rocky Mountain House, is the 2015 recipient of the Indigenous Shining Student Award. This award, given out by the Alberta School Board Association, celebrates FNMI students who are shining examples in their communities. It recognizes individuals who are succeeding in all aspects of their life from academics to culture. It is a fantastic honour for Wild Rose School Division and West Central High School to be able to celebrate this award together with Brandon Strawberry.

“It is one of the most prestigious honours I've ever had, I didn't think I could win,” stated Brandon Strawberry. “Winning this award though shows the work I’m doing in my community, volunteering and fundraising, it’s all making an impact.”

Brandon is described as a positive role model for other students. Brandon turned his life around by taking on leadership opportunities and embracing his culture and spirituality. For the past five years Brandon has been speaking around Alberta about the Significant Difference, a short presentation that offers a first person view of the effects of the residential schools and how it impacts First Nation youth.  

As the 2015 recipient of this award, Brandon will be sponsored to attend a youth conference on leadership and he will be recognized in his local school community.

“Over the last two years I have seen Brandon mature as an individual,” stated West Central High School Principal, Nathan Moore. “He has learned success takes work and seeing him rewarded now for his hard work is fantastic.”

Twenty-nine students were in the running for the 2015 award, which is presented annually by the Education Partners’ Task Force on First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Student Success and Well-being. This is the second year the award has been handed out. Award recipients are chosen by a task force composed of members from the Alberta School Boards Association, Alberta School Councils’ Association, Alberta Teachers’ Association, College of Alberta School Superintendents and the Alberta Education, FNMI Education Division. Read more about the award here on the Alberta School Boards Association Website.