A Grade 12 student has received a big pat on the back – and a hefty scholarship – for her efforts in addressing gender issues in the Delta School District.
Rachel Garrett, a student at South Delta Secondary, is among 20 high school students from across Canada to receive a TD Scholarship for Community Leadership valued at up to $70,000 from TD Bank Group.
The awards were presented during a ceremony in Ottawa today (May 27).
More than two years ago, in an effort to combat homophobia and transphobia in her school, Garrett helped form a Gay Straight Alliance. She and another student then presented the Delta Board of Education with a proposal to include homophobia in the district’s anti-bullying policy. After building support among administrators, parents and other students, there are now district-wide anti-homophobia and anti-transphobia regulations.
Garrett and the other scholarship recipients will receive tuition for an accredited university or college in Canada, $7,500 per year for living expenses, summer employment with TD Bank Group for up to four years and mentorship and networking opportunities.
