A local Kamloops student will be one of 300 from across Canada who will help develop a National Youth Policy in Ottawa next month.

“What an honour, I think that’s just amazing to be selected,” said Grade 11 Sa-Hali Secondary student, Sarah Seymour. She was speaking on the NL Morning News today and highlighted a few key issues she’s hoping to focus on.

“Our Student Voice regional forum was about the cannabis legislation and we also put the vaping epidemic into it as well,” added Seymour.

“That’s a real big issue, not just in Sa-Hali but trying to get a grasp on how to make this better and take some of it away and keep kids away from that kind of path.”

Seymour was chosen by the B.C. Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association (BCPVPA) through a competitive application process.

“We are proud of Sarah,” said SD73 Superintendent Alison Sidow, in a release.

“She is a shining example of what can happen when a student, with hard work and determination, is able to connect with every opportunity to make a difference.”

Seymour has been a part of Sa-Hali’s leadership team since Grade 9, while in Grade 10 she was part of the student committee that helped redesign the SD73 website.

Just this past school year, she’s also went to the Student Voice BC Provincial Regional Forum, and then helped host a local version of the forum.

SD73 Board Chair Kathleen Karpuk noted Seymour has already made an impact provincially, and can now do the same on a national level.

“We are really excited for Sarah, and we know she will do a great job representing B.C. and SD73,” added Rachael Sdoutz, Sa-Hali Secondary principal.

“The BCPVPA told me Sarah’s application was hands-down the most outstanding application they saw.”

(Photo via SD73)