New Notable Canadian

Omemee resident receives UN honour

An Omemee resident became the first Canadian Scout and only the second Canadian youth to receive a Youth of the World Award .

From the left are troop scouter Mike Reaman, chief commissioner Stephen Kent, Graham Peters and Youth of the World coordinator Dan Nelson.

Submitted to Lindsay Post

Graham Peters of 1st Omemee Scouts received the honour from chief commissioner, Stephen Kent and Youth of the World Coordinator Dan Nelson at a ceremony held at the Ontario Science Centre.

The award was established by the United Nations to encourage youth to make the world a better place.

Graham chose paediatric brain tumours as a medical concern facing children of the world. When choosing a focus, the youth must have some personal connection to it. Graham helped to raise funds and awareness of brain tumours.

In 2009 Graham Peters earned his Chief Scout Award, and his Youth of the World Award. He also graduated Grade 8 earning an academic awards, and he received an Ontario Volunteer Service Award for his work with b.r.a.i.n.child. Great work Graham!
To receive the Youth of the World award, recipients must choose an issue that affects youth in the world that is personally relevant.  Paediatric brain tumours is an issue Graham  is very familiar with as his older sister was diagnosed when she was four years old.

Graham helped to raise awareness of childhood brain tumours at his school and in his community.  He also assisted at a fundraiser for b.r.a.i.n.child (Brain Tumour Research, Assistance and Information Network).  Graham is involved with b.r.a.i.n.child in various avenues.  Part of the award is volunteer hours; Graham has volunteered over 400 hours with b.r.a.i.n.child and continues to do so.

Graham also received a letter of recognition from Prime Minister Stephen Harper as well as the Chief of Neurosurgery and Director of the Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, Dr. James Rutka.

This Canadian first was severely under reported. It seems that good news tends to get buried under all the horrific stories.

Credits: Lindsay Post, Trillium Area News