Sustainability Leadership Award
The Environmental Subcommittee is overjoyed to introduce the Sustainability Leadership Award!
Do you know a student who is an environmental leader, someone who inspires others to take climate action in the Halton District School Board? The Sustainability Leadership Awards are all about these students. Inspiration can come from a diverse range of actions. Everyone in the HDSB community can nominate students!
In June 2020, the HDSB Board of Trustees passed the first student-led Climate Emergency Declaration. As part of the Declaration, students acknowledged that they have a role to play in taking Climate Action within the Board. Students asked the Board to LISTEN to student voice, EMPOWER students to act, INCLUDE students in sustainability directives and RECOGNIZE student leadership in climate action.
As a result, the goal of this Sustainability Leadership Award is to recognize student Sustainability Leadership and to inspire others to take action. By elevating local environmental initiatives, we contribute to achieving the global goals outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nominations are open to all students within the Halton District School Board. Student actions may occur within the school or within the local community our schools serve.
This award will be given to a current HDSB student or student club/group, who has through their environmental action(s) fulfilled the following criteria in an exemplary way:
demonstrated innovation, initiative, and creativity in taking environmental action
Inspired, involved and had an impact on others
connected to the board’s Multi-Year Plan
Each nomination will be evaluated on its own merit. Sustainability Leadership Award nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of both students and HDSB staff. Submissions receiving an average of 18 points will receive an award. Awards will be presented by Student Trustees, Student Senators or Environmental Management Team members, either at a Board meeting or the home school throughout the school year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to be nominated?
Any current HDSB student or a student group who has/have taken environmental action involving an impact within either the school or local Halton community.
Who is ineligible to be nominated?
Only current students can be nominated for an Sustainability Leadership Award. Student Trustees are ineligible both during their term and for actions associated with their term.
Who can nominate?
Nominations may come from any stakeholder(s) associated with the Halton District School Board, including students (self nomination is acceptable), staff, parents/guardians, volunteers, and other members of the school/Board community. Note: Superintendents, the Director of Education, Associate Director or publicly elected trustees may not nominate students for an Sustainability Leadership award.
How often may a student or group be nominated?
A current HDSB student or group may be nominated more than once, but will only qualify for recognition once per year.
Where will the award be presented?
The Sustainability Leadership Award recipient will choose the location of the presentation. It can be presented during a Student Senate meeting or at the school of the recipient. All recipients will be acknowledged during Student Trustee reports at an HDSB Board of Trustees meetings.
What is the deadline for nominations?
The Sustainability Leadership Award is an ongoing program. Students can be nominated throughout the school year. Submissions will close for the current school year on the last Friday in May.
Can the sustainability action take place outside of the HDSB?
Student action must occur within the school or within the local community HDSB schools serve.