Sundre's new council approved during its Oct. 23 meeting a previous request from a student who was raising funds to attend the Global Vision Arctic Youth Ambassador program.
Keyanna St.Dennis, who is in Grade 11 at Sundre High School, presented the outgoing council with her reasons for making the request earlier this month.
"I wanted to ask for a monetary sponsorship for a mission I'm taking up to Nunavut," she said, requesting a contribution of $1,000 or as much as council deemed appropriate.
Her goal was to obtain experience and skills that she could bring back and put to use in the community.
Coun. Paul Isaac inquired about Global Vision and what the organization does.
"Global Vision is a non-profit organization that promotes entrepreneurship in youth," St.Dennis replied, adding her past participation at a similar event in Ottawa offered some insight into "leadership skills and the ability to listen to understand instead of listening to respond."
Former Coun. Myron Thompson called St.Dennis one of the best ambassadors Sundre has even seen and expressed the utmost confidence in her potential. Former Coun. Chris Vardas agreed and contributed $100 from his pocket on the spot, and the remaining members of council were also supportive of the request.
The outgoing council at the time referred the request back to administration, which brought a recommendation back to the new council to approve a donation in the amount determined to be appropriate by council, with the funds being drawn from the Community Events Donations budget line.
Vic Pirie, director of finance and administration, reminded the new council that last year a motion had been carried to award former Sundre High School student Katie Jo Jackson $500 to attend a UN conference and roundtable.
"So that might be some guidance to you in making your decision tonight," he said.
Council carried Isaac's motion to approve sponsoring St.Dennis in the amount of $500.
Mayor Terry Leslie expressed support for the motion "because this gives us the opportunity to put our money where our mouth is and support the youth."
The summit was held Oct. 25-29.
