ALF student wins national music leadership award

A.L. Fortune Secondary School Grade 12 student Hannah Hinz has been awarded a 2020 NUFSICISUM Youth Leadership Award by the Coalition for Music Education in Canada. This is one of only six awarded across Canada!

The NUFSICISUM Award (read it backwards) is a national award given annually by the Coalition for Music Education in Canada, an organization that advocates for equitable access to quality music education for all children and youth in Canada.

This award recognizes outstanding youth leaders from across the country who are committed to making a positive impact on their schools and communities through music.

Vice Principal of District Music Michelle Reed, who also teaches at A.L. Fortune, comments Hannah is extremely deserving of the award.

“Hannah has been an inspiration to her peers simply by just being herself.  She is a giver and understands and demonstrates the need for community within our program(s).”

“In addition to Hannah’s Musical Leadership she is heavily involved in the grad committee and yearbook as well.  She participates in food band fundraisers that her grad class does and is such an incredible citizen in our building.”

Reed notes that Hannah has been in every music course offered at A.L. Fortune and is an A student in all classes. “She constantly goes above and beyond what is expected.”

She adds that Hannah not only helps with all events and fundraisers, she has shown leadership by learning to play a new instrument, because that is what a particular band needed.

Reed noted that Hannah also takes the time to help and encourage younger students so that they are prepared to take on roles as the other students graduate. “She is just an incredible citizen at our school.”

The official announcement was made during livestreamed Music Monday celebrations, which is Monday, May 4, 2020.

The award comes with a $200 prize, along with the opportunity to become a Youth4Music Ambassador through the Coalition’s Youth4Music Program, a program dedicated to Canadian youth inspiring and building community through music. The school will also receive $200, which is also being directed to Hannah to continue her education. She plans on pursuing Animation at Okanagan College in the fall.

“It is clear from reading your teacher’s nomination that you are a tremendous asset to your school’s music program, and we are very pleased to recognize your exceptional contributions with a 2020 NUFSICISUM Youth Leadership Award,” commented Sharon Tikiryan, Youth4Music Program Manager.

“Many past recipients of this award have gone on to become Youth4Music
Ambassadors through the Coalition’s Youth4Music Program, a program dedicated to Canadian youth inspiring and building community through music. As a NUFSICISUM Award winner, you are invited to learn more about this program and to join the national network of young people raising their voices in support of music education.”

For further information go to http://www.coalitioncanada.ca.