Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SASKTODAY.ca
PORCUPINE PLAIN – Elissa Holinaty, Porcupine Plain Grade 12 student from the Northeast School Division, has been appointed to the 2024-25 Youth Council.
This dynamic group of leaders were chosen to represent the voices of Saskatchewan’s youth and they play an important role in helping to shape the province’s education system. This year’s Youth Council consists of 12 exceptional students from Grades 10 to 12 who will advise the Ministry of Education on various education-related priorities.
Holinaty is in grade 12 at Porcupine Plain Comprehensive. Principal, Dan Mielke said, “Elissa is known for her enthusiasm for self-leadership and community involvement. She has many interests and favourite activities, most of which involve sports, time at the dance studio, listening to music, or dreaming about her next travel destination.”
“Elissa is passionate about making a difference in the world, creating a successful life for herself and being a good human being. Her volunteerism in her school and community has positively impacted both herself and others. A fun fact about Elissa is that she is an avid reader of both non-fiction and fiction stories, having read over 500 books. She enjoys how reading strengthens the brain, reduces stress and builds vocabulary.”
Holinaty is most excited about joining the Youth Council for the 2024-25 term because it provides an opportunity to collaborate with diverse and motivated peers to tackle important challenges, enhance student well-being and advocate for impactful educational reforms. She looks forward to using her voice and ideas to meet new people and make a tangible difference in the educational landscape.
The 2024-25 Provincial Youth Council members are:
Ben Ansell, Prairie South School Division
Brooklynn Gardiner, Ile-a-la Crosse School Division
De Wet Luus, Horizon School Division
Demi Ogundele, Independent School
Elissa Holinaty, North East School Division
Grace Bosch, Chinook School Division
Jade Ezumah, Lloydminster Catholic School Division
Kale Roberts, Prairie Spirit School Division
Micaiah (Mia) Hack, Sask DLC
Rylan Iron, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
Tari Wenzel, Sun West School Division
Theron Roberts, Northern Lights School Division
The Youth Council will have the opportunity to participate in several key engagements throughout the year. These sessions will provide opportunities for the council members to collaborate and share their insights with the Ministry of Education, ensuring that student voices continue to shape the education landscape in Saskatchewan.
Established in 2019, the Youth Council provides a platform for student leaders aged 16 and older in Grades 10 to 12 to share their diverse perspectives and lived experiences within the education system. This year, the nomination process invited each school division to submit up to two nominations. Qualified independent schools, historical high schools and the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) were invited to submit one nomination.
