Marla Bisanz
Saturday April 21, 2012 marked the first annual Fraser Lake Junior Leadership Conference Sponsored by the Vancity Community Foundation and Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC). One year ago local Early Childhood Educator Marla Bisanz applied to ECEBC for $10,000.00 in funding to accomplish her goal to support leadership skills in youth in grades 4-7. Assembling a team of educators, Trish Olin and Kiona Armatage, Bisanz and her team travelled several times to Vancouver to plan, research existing youth centers/programs and create an opportunity for local youth to connect, strengthen and celebrate their unique individuality, self-worth and social abilities. The final outcome a spring conference that supported local youths growth in: self esteem, family and community commitment, social responsibility, anti bullying messaging, and leadership skills. Bisanz, recipient of the 2009 Prime Ministers Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education continues to support and promote her philosophy, Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day. She said this experience has been rewarding and challenging and she commends the strength, commitment and passion of her team members, Trish Olin and Kiona Armatage, exceptional leaders committed to quality childcare! Over thirty local youth from the communities of Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake participated in the conference. The leadership team plans to continue this event annually and looks forward to the next group of Junior Leaders in 2013!