Ottawa, ON – Sept. 29, 2021 – 4-H Canada is excited to announce the recipients of the 2021 4-H Canada Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction (L.E.A.D.).

The Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction recognizes outstanding youth members who show 4-H values in the way they live their lives. The awards honour youth who have become exceptional leaders through their 4-H experience, and who share the best of themselves with their community.

The most prestigious and highly sought scholarship offered by 4-H Canada, four outstanding 4-H members are selected as L.E.A.D. recipients each year in recognition of their personal development, community impact, and leadership excellence in one of 4-H Canada’s four Leadership Development Pillars.

Each L.E.A.D. recipient receives a $20,000 scholarship toward their four-year post-secondary studies. Recipients of a L.E.A.D. scholarship are also placed in an ongoing mentorship with an expert from within their field of study - a valuable opportunity to gather skills and insights directly from a skilled expert.

“L.E.A.D scholarships are unique, and in addition to the funding, recipients are matched with a “dream” mentor, which is an invaluable opportunity for youth to build skills, confidence, and learn from the mentor’s experience as they pursue a future career,” said Shannon Benner, Chief Executive Officer of 4-H Canada. “The 2021 recipients have shown exceptional leadership skills and dedication to 4-H. Together with the support and dedication of CN, we are thrilled to recognize these outstanding youth and look forward to following their educational and career success for years to come.”

“At CN we see ourselves as more than a mover of the North American economy, we are also a corporate citizen that strongly believes in making a difference in local communities across our network. This is why CN is proud to support these exceptional and deserving scholars. The L.E.A.D scholarship program, through our partnership with 4-H Canada, helps to empower this next generation of leaders to achieve their best. We’re excited to see what they can accomplish in their growing careers.” -Cyrus Reporter, Vice-President, Government and Regulatory Affairs, CN

The 2021 4-H Canada L.E.A.D. recipients are:

• Julia Pitsiaeli (BC), Community Engagement & Communications Pillar
• Neleah Lavoie (PEI), Science & Technology Pillar
• Cally Sample (BC), Environment & Healthy Living Pillar
• Jessica Davey(SK), Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security Pillar

The scholarship is made possible through a generous partnership with CN, a long-time supporter of 4-H Canada and strong champion for advancing leadership in rural communities across Canada.

We congratulate the 2021 L.E.A.D Scholarship recipients and look forward to honouring them during the 4-H Canada Leadership Awards in early 2022.

To learn more about the L.E.A.D. scholarship visit 4-h-canada.ca/lead.

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About 4-H Canada

For over 100 years, 4-H Canada has been one of the most highly respected positive youth development organizations in Canada. 4-H in Canada has close to 23,500 members and more than 8,500 volunteer leaders. Our goal is to help young Canadians “Learn To Do By Doing” in a safe, inclusive and fun environment. We believe in nurturing responsible, caring and contributing youth leaders who are committed to positively impacting their communities across Canada and around the world. To learn more about 4-H Canada, please visit 4-h-canada.ca and follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 19,500-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

For more information, media may contact:

Mike Sheeler
Marketing and Communications Director
4-H Canada
613-316-5422
msheeler@4-h-canada.ca