Dr M. Wosk Environmental Leadership Award
The Dr. M. Wosk Environmental Leadership Award was established by Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation for the development of youth leadership in 2006. The leadership fund is used to engage, train and empower today’s youth (age 15-19) with the skills necessary for the future sustainability of our spectacular regional parks.
Participants will have training in ecological issues and environmental preservation as well as the organizational and communication skills necessary to make a profound difference. The impact of their work will be felt by all as they grow to become the leaders of the future.
“With one inspired leader, there is the potential of attracting a thousand or more participants. Without those exceptional leaders, thousands of people may never get involved.”
Dr. Mordehai Wosk
All applications and nominations are reviewed by the Foundation’s Environmental Leadership Selection Committee and they determine the number of recipients and the value of each of the awards presented annually.
2024 Dr. M. Wosk Environmental Leadership applications are now closed.
Gordon Smith Youth Environmental Stewardship Award
To inspire others to follow his path, his friends, family and colleagues at Metro Vancouver Regional Parks initiated the “Gordon Smith Youth Environmental Stewardship Award.” This endowment fund provides an annual award to youth for their contribution to hands-on conservation in the region. Supported by private donors, the fund is administered through Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation.
Gordon Smith was dedicated to serving people and the environment and was one of the finest people many of us ever met. He was passionate about stream and wetland stewardship and very active in conservation projects in Aldergrove and Delta.
Young people, aged 12-18, living in the Metro Vancouver Region who demonstrate passion and involvement in environmental conservation and stewardship may be nominated for this award. Those of us who knew Gordon or had the opportunity to work with him are content in the knowledge that he would be pleased to see his passion and inspiration being passed on to the youth of the Region through this award.
Each year nominations are invited for the Gordon Smith Youth Environmental Stewardship Award, which provides a bursary for youth age 12-18 who have contributed to environmental stewardship through their volunteer efforts. The recipients demonstrate leadership in conservation and inspire other young people to get involved in environmental work. Two letters of reference/support should be submitted along with a completed nomination form.
2024 Gordon Smith YES Award nominations are now closed.
2024 Gordon Smith YES Award Winner
Jade Tao
We are thrilled to announce that Jade Tao has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Gordon Smith Youth Environmental Stewardship Award!
Jade Tao is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation, dedicated to integrating sustainability into her daily life and inspiring others to do the same. She believes deeply in the intricate connections between all living things, and her appreciation for nature grows stronger each day. For Jade, being surrounded by nature is a source of healing, and giving back to protect and restore the environment is essential for the well-being of all.
Her post-secondary aspirations are rooted in the sciences, with a particular focus on cognitive data science. She is especially interested in artificial intelligence and its potential to solve complex, real-world challenges across various fields, including environmental science, healthcare, and business.
Jade has made a lasting impact through her extensive volunteer work with CTS Youth Society and OceanWise’s Youth to Sea cohort. As a CTS Youth Council member and Peer Leader, she has led environmental restoration projects, nature walks, and sustainability workshops, teaching younger generations about stewardship and conservation. Through Youth to Sea, she has gained invaluable skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication while participating in ocean conservation initiatives and service projects.
A natural leader and mentor, Jade is known for her unwavering optimism, kindness, and ability to inspire those around her. She is always ready to step up and support her peers, offering guidance and encouragement. Her enthusiasm for environmental stewardship makes sustainability feel accessible and exciting, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she works with.
2023: Caio Conradt
2022: Anna Huber
2021: Berntina Hambly
2020: Brandon Munday, Patrick Beattie
2019: Jason Pang, Griffin Andersen
2018: Graeme Chung, Brennan Strandberg-Salmon
2017: Miranda Andersen
2016: Denise Lee
2015: Michele Walter
2014: Soohyun Kim
2013: Saskia Vaisey
2012: Cynthia Bhourji and Miranda Wang
2011: Edward Ngai, Madeleine Barois and Lauren Wright
2010: Blair Moro
2009: Annie Hsu
2008: Angie Ramey
2007: Corey Bunnell
2006: Greg von Euw
2005: Yan Zhao
2004: Naomi Bollman