They make a difference in their community everyday, and last week, Surrey students John Davidson and Joseph Given were officially recognized for their contributions. The two Kwantlen Polytechnic University students received a SASSY – Service Above Self Surrey Youth – Award, hosted by the Semiahmoo Rotary Club, for making a difference in the community by demonstrating the Club's model of ‘service above self'.
Davidson, who studies Criminology at Kwantlen, was drastically affected by his mother's death when he was in grade nine: "I used to skip classes and never thought there was a point to school." Davidson then turned his life around by focusing on football and school and graduated from Lord Tweedsmuir with honours. "It felt great to be recognized with a SASSY Award," adds Davidson, who received the SASSY Against-the-Odds Award. "I fought my way through hardship and came out stronger."
Given also knows a thing or two about working hard. The Kwantlen Business student has won numerous music-related awards and has performed at more than 400 events over the past few years. "It's a brilliant feeling to know that what you're doing is the right thing. It was a huge honour to be recognized in a room full of inspiring people who clearly make a difference everyday," says Given, who received the SASSY Performing & Visual Arts Award.
Each award winner received a $500 bursary plus $500 to be donated to the charity of their choice. Davidson will be making his donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Given will be making his donation to Free the Children.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,000 students annually have a choice from over 135 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.
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