Jacqueline Proctor - National Climate Champion

Jacqueline Proctor of Woodlands, Manitoba is one of seven students from across Canada named as the first-ever National Climate Champions. As a result, Jacquie attended the Canadian Science Writers’ Association’s annual Conference in Whitehorse, Yukon, May 24-27. This year’s conference theme, “Science Under the Midnight Sun”, addressed science in a changing climate.

National Climate Champions were selected because of their passion about environmental issues, community involvement and excellent communication skills. “This was an extremely tough competition,” says Margret Brady, climate change communications officer at the British Council in Ottawa. “We are really impressed by what these students have already achieved on the environmental front.”

Jacquie, although only seventeen years old, already has a long history of contributing to causes in her school, her community and beyond. Beginning in her grade five year and on through grade 11 which she has just completed, she has volunteered in Kindergarten, assisted grade one students to read, been a Teen Talk Peer Supporter, worked at Wigs for Kids Breakfast and the Thirty Hour Famine, is a member of T.A.D.D. (Teens Against Drinking and Driving), and as an MHSSA (Manitoba High School Athletic Association) “Champion” she taught grade five students about the hazards of drugs and alcohol.

Jacquie’s efforts have also extended far beyond the walls of her high school, Warren Collegiate. Her volunteer efforts range from working Fall Suppers in Woodlands and Warren to volunteering for Winnipeg Harvest and the Operation Christmas Child shoebox campaign. Now, after contributing to her school, community and the province, Jacquie is striving to make a difference on the global level. In 2007, Jacquie attended a Global Youth Leaders Conference in Washington and New York. “We came together as 350 youth between sixteen and eighteen years of age,” explains Jacquie, “to debate and present global issues in a United Nations Youth Summit after twelve days of intense studying, deliberations, research and lively discussion.”

Now, having been named a National Climate Champion, she has been presented with an opportunity and a challenge which will allow her to make a difference on the global level. Based on her past achievements and commitment, she will make such a difference.

As to her goals for the future, Jacquie says, “Volunteering within the community has been an ongoing learning experience for me. I have learned many valuable lessons along the way. It is my hope that I will carry these lessons with me as I continue to try to make a difference both locally and globally.”