Every year the Huntingdon Maison des Jeunes (MDJ) hosts the Rural Youth Gala, which is an evening to celebrate the exceptional work of young people across the region. People aged six to 24 are eligible to be nominated and must live or work within the Haut Saint Laurent region.
Andrée-Anne Fortin, a coordinator for the MDJ, explains that candidates can be nominated in six different categories: Volunteering, Academic and Social Perseverance, Resilience and Commitment to One’s Life Path, Cultural Engagement, Healthy Lifestyles, and the Environment. All of these are sectors that serve the community.
Members of the community have the chance to nominate people who they feel have earned an award. Folks who wish to make a nomination must fill out a quick Google form before April 17 to nominate their potential candidate. Then, Fortin says, “A jury committee will review all nominations and select three nominees per category. During the selection committee meeting, jury members review only the nomination descriptions; no information is provided that would allow them to identify the nominee.”
Events like this help encourage young people to continue dedicating time to helping their community. “The young nominees are recognized for their achievements and their personal journeys. It’s an inclusive and vibrant event,” Fortin says. The event features performances of music, dance, choir, gymnastics, and more by some of the nominees. The technical elements of the evening, along with the setup and decorations, are also organized by the same youth who are nominated. “This type of community event highlights the commitment and dedication of young people,” Fortin adds.
The MDJ is a “safe space” for youth in the HSL. “We organize year-round activities for young people in the Haut-Saint-Laurent region, including cooking, sports, and arts and culture programs,” Fortin says. They currently have plans to move into a new space at 16 Centre Street in Huntingdon and intend to hold a grand opening to announce this major change.
Fortin reminds people that “Today’s teenagers are tomorrow’s adults, so it’s important to recognize their efforts and commitment and to encourage their passions and interests.” Events like this show support for the young people of the HSL. Plus, Fortin adds that they can be a lot of fun. “People can look forward to a vibrant event that celebrates youth. Laughter, excitement, and fun are guaranteed! It will be a wonderful event where trophies, scholarships, and special awards will be presented.”
A nomination can be made by visiting https://shorturl.at/VrJCX.