Carolyn discovered her passion about environmental and social justice issues early on. That passion has led her to study in the Canadian Arctic and become a Polar Ambassador on climate change educating her community. She volunteered with the Muskoka Me to We group, was editor-in-chief of the school's student newspaper, and held leading roles in student government and the Eco-team. Carolyn attended the G8/G20 Summit as a Canadian Youth Ambassador and was also selected to attend many other youth leadership conferences and events, and still maintained an average over 90%. One teacher noted: "She is always willing to participate in worthy causes and makes position contributions in the classroom and in our school community. She has a smile and a kind word for everyone."

The principal of Joel's school says "Joel truly epitomizes a global citizen." Joel initiated an ongoing fundraiser for AIDS orphans in Malawi, has twice served in orphanages in Trinidad and this summer, helped run a day camp in St. Lucia. He also contributes significantly in his home community, where he is a volunteer youth group leader and helps to provide care for his wheelchair-bound grandfather. At school, Joel has not only achieved the top mark in his grade, but has been a leader on the EcoSchools, Yearbook, COUCH CRU, Safety and Well-being, Reach for the Top and the Principal's Advisory Teams. He spearheaded an all-school Earth Week Assembly and helped organize a city-wide Eco-Innovations conference.