Mr. Speaker, it has often been said that Canada's future is only as bright as its youth. With teenagers like Stittsville's Kristin Willemsen in our communities it makes the nation's outlook for the new millennium that much better.
Ms. Willemsen was recently honoured with the 1998 Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award by the Ontario Community Newspaper Association for her outstanding contribution to her community.
Kristin is not your average teen. At just 15 she is an inspiration to us all. She maintains an amazing 94.5% average in her grade 10 studies at St. Paul's High School while being an active member in a number of varsity sports and doubling as a peer helper. She also volunteers at the local library, with the community choir and she enjoys precision skating.
In short, Kristin's efforts enhance her school, her home and of course our community. In the words of her nominator, “Kristin is committed to the community and an excellent role model for all youngsters”. That is one very good reason to be optimistic about our future.