Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to rise today to recognize the achievements of a young leader in my riding.
Scott Smith is a 10th grade student at Orangeville District Secondary School and he lives with Asperger's syndrome. Scott was bullied as a young boy and has since dedicated himself to combatting bullying.
In grade 5, Scott developed a website to poll students on bullying, hosted an anti-bullying T-shirt design contest, and raised funds to bring guest speakers to his school to educate students on the effects of bullying.
Scott's education program has reduced incidents of bullying at Belfountain Public School by 50%. Schools in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Kentucky, and Colorado have expressed interest in Scott's program.
Scott is currently developing a community unity program, which aims to bring the local police and the community together to put an end to bullying.
Please join me in congratulating Scott and wishing him well on his future endeavours.