Five students from around the city of Winnipeg were recognized by Mayor Brian Bowman at City Hall today for their contributions to their community and to those in need. 

Each student received $1,000 as part of the Mayor's Scholarship for Community Leadership. This is the second year the city has given them out. 

Bowman said after the presentation he's always surprised at what these people are able to accomplish at such a young age. 

"In every area of our city there are incredible youth leaders making significant impacts," Bowman said. "Eventually these are the future Mayors and Councillors and corporate leaders and not-for-profit and academic leaders in our community and I'm confident in saying they're going to do a better job than our generation at leading the city to new heights." 

"It's mind-boggling when you look at their resumes. It's incredible." 

Mirha Zohair was one of the winners this year. She goes to Fort Richmond Collegiate. 

She says she's honoured to accept the scholarship but also says these youth leaders don't do this work for praise. 

"Everyone's doing this work out of the kindness of their heart but it is important that people are recognizing this work and seeing how valuable it is," said Mohair. "It is our responsibility to give back to others so to be honoured for doing that is very rewarding." 

Below is a list of the winners and some of their accomplishments, provided by the city of Winnipeg. 

Nathan Dueck

  • Co-President of Westgate Mennonite Collegiate Senior Council and Westgate Mennonite Collegiate Gay Straight Alliance
  • Member of Millennium Library Youth Advisory Council
  • Organized fundraiser for Syrian refugees
  • Volunteer camp instructor and life guard
  • Attending Canadian Mennonite University in the fall with goal of attending law school

Juanita Garcia

  • Numerous volunteer work including: hosting Syrian refugee family, working with special needs children, meet me at the “Bell Tower”, Folklorama guide, distributing food hampers
  • Organized Public-Way of the Cross in her school
  • St. Mary’s Academy graduate attending University of Manitoba (Psychology) with goal of entering Medicine

Marianna Pozdirca

  • Co-chair her school’s Youth Philanthropy program with Wpg Foundation
  • Started Friends Around the World Club to help Canadians and newcomers become friends;
  • City Hall page
  • Led paper reduction initiative in River East Transcona School Division
  • Miles Macdonell graduate attending University of Manitoba with goal of entering Pharmacy

Kidega Sabil

  • Volunteer with Living Bible Explorers (LBE), Siloam Mission, Turtle Island Community Centre; led youth groups with LBE
  • Member of Winnipeg School Division student advisory committee
  • Theater with Community Action troupe, in seven plays on youth issues including bullying and mental health
  • RB Russell graduate attending University of Winnipeg studying Theatre

Mirha Zohair

  • Volunteer with Manitoba Islamic Association, mosque tour guide, and taught Muslim Children of North America classes
  • Participated in Canadian Roots Exchange Voices of Reconciliation and is a Big Sister
  • Fort Richmond Collegiate Youth Philanthropy Chair
  • Fort Richmond Collegiate graduate attending University of Manitoba with goal of entering medicine or law