J.T. Foster Student Selected for Education Minister's Youth Council

Grade 12 J.T. Foster High School student Jennifer Doerksen will represent students and rural communities at the provincial level as she serves on the 2024-2025 Education Minister's Youth Council (MYC).

"I hope to gain experience and understanding of how decisions are made for Alberta Education," says Jennifer, "as well as personal growth from confidence with public speaking to being a good listener."

This year, Alberta Education received 198 applications from junior and senior high school students across Alberta for the MYC,  which gives 40 students the opportunity to share perspectives on provincial programs and initiatives. 

Jennifer's local leadership experience — as a part of the J.T. Foster student leadership and the Division-wide student leadership group, Livingstone Leaders — led to her application for MYC. 

"Being a part of Livingstone Leaders allowed me to meet Daniel Choi from F.P. Walshe School, who was a part of last year's MYC and couldn't say enough good things about the experience," says Jennifer. "What really made me want to apply was the opportunity to actually make a difference for students across Alberta. I loved the idea that I could have face-to-face conversations with others students about what could be made better."

J.T. Foster Principal Jason MacDonald says that Jennifer's contributions have made the school a better place to be and to learn. "Jennifer has been an invaluable asset to our school community, exemplifying what it is to be a true leader," says Mr. MacDonald. "Her commitment to academic excellence is matched only by her exceptional leadership skills, which she uses to inspire her peers."

MYC meets with Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides in Edmonton three times during the school year. MYC students build their leadership skills at the provincial level, make an impact on education, and leave a legacy for the future.

"I hope to be an inspiration to other students who feel as if they have no say in decisions about our education, and I would love to make a difference," says Jennifer, who wants to work towards becoming a forensic psychologist after graduation. "Being a part of MYC is something I will always carry with me as it is such a fantastic opportunity for young students."

Principal MacDonald adds, "We are proud to know that Jennifer is now taking her leadership qualities to a larger stage."