Elmvale student wins O.F.A.H. “youth conservationist of the year”

OFAH File: 842
February 24, 2006

For Immediate Release

Elmvale student wins O.F.A.H. “youth conservationist of the year”

At 17 years old, Alesha Caldwell has an impressive resume. Since joining the Elmvale District High School’s Get Outdoors Club, Alesha has enjoyed first-hand experience in stream restoration and tree planting, fish stocking and fin clipping, as well as countless opportunities to go fishing, rock climbing, canoeing and camping.

When it comes to the outdoors and conservation, Alesha has practically done it all — and now she has something else to add to her resume: the O.F.A.H. Heritage Junior Award.

The provincial award celebrating Alesha as ‘youth conservationists of the year’ was presented to her on Friday, February 17 at the Annual Wildlife Conference of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

Get Outdoors is the youth conservation phenomenon created by the O.F.A.H. to help introduce families to conservation, leadership and the great outdoors. The Elmvale Get Outdoors Club was, in fact, one of the very first local chapter of the program which has now grown to over 30 youth conservation clubs throughout Ontario. In addition to Alesha’s O.F.A.H. Get Outdoors involvement, she works hard on the family beef farm, organizes various school fundraisers and volunteers to help kids in the 1st Minesing Cubs earn their badges.

“Alesha is always positive about life. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she represents the very best in the O.F.A.H. Get Outdoors program. Alesha clearly stands out as a promising leader, and she is very well-deserving of the youth conservationist of the year award,” said O.F.A.H. Youth Services Representative, Keith Beecroft.

– 30 –