WCSS’ Ehoro wins Youth Ottawa award

DOWNTOWN – Celebrating important achievements in the West Carleton community; a Grade 12 student at West Carleton Secondary School (WCSS) Jessica Ehoro accomplished something very impactful for her community. 

Jessica was one of the recipients of the RBC 21 under 21 award presented by Youth Ottawa. The RBC 21 under 21 is an initiative to empower Ottawa’s youth to be more involved in their community. This award only considers the most impactful youth in Ottawa the Ottawa-based organization feels deserve proper recognition for their endless dedication to the community. 

The award was presented at a gala at the Shaw Centre on Oct. 24.

Formerly known as the Spirit of the Capital Awards, this ceremony has been dedicated to honoring youth for the past 26 years. Each year, the community is brought together to recognize the profound positive impact youth have on our community. 

Now, in its 27th year, the Spirit of the Capital has experienced an evolution, bringing forward newness and a fresh perspective. After years of planning and discussion, we are happy to introduce our Youth Awards Gala known as 21 under 21, dedicated to youth, re-vamped, and transformative. The new event will recognize 21 youth under the age of 21 who can nominate themselves or are nominated by individuals who have witnessed their dedication firsthand.

Jessica was a recipient of the award for her roles at school in student council and as a student senator. Jessica also founded WCSS’s Black Student Association. She does not stop at school issues. She reaches out to make a difference in her community as well with her work in fundraising for cancer research through Relay for Life and working with the Ottawa Youth Film Festival.

Jessica is very passionate about what she does. Every project she starts she is dedicated to seeing through and making a more inclusive environment for everyone. 

“I feel like I was given so much, and I feel like I want to impact the community and leave it better than I found it,” Jessica told West Carleton Online. “Coming into school it was daunting when I first got here in Grade 9, but I wanted to be able to make an impact in high school and make an impact on the west community, especially making sure the school is a better environment for all students and using my voice when I can in any way I can.”

Jessica’s time at West Carleton Secondary School is coming to an end. For Jessica that does not mean her endless dedication to the community is ending.

“I just really want to be able to encourage other youth to step up into leadership, especially as I leave the school,” she said. “I want to make sure the WCSS Black Student Association is built up this year and has someone to take over next year. Just making sure other people start getting involved in the community.”