The Tracy Hunter Memorial Award for Environmental Commitment
Matthew Fletcher – Winner 2015
The winner of the Tracy Hunter Memorial Award this year is Matt Fletcher. As a member of the e3 class, Matt demonstrated tremendous leadership and commitment to environmental studies at Pauline Johnson. Having grown up on a farm and having worked in the farming community almost his whole life, he has spent a lot of time outdoors. In this environment he has experienced crop planting and harvesting, livestock chores and animal husbandry. His farming background also guided him through a successful coop placement at the Twin Valley Zoo, where once again he ably cared for a variety of zoo animals. This rural life undoubtedly instilled in him a solid work ethic, a genuine connection to nature and a love for the outdoors. In the e3 class his outdoor experience made him a natural class leader. This was especially evident when the class performed community stewardship work such as tree planting and habitat restoration. And it was also evident when he mentored younger students either at the Apps Mill Nature Centre or at the GRCA’s Water Festival. Matt was also one of six e3 students to present at an SHSM provincial environmental conference in front of Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environment experts. Next year Matt plans to study Agriculture and Horticulture Science at the University of Guelph.
Matt’s involvement and accomplishments include:
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- e3 Program graduate – Specialist High Skills Major Program
- Honour Roll student
- Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference representative
- SHSM Provincial Environment Conference presenter
- Member of the Pauline Johnson Collegiate Hockey and Football teams
- Member of the Pauline Johnson Collegiate Enrichment & Leadership class
- GRCA Children’s Water Festival Leadership Award
- Hamilton District Soccer Association referee
- Haldimand Youth Soccer Club coach
