Amy Bishop of Dunne Academy was one of 15 recipients of the provincial government’s 2023 Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Leadership Bursary. Pictured is Bishop, along with Heather Squires, being recognised by 4H Canada for successful provincial demonstrations. From left to right is Summerside Rockets 4H Club coordinator Clifford Bursey, Amy Bishop, Heather Squires, and Nancy Murphy, who is chairperson of 4H Newfoundland and Labrador. Submitted photo
By Mark Squibb / June 23, 2023
Graduating Dunne Academy, St. Marys, student Amy Bishop was recently awarded a Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Leadership Bursary from the provincial government.
“I was really honoured,” said Bishop. “When I put my application in, I didn’t think I would win. I’m from a small school and a small area, so it sometimes feels hard to make a difference. But when I found out I had won this award, I was overjoyed.”
Bishop is a member of a number of clubs within her school that plan events and activities for students, such as Participation Nation program.
“Inclusion is a really big part of this program because we all want kids to feel safe, especially at school,” said Bishop. “School should be a positive environment, and having these programs can help make our schools more positive.”
Bishop is also involved in the school’s leadership team, a group that plans school events, and an anti-bullying group.
“I’m so glad for the opportunity to have these programs in my school, so I can help make a change,” said Bishop.
Bishop said that it’s important to help all students feel included, especially younger students.
“What kid wants to go to a school where they feel left out or uncared for? I mean, I wouldn’t want to be in an environment like that,” said Bishop. “It’s really important to make a positive impact on kids, especially at such a young age. Maybe they’ll think, ‘I do like school, and when I get in high school, I want to be involved in all these activities.’ And so, I really strive to create change that is important to me.”
Bishop graduates this year and plans on attending dental school in the near future.
She is one of 15 graduating students being recognised from across the province, and for being named a recipient will receive a $500 scholarship.
