Mélanie Denis-Plante, a Grade 12 student at École secondaire catholique l'Horizon* in Sudbury, is energetic. In addition to the day-to-day stress and duties of high school, she is also involved with student politics, sitting both as a student trustee for Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvelon and as a member of her school’s student parliament.
“I feel that it is important for teens to be able to be seen and heard, have a voice and express their opinions on what goes on in their school,” Mélanie said. “We are the future and it’s important to start contributing now, to make our school a more inclusive, welcoming place that reflects who we are. I really like the idea of being able to connect with classmates and bring about changes that we feel are important.”
Never one for empty talk, she serves the idea by writing for the Francophone student newspaper, “Tapage”.
“I really enjoy writing for Tapage, as I think it was a great way to get my work and thoughts out there and develop my critical thinking and writing skills,” she said. “I enjoyed the research, the writing, the interviews. It’s a great opportunity for teenagers who would like to share their thoughts through writing.”
When not busy with school, student politics or writing for the newspaper, Mélanie sits on the board of directors of La Fédération de la jeunesse franco-ontarienne (FESFO), a provincial organization representing more than 25,000 young French-speaking students from Grades 9 to 12.
She said the board meets several times a year on topics including the challenges schools face, provincial politics, the visibility of the organization, recruitment and future planning. FESFO’s goal, she said, is to provide a voice for its young Franco-Ontarian members, with elected members assisting with delegations and meetings around the province.
“Finally, and most importantly, FESFO has the goal of bringing young Francophones together to participate in enriching experiences, such as leadership camps, forums, various activities and special events,” Mélanie said, highlighting the latest event she attended where students from all over the province got to reunite with old friends, and meet new ones and participate in a course of their choice to help them develop knowledge on subjects such as leadership, discussion groups, campaigns, sports, and much more.
When asked what she considers her greatest accomplishment, Mélanie is introspective.
“I think my greatest accomplishment was to become the person I am today,” she said. I’ve always been a shy kid, but after attending student council meetings with my sister, who was the
prime minister of the student council then, and participating in my first FESFO event, I knew I wanted to become a leader.”
By getting involved, Mélanie said she went from being a “scared ninth grader” to head of the student council, then a student trustee with the school board, not to mention her work with FESFO.
“I am in Grade 12 this year, and I am proud of all the work and challenges I went through to be who I am today. I am proud of all these accomplishments, and the hours I spent on working on all the fun projects we have at school and with FESFO, and I am especially proud of the fact that I never, ever, gave up,” she said.
As for where her inspiration and work ethic come from, Mélanie credits her family.
“My mother, my father and my older sister … I can truly say they are my rock. Thanks to them, I have the courage and the strength to do everything I do today,” she said. My family has always told me to follow my dreams and were always there to help me reach my goals. I aspire to be like my parents, because even having such busy lives they are always one hundred percent there for me and my sister. My big sister is also a very big part of where I am today.”
Mélanie said her volunteer work has been a major source of learning, as well.
“With every experience of volunteering, I have developed new skills, and deepened my knowledge on leadership, collaboration and dedication,” Mélanie said. “I am very grateful for all my volunteering opportunities, as it has shaped me into the person I am today.”
Mélanie Denis-Plante’s words of inspiration
“My advice is to get involved in school, in the community or any experience that interests you,” she said. All my experiences have led me to become the person I am today and without putting myself out there, and taking chances, I wouldn’t be the same. I wouldn’t have had the opportunities that I have had so far. Believe in yourself and try your best, and make sure you’re having fun. Don’t stress about the little things. We are only young once, so try what you’ve always wanted to do and if you love it, great! If you don’t, that’s fine too, you won’t have any regrets now that you have tried, and you’ve learned something in the making anyway. Nothing is impossible, so reach for the stars and don’t be afraid to accomplish your goals.”
James Stewart is a writer in North Bay. Inspire is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
*Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the featured person's school. That has been corrected.