Unassuming, articulate, and charming, UWinnipeg student Nick Taylor embodies the characteristics of a recipient of the prestigious The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Gold Award. As a winner of the Gold standard, Taylor was presented with his award by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, this past July at the Winnipeg Aviation Museum.
Following that meeting, as a Duke of Ed Gold Award winner, Taylor was invited to participate in the Canada 150 and Me project in Vancouver, BC, this past September where the Duke of Cambridge, also known as Prince William, was in attendance.
Taylor was joined by youth from across the country to participate in the Canada 150 and Me project. This is a national dialogue, on how Canadian youth can help shape Canada’s future. The panel discussion was led by Canadian Heritage Minister, The Honourable Mélanie Joly.
After the panel discussion and award presentation, Taylor had the opportunity to meet and chat with Prince William and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about his experiences and some of the highlights from his journey on earning this award.
The Duke of Ed Award requires young people to go beyond their comfort zone and go out into the world to find their own path. This involves extensive community service, honing one’s skills, physical recreation, adventure, and living with others to help find one’s own self.
“This award has helped shape who I am,” shared Taylor. “Having camped from a young age sparked my love for the outdoors, and doing it for the award I knew it was something I needed in my life and it has been an adventurous journey.”
It is interesting to note that Taylor is currently in his third year of Environmental Studies.
Taylor was first introduced to the award while at Vincent Massey Collegiate. His teacher Joanne Goodwin advised him that he would be a good candidate to apply. Since then, Taylor has been active with The Duke of Ed Award which has sent him across the country meeting new people and participating in camp adventures. Most recently, he was voted to be the National Youth Representative for The Duke of Ed Award.
The Duke of Ed Award believes that not all learning happens in the classroom. By recognizing all of the amazing things young people can do and learn outside the boundaries of formal education, the Award empowers them to discover hidden talents, develop untapped leadership potential, make a difference in their community and explore the wonders of the great outdoors.
