The Rural Ontario Institute has selected four young people to help promote collaboration and action on rural issues.
The Youth Engagement Showcase will feature the finalists to represent rural areas across the province, including Megan Raftis of Harriston.
Spokesman Ryan Deska says Raftis is creating her own plays to help engage local youth who may not otherwise have that kind of opportunity in a rural area. Deska says the showcase will tell the compelling stories of four young leaders tackling important local issues
The institute will begin filming short documentaries about how the four youth are inspiring rural residents, and share them on their website and YouTube.
Eric Duncan of Winchester, Emily Morrison of Beaverton, and Branden Trochymchuck of Thunder Bay were also selected as the four showcase finalists.
A panel of judges comprised of Youth Engagement Showcase advisory committee members evaluated each nomination and selected the finalists, noting that all nominees should be proud of their accomplishments and represent their communities well.
Special mentions have been awarded to Alycia Bannon of Melancthon, Noor Cheema of Simcoe, Cassandra Chornoboy of Rockwood, Tate Driscoll of Moorefield, Alex Halonen of Schreiber, Ashton Lawrence of Ayton and Alison Vasey of Mount Forest.
