A special highlight of the event is the nomination of a YMCA Peace Maker recipient, an individual or group who without any special resources, demonstrates commitment to peace through special contributions made within the community.

YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to present Jessie Lawrence as the recipient of the YMCA Peace Medal award this year.

essie understands, empathizes, accepts and advocates for the rights of others – to be treated equally, treated with respect, without bias or discrimination. Jessie fights for the rights of all people, especially those within the LGBTQ+ community. At 17 years of age, Jessie is an inspiration who empowers those around her.

Jessie works to ensure that children and youth are free from bullying and harassment, and creates resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Along with two friends, Jessie has founded Camp Ohana, the first LGBTQ+ camp for youth on the West Coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. She has also founded the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) at her school when she was just 14 years old, and has resulted in a more inclusive environment with greater resources for youth and gender neutral bathrooms.

Jessie continues to inspire others every day, through her dedication and the sharing of her story – of how she overcame challenges she faced growing up as an LGBTQ+ youth – both as an individual, a public speaker and through a film she helped create. She has recently met with NLESD to advocate for a curriculum and environment that is more reflective of the gender and sexual diversity of the student body in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Jessie is also the 2019 recipient of the Human Right Awards from the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission. She currently resides in Pasadena, NL, and attends Corner Brook Regional High School.

Jessie continues to inspire others every day, through her dedication and the sharing of her story – of how she overcame challenges she faced growing up as an LGBTQ+ youth – both as an individual, a public speaker and through a film she helped create. She has recently met with NLESD to advocate for a curriculum and environment that is more reflective of the gender and sexual diversity of the student body in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Jessie is also the 2019 recipient of the Human Right Awards from the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission. She currently resides in Pasadena, NL, and attends Corner Brook Regional High School.

Presentation of the Peace Maker Award: Meredith Loveys (left), ECE Program Instructor at the College of the North Atlantic (Corner Brook Campus), presenting the Peace Maker award and medallion to Jessie Lawrence on behalf of the YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador. (Photo courtesy of Candace Kennedy)