Cornwall Ontario — Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School (CCVS) grade 11 student Janahan Selvanayagam was recently chosen by the Ministry of Education to be a member of the Minister’s Student Advisory Council.

As one of 63 students from across the province to be selected for this advisory council, Selvanayagam will have a number of responsibilities including attending two council meetings with Minister Liz Sandals throughout the term at Queen’s Park in Toronto, participating in at least one regional student forum, and possible participation in subcommittees, student forums, events or conferences.

Members of the council will also provide input on such topics as the Ministry of Education’s policies, programs and practices, the Ministry’s student engagement activities, and communications strategies.

“We get to actually share our ideas with the ministry,” says Selvanayagam, adding that he’s interested in discussing topics such as mental health, technology, and the LGBT community. “I hope to make a change in school.”

An active volunteer, the 15-year-old (he skipped a grade), volunteers with a youth art program led by local arts educator Penny Bateman, the Canadian Cancer Society, and he tutors a CCVS student.

Once he graduates high school, Selvanayagam plans to attend university to study neurobiology.