The Making of This Edition - YMM Parent - Issue 6 2
Each edition of YMM Parent is made possible by the gifted writers whose contributions fill the pages of the magazine. We are filled with gratitude for these writers who have helped tell the story of our region.
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We are filled with gratitude for these writers who have helped tell the story of our region.
Heteshree Lala
Heteshree Lala is a ninth-grade student at Westwood Community High School. She enjoys robotics, badminton, volleyball, and playing the piano.
Heteshree is passionate about giving back to the community and was previously a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Youth (MACOY). In 2019, Heteshree was recognized as one of the Top 20 under 20 award recipients by YMM Parent Magazine.
Finn Leland
Finn is currently a full-time student at the University of Alberta, majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Art & Design, with plans to pursue their Masters degree in Norway. In their free time, you can find them cuddling with dogs, listening to Critical Role, combing through antique shops, and drawing up plans for future projects.
Urvi Modha
Urvi Modha is a grade 9 student attending Westwood Community High School. She enjoys badminton, volleyball, and coding. She was on the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Youth (MACOY) before. Through MACOY, Urvi has received the opportunity to write about a youth leader of Wood Buffalo. Urvi strives to give back to her community through volunteering in different organizations.
Danielle Oke
Danielle Oke is a Grade 11 student at Holy Trinity High School in French Immersion. Born in Fort McMurray, she has lived there her whole life and has been a member of MACOY since 2022. Passionate about giving back and working to better her community, she enjoys volunteering and is an avid believer in combating social injustices. Her other interests include visual art, music, reading, and video editing.
Vineet Parikh
Vineet Parikh is a Grade 11 student at Westwood Community High School, who is recognized for his unwavering passion for computer science and entrepreneurship. His relentless curiosity propels him to explore the realm of technology in pursuit of innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Beyond the confines of the classroom, Vineet actively contributes to his community through his membership in a STEM organization known for hosting annual hackathons and entrepreneurship events. Earlier this year, Vineet attended SHAD Canada, where he sharpened his leadership and problem-solving abilities which he intends to use to further exemplify his commitment to his community.
Curtis J. Phillips
Residing in Fort McMurray since 1982, Curtis J. Phillips is a productive sports journalist in print/electronic mediums. He enjoys researching local sports history and was Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference Sports Writer from 2008-2019. Recognized as Canada’s Basketball Historian, he is an advocate for community volunteerism.
Sahar Saifee
Sahar Saifee is a freelance writer and communications professional who is compelled to grasp the world around her and put it into writing and photography. She has worked and volunteered as a communications advisor, social media coordinator and as a writer for local newspapers and organizations in Edmonton and Fort McMurray. An avid reader, news junkie and passionate writer, she always admired the path of storytelling. Sahar enjoys the world of arts, fashion and culture.
Suhana Sanze
Suhana Sanze is a Grade 12 student who is passionate about advocating a strong youth voice in our region. Through her work on the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Youth (MACOY), she has participated in hosting and organizing youth-led events to bring awareness to important youth issues in our community.
In addition to volunteering, Suhana’s interests include writing, education, and self-development and is passionate about the sciences, mathematics, and technology. Her admiration for writing and education has led her to receive an award for scoring top 50 in the 2023 Words in Motion Poetry Contest and the school Honours with Distinction Award. Suhana hopes young people will continue to create significant change in our region and positively contribute to the betterment of society in the future.
Amelia Souliere
Amelia Souliere’s journey with APPLE Schools began in 2008 as a research coordinator for the ground-breaking research project that proved APPLE Schools’ impact on communities. As APPLE Schools’ initial research project evolved and expanded into Fort McMurray, Amelia became a school health facilitator at St. Elizabeth Seton School until 2013. Ten years later, Amelia is thrilled to be back working for such an incredible project!
She holds a Bachelor of Physical Education and Recreation from the University of Alberta in her arsenal. Prior to returning to APPLE Schools, she was a grant writer and executive assistant at YWCA Edmonton. She has always valued health promotion so the opportunity to be part of this meaningful work that benefits youth and families brought her back to the team. Amelia aspires to lead by example for her three daughters to show that physical activity at any age is an essential part of a healthy life. Her spare time is filled with playing, coaching, or watching ringette, ball hockey, soccer or whichever other physical activity is happening that season.
Momin Syed
Momin Syed is the Communications Coordinator for the Fort McMurray Public School Division (FMPSD). Momin has been a FMPSD volunteer since 2011, during this time he has helped organize numerous Robotics, Inventor’s Fair, Multimedia and Coding events. Momin is a Miner’s Heart recipient and a Composite High School graduate. Momin believes in the power of stories; he loves collecting them and telling them to anyone who will listen. There is so much knowledge and growth that comes from sharing stories. He is incredibly thrilled to have this opportunity and looks forward to “Doing What’s Best for Kids”.
