Bobby Jo Bodnar
photo by Mark Ferguson

“My focus in life has always been environmental issues,” said the 18-year-old Political Studies student. “ I like the university lifestyle – the freedom and the flexibility.”

The Youth in Motion organization, a non-profit group dedicated to the success of young men and women, recognizes 20 young Canadians every year for their achievement in areas ranging from volunteer work to education. The recipients received their award at a ceremony in Toronto that included members of the Order of Canada and the Governor General, Michaelle Jean.

Bodnar has been an advocate for environmental issues since he was a young boy. Having grown up on a farm near Wakaw, he felt like global warming had a huge impact on his life and became the youngest member to join the provincial Youth Advocacy Committee when he was just 14-years-old.

Last year he received the National Achievement Award for environmentalism that included a three-week trip to the arctic. He also attended the UN World Urban Forum as a youth ambassador and continues to speak to school children about global warming.

"We are doing a lot of good work on campus with greenhouse gasses. What we're seeing is groups on the fringe, like the Sierra Club really taking the lead."

Bodnar is entering his second year at the U of S and would like to attend law school or graduate studies to pursue a career in politics.

"Saskatchewan is an exciting place to be. We're finally being recognized as a valuable part of this nation and I want to do my best to raise the profile of our province."

- Mark Ferguson, On Campus News