The 2025 Saskatchewan Youth Council has selected Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) student Cooper Leckie for this year’s council.
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The provincial youth council gives students a voice on how education is delivered in their home communities.
Comprised of students from across the province, the youth council provides advice and ideas to the Ministry of Education on policies, curriculum and priorities throughout the school year.
The call informing her of her selection came as a surprise to Leckie.
“I was shocked when I got the call, but I’m very honoured and I love this. It is an amazing opportunity for me just to use my voice,” she said, noting she’s hoping to make the Border City high school experience even better.
As she begins her final year of high school, Leckie said she plans to study kinesiology after graduation to become a physiotherapist.
Representing Lloydminster on the Youth Council carries added significance, given the city’s unique position straddling two provinces.
“I’m ready for the responsibility,” said Leckie. “ live in Alberta, and it’s an Alberta (side) school, so people don’t know where we fall. I’m excited to actually use my voice and help these students get through problems that people might not realize they have.”
Leckie’s nomination
HRHS vice-principal Chelsey Strilchuk, who nominated Leckie for the council, described her as a leader both in academics and extracurricular activities.
“Cooper is a leader in our school through her role on the senior girls’ basketball team and the integral part she plays on our student leadership council,” Strilchuk wrote in her nomination. “She supports her peers and helps organize events that promote positive school culture.”
Strilchuk also highlighted Leckie’s ability to balance her various responsibilities.
“Cooper is a busy student, balancing high academics with heavy involvement in our student leadership council as well as our athletic program,” she wrote. “She has prioritized her goals and is an example to her peers on balancing all facets of life and being successful in those.”
In an official letter, Deputy Minister of Education Clint Repski congratulated Leckie on her selection and emphasized the importance of student input.
“By participating on the youth council, you will have regular opportunities throughout the school year to provide advice and insights on education policies, curriculum, programs and priorities,” wrote Repski. “We are looking forward to hearing new perspectives from you and your fellow youth council members.”
Given Lloydminster’s unique bi-provincial situation, bringing local voices to the table is something Leckie is keen on.
“Being a bi-provincial school has its issues,” she said. “But I’m excited to help make things better for other students.”
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