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MADELAINE KEENLYSIDE TIMES & TRANSCRIPT
The founder of Sistema NB says he feels“New Brunswick proud”as he prepares to be honoured by the Governor General.
On Friday, Ken MacLeod will be one of 43 Canadians to receive the Meritorious Service Medal at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General, in Ottawa.
MacLeod said he’s grateful to receive the award but feels more like a representative for Sistema and all the work so many have done to create and expand the program throughout the province.
The free, daily after-school orchestra program gives all children a chance to learn and experience music.
“It’s required an immense amount of dedication,” MacLeod said. “It’s one of those New Brunswick proud stories – so many people have had a part. Every single day they inspire kids to achieve.”
Sistema NB now gives around 700 New Brunswick children a chance to get involved in music and the arts, something they might not otherwise have had, he said.
“Really the best part about this, what really counts, is what happens every day with the kids,”MacLeod said.“They learn focus, discipline and teamwork, and gain confidence and self-esteem through hard work ... a sense of hope and opportunity. That’s the payoff.”
And hard work it is: children enrolled in Sistema NB programs spend as much as three hours each day, five days a week in training with professionals, he said.
It is also training that might otherwise not be accessible to them based on financial status or opportunity.
The Governor General’s Meritorius Service Decorations have been awarded since 1991 to recognize outstanding military and civil service. Five military crosses and 38 civil service medals will be awarded on Friday.
Governor General David Johnston said in a statement he’s proud to present the decorations to a growing community of deserving recipients.
“In recognizing exceptional deeds that have strengthened our society, this honour celebrates the efforts of some remarkable Canadians while inspiring other to achieve similar heights.”
Established in 2009, Sistema NB has centres serving schools in Moncton, Saint John, Richibucto, Tobique First Nation, and Edmundston.
It is preparing to open a sixth Sistema NB centre in Miramichi in January. The new centre will serve Ian Baillie Primary School, Napan Elementary, and St. Andrews Elementary School.
