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Inspire: Morgan Sheppard just wants to make a difference

‘I take pride in being a Sudburian. I hope to see our community grow further. When I can help make our town a better place, even in just the smallest way, I feel content’
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Marymount Academy Grade 12 student Morgan Sheppard inspired by public figures like Greta Thunberg and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, but also by her parents.

Morgan Shepphard has been involved with Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving (OSAID) both at the local and provincial level for two years, and is the only Sudbury member of OSAID who is part of the youth advisory team for Ontario.

When asked about her involvement with the group, the Marymount Academy Grade 12 student is give quick to give credit to others.

“I was introduced to the OSAID Youth Advisory Team during a meeting with the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Student Senate,” Sheppard said. “The opportunity to join the council was presented to me by the teacher representative, Tracey Adams, and I immediately took interest in it.

“I thought that it would be a great leadership opportunity, which supported a very important cause. I have stayed on the council for two years because of all the amazing work we do. I am very proud to be a part of the team.”

Shepphard is passionate about the cause, taking her cue, she said, from other activists. 

“I find a lot of inspiration in figures like Greta Thunberg and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and one day I hope to make as much of an impact as them.” 

She is happy working at the local level, too. 

“Even though these examples combat issues on a much larger scale, I think it is incredibly important and just as beneficial to help out within your community,” Sheppard said. “This is why I try to do things in my school community, city community and even my provincial community.” 

Shepphard said she is a staunch supporter of Sudbury, adding the city itself helped inspire her volunteerism. 

“I take pride in being a Sudburian. I hope to see our community grow further. When I can help make our town a better place, even in just the smallest way, I feel content.”

Hardly one to rest, Shepphard is involved in many school related charity events, and is a member of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board Student Senate. She is also volunteering this season with Safe Ride Home Sudbury for the organization’s Holiday Ride Service, helping organize designated drivers that ensure impaired people make it home safely. 

And as a cherry on her cake, Shepphard’s poem “Clipped Wings” recently first place in Youthwords, a poetry competition for young people held as part of the Wordstock Literary Festival.

Shepphard recognizes her parents for her outlook on life. 

“They’ve always encouraged and pushed me to be the best person I can be. Both of them have always been my biggest supporters and motivators, whether this is for volunteer and leadership work or even academically. I take so much inspiration from my mother who is a powerful and caring woman who always stands up for the greater good. But I have also learned the importance of dedication and perseverance from my father. I am incredibly grateful to have them as such amazing mentors in my life.” 

Looking forward to a career in the political sciences, Shepphard plans on pursuing a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa. 

“Past that, I am not set on exactly what job title I want to hold, but I know that I want to enforce positive change as best I can. Hopefully, I am able to do this at a governmental level.” 

Morgan Shepphard’s words of inspiration 

“You never know how much you accomplish until you try.”

James Stewart is a writer in Greater Sudbury. Inspire is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.


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