**SUDBURY, ON** – Mélanie Denis-Plante, a Grade 12 student at École secondaire du Sacré-Coeur in Sudbury, is a dynamic young leader with a deep commitment to amplifying the voices of youth and making a difference in her school and community. Known for her energy, enthusiasm, and sense of responsibility, Mélanie has proven that teenagers can play a key role in shaping the future—both in education and beyond.
With a keen interest in student politics, Mélanie currently serves as a student trustee for **Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvelon** and is an active member of her school's student parliament. For Mélanie, it’s all about providing young people with the platform to express themselves. "I believe it’s crucial for teens to be heard," Mélanie explains. "We’re the future, and it’s important to contribute now—whether that’s through making our school more inclusive or simply ensuring everyone has a voice."
Her passion for leadership doesn’t stop at student politics. Mélanie is also a dedicated writer for the Francophone student newspaper, **Tapage**, where she enjoys writing articles that engage her peers and challenge their thinking. "Writing for **Tapage** has been a great way for me to develop my critical thinking and writing skills. I enjoy the entire process—research, interviews, and of course, seeing my ideas come to life in print," she says. "It’s a fantastic opportunity for teens to share their opinions and experiences through writing."
Outside of school, Mélanie is a board member of **La Fédération de la jeunesse franco-ontarienne (FESFO)**, a provincial organization that represents over 25,000 young Franco-Ontarians. She is part of a team that works on initiatives ranging from leadership development to addressing challenges faced by Franco-Ontarian students. "FESFO is a space where young Francophones come together to participate in leadership camps, forums, and events," Mélanie says. "It’s also about providing a voice and creating opportunities for us to get involved in politics, recruitment, and the future direction of our community."
Mélanie’s journey into leadership was not immediate. Reflecting on her growth, she says her greatest accomplishment has been her personal transformation. "I used to be a shy kid, but as I got more involved—starting with student council meetings and my first FESFO event—I knew I wanted to step up and lead," she shares. Over the years, she moved from a quiet ninth-grader to the head of her student council and eventually to her current position as a student trustee.
"I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished, from the hours spent organizing projects at school to working with FESFO," she adds. "It wasn’t always easy, but I never gave up. I’ve learned so much along the way and grown into the person I am today."
Mélanie credits much of her success to her family. "My parents and my older sister have always supported me, no matter what," she says. "They’re my rock. They taught me to follow my dreams, and they’ve always been there to help me reach my goals. My sister has been a big influence too—she was the prime minister of our student council when I first started, and that inspired me to get involved."
Her experiences as a volunteer have been just as important. "Every volunteer opportunity has taught me something new about leadership, teamwork, and dedication," Mélanie says. "I’m grateful for these experiences—they’ve shaped me into the person I am today."
When asked for advice for other young people looking to get involved, Mélanie has this to say: "My advice is simple—get involved in something that excites you. All my experiences, whether with school, community projects, or FESFO, have made me who I am. Don’t be afraid to try new things. If you love it, great! If you don’t, that’s okay too—you’ll learn something valuable along the way. Nothing is impossible, so go ahead, aim high, and make it happen!"
Mélanie Denis-Plante’s journey is a testament to the power of youth leadership, resilience, and the importance of staying true to one’s values. Through her work in student politics, journalism, and community engagement, Mélanie is helping to shape a more inclusive and active future for young people, inspiring others to take the leap and follow their passions.
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