Mr. Speaker, on this International Women's Day, I rise to recognize an exceptional young woman from Dartmouth North, Emily Hooper, who is a leader in our community. Emily is in Grade 9 at John Martin Junior High where she is widely recognized as an outstanding student. She is part of the student leadership group where she helps organize the annual Christmas dinner for students and community members, school dances, fundraisers, and the activities of Spirit Week.
She is an academic leader and leads by example by maintaining a very high average. She plays saxophone in the school band and uses her strong voice to speak up about things she cares about. Emily also volunteers in the community, helping with the Alderney Landing Haunted House, with food drives with Feed Nova Scotia and, by all accounts, she is a fantastic big sister to her five-year-old brother, James.
As we celebrate women and our struggle for equity and justice throughout the world, it is so inspiring to know that Emily is leading the pack of a new generation of female leaders. I am grateful for her contribution to our community of Dartmouth North. (Applause)