QUEEN'S PARK - Three exceptional Ontario girls who have made a marked difference in their communities are the first recipients of the provincial government's "Leading Girls, Building Communities award," Minister Responsible for Women's Issues Sandra Pupatello announced today.

"These extraordinary young women deserve to be celebrated. And that's why the McGuinty government is making them the first-ever winners of this award," said Pupatello at today's awards ceremony. "Our government is pleased to honour their outstanding achievements and to support their leadership and encourage it into adulthood."

Pupatello was joined by Tonika Morgan, founder of the Medina Collective and winner of the 2005 YWCA Toronto Young Woman of Distinction. "Part of creating a world of equality for girls and women is documenting and honouring their achievements. I am pleased that the Government of Ontario is furthering women's equality by holding these awards and I am honoured that they have asked to me to participate," said Ms. Morgan.

The award recipients are:

• Sarah Dell from Toronto receives the award for her volunteer efforts, which include co-host and co-creator of the Easter Seals Scholarship Program and Provincial Ambassador for Easter Seals, and her involvement in the Communications Association for Riding for the Disabled;
• Nicole Turner from London receives the award for her work as a peer facilitator at the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children, where she advocates on behalf of girls with physical disabilities;
• Jenna Lambert from Harrowsmith, who is the first female with a physical disability to swim across Lake Ontario, receives the award for raising over $170,000 to build a swimming pool for kids with disabilities at the Kingston Family YMCA.

The "Leading Girls, Buildings Communities" award was launched on March 2, 2007 to recognize young women, aged 18 years and under, who demonstrate exceptional leadership to improve the lives of others and champion issues that lead to positive social change in their schools, communities or province.

Today's recipients, the first to receive this award, were presented with a framed certificate recognizing their contributions to their communities.

Other government initiatives that recognize and empower Ontario girls and women include:

"These young women are making a difference in their communities," said Pupatello. "My congratulations to today's recipients for the leadership they have shown in making positive changes for the people and places around them."