Students at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School in Guelph presented Gen. Jonathan Vance, the chief of Canada’s defence staff, with a National Leadership Award Wednesday.
“I feel truly humbled and honoured,” Vance told CTV News in an interview at the school.
“This National Leadership Award has been going since 1991 and the wall of honour contains a lot of people way better than me and so to be included in those ranks is indeed an honour.”
After accepting the award, Vance spoke about the role of the Canadian military at home and abroad and told the students the qualities that make a good leader.
“If you’re confident in yourself and you’re trying to inspire people … and you want them to succeed and you really mean it, then you’re leading,” he said.
Student Maeve Nichol said she was honoured to have Vance at her high school, saying he offered some sound advice.
“To be a leader you have to be a good person,” said Nichol, “and strong.”
After the presentation Vance along with soldiers from Guelph’s 11th Field Regiment took part in a flag raising ceremony.
Our Lady of Lourdes hands out the award to recognize great Canadians who exemplify exceptional leadership.
Past recipients include retired general and senator Romeo Dallaire, Cardinal Thomas Collins, and broadcaster Lloyd Robertson.
