Jeremy Speller, a third-year student and forward for the men's basketball team, is using sports as a way to encourage youth in his First Nations community to go to school.

The Millennium Bursary recipient has been working at the youth centre in the Gesgapegiag community, located on the south shore of the Gaspésie in Quebec, for a number of years. He's volunteered on many occasions to coach basketball, and will attend his third youth First Nations Educational Council tournament in June.

"We all know sports is correlated with education and success," Speller said. "That's exactly what we want to do—use sports as an instrument to encourage education."

This summer, Speller will be working as a prevention and wellness assistant where he will be responsible for hosting sporting events and other community initiatives. Last year, the prevention and wellness leader, Andrew Martin, along with the community, fundraised to bring the First Nations youth to Fredericton to watch Speller play basketball for the Tommies. They plan to do the same this year, but in a larger capacity.

"George MacIntyre, Dan Robichaud, and my community in Gesgapegiag are teaming up to bring the youth here again, but this time we're opening the invitation to other First Nation communities," Speller said. "We want to give the kids an opportunity to see more than just basketball."

Speller is also the head of a project in Gesgapegiag to raise money to send a team to the annual Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Summer Games. The goal is to raise funds so a bantam team, youth ages 12-15, can compete in the tournament in August. If they're successful, it would be the first time Gesgapegiag participates in the Games.

Robichaud, STU's Aboriginal Student Services Officer, said Speller's commitment to youth is a gift to the community.

"Jeremy's become a positive role model for youth. His high energy personality along with his commitment to high standards is earning him a reputation for excellence in sport and life."

MacIntyre, Director of Advancement, only met Speller recently but was immediately impressed with his work ethic.

"Jeremy represents St. Thomas on the court with his hard work, tenacity and willingness to improve, but more importantly he represents us in the community," he said. "His passion on the court is second only to his passion for making sure kids realize their potential and have the opportunity to realize their dreams."

If you'd like to support Jeremy's fundraising efforts, check out his Go Fund Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/mjtzbn77