Eric Morden, Oakville

Eric Morden is headed to Carleton University to study Biology in the the four-year Bachelor of Science program. Having Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Eric has already participated in one clinical trial and will soon join another. These experiences solidified his interest in a career in genetic research. It’s no surprise. Eric says his topic for research projects throughout high school science was always DMD.

Eric is a man of many talents. A clarinetist, he played in the school’s concert band for all four years of high school and remains a band member currently during his GAP year. As a band member he has competed in MusicFest.

Eric welcomes a challenge. A four-year FIRST Robotics team member, Eric co-captained one of his school’s teams, mentoring its 45 members and assisting with coaching and motivation at competitions and helping plan the team’s outreach events including Midnight Madness in downtown Oakville, and scheduling instructors for the eight-hour robot demonstration. Teacher and FIRST team lead mentor Charles Woods recalls countless occasions when Eric demonstrated his ability to excel at new challenges and opportunities, taking a simple idea from conception to a finished product with awesome results. He says Eric’s positive attitude and willingness to assist junior team members were instrumental to the team’s success.

A volunteer at his church and with the youth-run movement Every Child Now, Eric was part of a team that created and ran local events including sidewalk festivals and skate-a-thons, raising money to build schools and provide clean drinking water in developing countries.

Eric also volunteered his time as a member of the ErinoakKids Youth Advisory Committee, planning social nights, dances and barbecues designed to improve the lives of kids with disabilities both physically and socially. Eric approached his work with quality and integrity, bringing tremendous insight and sensitivity, and always appreciating and encouraging his peers. His strong leadership is advancing awareness of the issues that affect youth with disabilities, breaking down the barriers that exist today.

The ErinoakKids team values Eric’s dedication to the community of young people with disabilities. His awareness of the challenges many children and youth face equip him with a unique and deep insight. Together with his experience and knowledge, his disciplined approach and his dedication both to personal goals and to his community, guarantee we will be hearing more about Eric’s accomplishments in the coming years.

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