The top-notch accomplishments of 11 local youth were recently acknowledged at the 10th annual Chatham-Kent YMCA Celebration of Youth Awards.
Held at the Chatham Y, the event was attended by more than 60 people, including members of the selection committee, YMCA staff and award sponsors.
According to Y officials, the Celebration of Youth Awards is one example of the Y’s commitment to invest in young people and recognize outstanding talents and achievements that make a difference in the community.
Each award winner received a $1,000 prize. The Agriculture & Environmental Award, sponsored by Sylvite Agri-Services and The Andersons Canada went to Emma Ouellette.
The Apprenticeship Award, sponsored by Kent-Erie Glass & Lock, was awarded to Ede Brecevic.
The Frank and Mary Uniac Foundation Business Spirit Award went to Teya Meredith.
Riley Lawton was the winner of the Alan Stevenson Memorial Award, sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Fifelayomi Betiku was the recipient of the Leadership/Entrepreneurship Award, sponsored by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
Payton Perry was given the nod as the winner of the Frank and Mary Uniac Foundation’s Health Sciences Award.
Jack Smolders received the Maple Mutual Insurance Science & Technology Award.
Riley Graham was the winner of the Sports & Recreation Award, sponsored by First Ontario Credit Union.
Oluwanifemi Koleosho was named as the Volunteerism and Community Award winner. The award was sponsored by North Kent Wind.
The Chatham-Kent YMCA Foundation’s YMCA Youth Leadership Award went to Teryn Romanick.
The Community Living Wallaceburg sponsored Champion of Inclusive Communities Award went to Olivia Corbin.
The awards are recognized as one of Ontario’s premier awards for young people.
