The Youth Community Recognition Awards took place recently celebrating the exceptional contributions of 49 young volunteers from across Chatham-Kent.
The event honoured students nominated by their school principals for their outstanding commitment to community service.
As the first awards ceremony of its kind, this initiative aims to become an annual tradition to highlight and support youth volunteerism. Sponsored by Mainstreet Credit Union, each honouree received an engraved award and the choice between a $100 gift certificate to a restaurant or $150 towards a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).
Mayor Darrin Canniff praised the young volunteers.
in his address.
“In Chatham-Kent, volunteerism is the foundation of our community. I’m looking at some of our leaders of tomorrow, sitting right here. That’s part of leadership: giving back,” he said in a media release.
The Youth Community Recognition Awards celebrate the volunteer efforts of youth in Chatham-Kent, honouring their dedication to making a positive impact.
In collaboration with local school boards, the program highlights the importance of volunteerism and community service among young individuals.
The list of award recipients is as follows:
Avery Anderson, Wheatley Area Public School
Janae Atkinson, Victor Lauriston Public School
Kara Bechard, Merlin Area Public School
Ella Bowers, Gregory Drive Public School
Tamara Boyes, Wallaceburg District Secondary School
Mason Britton, St. Angela Merici Catholic School
Lucas Bromley, Georges P. Vanier Catholic School
Mikella Caron, École Secondaire de Pain Court
Benjamin Childs, Christ the King Catholic School
Fisher Clark, Monsignor Uyen Catholic School
Neveah Cohmer, Tilbury Area Public School
Amy DeBrouwer, Blenheim District High School
Luke DeHaan, St. Ursula Catholic School
Lauren Depooter, WDSS 7&8
Eric DeVries, Chatham Christian School
Eva Fedele, St. Angela Merici Catholic School
Brynlee Gallant, King George VI Public School
Jariel Garcia, John McGregor Secondary School
J.J. Gebara, Chatham Christian School
Alyssa Geene, Harwich-Raleigh Public School
Mia Gooch, Ursuline College
Shelby Goodreau, St. Joseph Catholic School
Mallory Hawken, Dresden Area Central School
Henry Hill, Saint-Francis
Lincoln Jacobson, Tecumseh Public School
Abby Johnston, Indian Creek Rd Public School
Makayla Klassen, Saint-Francis
Caleb Lewsaw, John McGregor Secondary School
Spencer Marks, Tilbury District High School
Raiden Massicotte, Winston Churchill Public School
Adelina McLaughlin, Holy Family Catholic School
Alexa Murphy, A.A. Wright Public School
Austyn Myers, Sainte-Catherine
Joseph Myers, Good Shepherd Catholic School
Mahin Naveed, Chatham-Kent Secondary School
Wania Noor, Chatham-Kent Secondary School
Kaydence Redmond, WDSS 7&8
Bailey Rickman, Lambton Kent Composite School
Trent Rickman, Dawn-Euphemia Public School
Fiona Rutledge, Naahii Ridge Elementary School
Skylar Rutledge, Ridgetown District High School
Annie Seo, Ursuline College
Emmett St. Jean, Queen Elizabeth II Public School
Jonathon Thompson, St. Elizabeth Catholic School
Vanessa Vander Pryt, Indian Creek Rd Public School
Jane Vanheule, St. Michael Catholic School
Ellie Weening, St. Anne Catholic School
Alicia Winter, McNaughton Ave. Public School
Kelton Winter, McNaughton Ave. Public School