The Youth Community Recognition Awards took place this week at the Capitol Theatre, 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, Municipal officials say.
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), generously provided by Mainstreet Credit Union.
Mayor Darrin Canniff praised the young volunteers in his address, stating, “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.”
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
