Youth Award recipients

Justin has made great personal strides, completing hours of work experience at a local car dealership and auto parts store as part of the Work Experience Program at Windsor Secondary School. In the future, he aspires to become a mechanic.

Over the past two years, Florence has demonstrated outstanding leadership in her role coaching students in grades nine and ten. She excels as a coach by creating a positive and inclusive environment for all players.

Lisa has overcome personal barriers and become a confident and humorous individual with a strong work ethic. She explored her interest in animals while contributing volunteer hours at the Capilano River Hatchery through the Work Experience Program at Windsor Secondary School.

Niko has demonstrated determination and tenacity while overcoming challenges and displaying significant personal growth, to become a leader and advocate for both herself and others. She channels her passion for yoga, mindfulness, restorative justice, and other activities to create meaningful connections and build community.

Miles regularly participates in the youth programs hosted at Parkgate Community Centre. His kindness, humour, and ability to create an inclusive and judgement-free space helps build meaningful connections and a sense of community for local youth.

Jordan is an active member of the Mountainside Secondary School community. He actively participates and contributes to the social justice program, yearbook committee, and school social life.

Maya has overcome personal barriers and will graduate with honours this spring. She is a talented artist, actor, percussionist and leader who has given back to her community in her role as a youth instructor, inspiring other young people to pursue their passions for acting and music. 

Dakota has gained wisdom, empathy and insight in her personal journey. She recently completed Hollyburn Family Service's WIRED 4 Success program and obtained full time employment working with young indigenous mothers; an area that she is deeply passionate about.

Sam is an advocate for mental health and has contributed hundreds of hours of service to this cause. She is a committed member of the Jack.org Club Handsworth Chapter, whose mission is to obliterate the stigma of mental health. This year, Sam coordinated 350 students in a variety of Wellness Week initiatives at Handsworth.

Kaitlyn has served as a volunteer assistant with Driftwood Dance Academy for years. She stands out as a reliable role model and mentor at the Academy, offering a caring demeanour and listening ear to both faculty and students.

Bethanea has a passion for community building and has contributed nearly 300 volunteer hours as a Peer Leader with the Catching the Spirit Youth Society (CTS). Her contributions to the community have made her into a natural leader who inspires those around her.

Olivia is a grade 12 student at Crofton House who has contributed to a long list of volunteer groups, both locally and globally. She always puts others first and is constantly thinking of the impacts her actions have on others and our planet.

Kate is a dedicated volunteer, contributing 225 hours of service as a grade 10 student towards a multitude of causes. She is reliable, consistent, and able to handle sensitive situations with children who may be nervous or uneasy.

Daniel and Peter co-founded the Tabletop Club at Argyle Secondary to create regular opportunities for students to be able to play board games. With the simple yet powerful goal of making someone’s day just a little bit better, the club has grown to approximately 40 members and offers a place to share moments and spend time with friends.

Sage has devoted hundreds of hours of service working with Ocean Wise through the organization’s Aqua Camps and YouthToSea Leadership programs. He is currently working to reduce plastic pollution by promoting the use of refillable water bottle stations within his local community.

The Parkgate Village Safeway is an outstanding supporter of youth in the Deep Cove and Mount Seymour community. Their donations have enhanced the Parkgate Youth Centre drop-ins to allow the youth workers to better connect with local youth and by allowing extra funds to be spent on much needed items for the youth programs and centre.

This year’s YouthLAB team created an innovative arts journal project to help reduce stigma around mental health in their communities.

The group created an arts-based journal filled with their reflections, messages and explorations surrounding youth mental health through writing, poetry, visual art, and photography.

Members include:

• Nikita Amini
• Andra Chitan
• Mary England
• Shadi Madani
• Mya Nevin
• Sarah Pollard
• Natalie South
• Chloë Skyes
• Ashton Ying