Youth Award recipients

2023 Award recipients

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Youth Awards. We acknowledged and celebrated the award recipients on May 11 at District Hall.

Congratulations to all of our recipients!

Category: Youth Recognition Award 

Recognizes young people who have made great personal strides, overcome personal or societal barriers, or demonstrated great skill in music, academics, art or sports.

Aqil Zaman - Seycove Secondary

Aqil has demonstrated perseverance in the face of systemic racism. He has managed to stand out despite facing barriers to access in sports, academia, and peer groups. Aqil is committed to giving back to his community, and his extensive volunteer record includes participation in Model United Nations, student council, Mathletes, Seycove sustainability club, and volunteering at the Mountain Highway Medical Clinic. Aqil is commended for his resiliency and service to his community.

Ashley Walker - Carson Graham Secondary

Ashley has demonstrated strength and desire in her commitment to give back to the community. Ashley volunteers with North Shore Emergency Management, where she has assisted with several emergency evacuation efforts, including in Interior BC during wildfire season and flood evacuation efforts in Abbotsford. She has contributed her time to coaching sports teams and volunteering at Lions Gate Hospital during the pandemic. In September, she will start her training to become a nurse.

Cameron Walker - Windsor Secondary

Cameron is being recognized for their personal growth, bravery, and inquisitive mind. Cameron has become a key member of the Gals N Pals program, a support group for non-binary, transgender, female-identifying individuals and their allies. Cameron continually gives back to their community, including supporting their peers and creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Cameron’s nominators recognize Cameron’s ability to accomplish anything that they set their heart on and doing so with kindness, passion, intention, and fearlessness.

Cameron Blaksic - Brockton School

Cameron is a gifted musician and a dedicated mentor, contributing over 100 hours of service to his school community. In 2021, Cameron wrote a piece of music to cope with mental health challenges he experienced during COVID. He performed the piece to an audience of almost 700 people, sharing his experience and advocating for mental health awareness. Cameron consistently shows up to support his community through music, including performances this year in North Vancouver and at the Whistler Con Brio festival.

Conrad George - Mountainside Secondary

Conrad has overcome significant challenges and emerged as a true leader and inspiration to others. He is an excellent and prolific artist, using his work to promote and celebrate his Indigenous heritage and promote positive change. Conrad is a leader and role model to his peers, actively engaging in mentorship projects and inspiring others to pursue their artistic dreams. He is being recognized for his impressive achievements, compassion, determination, resilience, and commitment to making a difference.

Emily Lanctot - Argyle Secondary

Emily has worked exceptionally hard to achieve academic success despite being challenged with a measurable learning disability, with grades including 98% in Anatomy and Physiology, 94% in English, and 100% in Metalwork. Emily also volunteers extensively in the school and community, including as the president of the Club for Christ at Argyle and as co-captain of the girls' rugby team. She is a lifeguard and swim instructor for North Van Rec and is active in her church leading youth groups and teaching Sunday School.  Her commitment to overcoming obstacles and making a positive impact in her community is truly inspiring.

Gabrielle Veillette - Fraser Academy

Through her school and personal experiences, Gabrielle has developed amazing leadership skills, confidence, kindness, and compassion. This was demonstrated during a traumatic incident at Cypress Mountain in February, where Gabrielle rushed to the aid of a friend who needed immediate medical attention and even accompanied her to the hospital, providing comfort and support. Gabrielle showed her strengths as a youth leader in a crisis situation and provided an incredible example of friendship and community.

Jase Sexsmith - Seycove Secondary

Jase is a warm and caring individual who welcomes and includes everyone around him. Despite the challenges of moving to a new city and school, Jase has overcome obstacles and found his place at Seycove Secondary. He has demonstrated dedication and passion in his pursuit of beat-boxing, including competing in the BC Beat Boxing Championships. He balances being a dedicated student, member of the golf and badminton teams, and his job. At the Choices program at Seycove, they call him “Mayor”, as a testament to being such a great ambassador for the program.

Jason Deng - Argyle Secondary

Since joining Argyle Secondary in Grade 8, Jason has been tirelessly committed to being the best person he can be. Jason excels academically and athletically, while also dedicating himself to community service. He established a math club which has become a safe space for students of all levels and has even achieved national recognition. Jason provides free tutoring for those who cannot afford it. He consistently demonstrates compassion, selflessness, and commitment to uplifting and empowering others.

Jason Sage - Mountainside Secondary

Jason is a deeply caring and strong willed individual who is committed to building a better future for himself and those around him. Jason is a true advocate for underserved and underrepresented communities. He advocates for people who use drugs and educates others on harm reduction resources available in the Greater Vancouver Area. Jason actively supports an advocacy group for students of color at Mountainside Secondary School. Beyond being an advocate, Jason is a talented writer and excels academically in Philosophy, Social Justice, and English courses.

Justin Cheukchun - Stratford Hall

Justin has shown remarkable progress in improving his social skills and managing stress and anxiety in school. He has made incredible strides at his school’s IB program and his personal project focused on improving his social skills and trying new things. Justin serves as a Peer Coach for Chill & Chat, where he supports neurodiverse teens' in social, conversation, and executive function skills. He demonstrates respect, patience, empathy, and a sense of humor. Justin is recognized for his continuous growth and dedication to helping others.

Lachlan Keir - Argyle Secondary

Lachlan has demonstrated great personal strides and resiliency in his recovery from a traumatic illness. After returning to school, Lachlan has worked very hard to relearn academic subjects, increase his physical strength, and recover socially and emotionally. He continues to demonstrate grace and a strong work ethic working with his speech language pathologist, physiotherapist, and tutor. Lachlan has shown great patience, a sense of humor, and a strong desire to do well in overcoming immense obstacles.

Leon Liem - Handsworth Secondary

Leon is a talented violinist who has been playing since Grade 6. Despite struggling with virtual lessons during the pandemic and feeling anxious about performing, Leon persevered and improved his skills with the help of a student tutor and practicing everyday. His dedication resulted in improving his music grades and he has been invited to join the Handsworth Virtuosi Strings. Leon has demonstrated great perseverance and dedication in his commitment to playing music.

Max Keir - Argyle Secondary

Max has demonstrated perseverance and hard work in overcoming significant obstacles. In April 2019, he sustained a serious brain injury and was hospitalized at BC Children's Hospital. Despite the challenges, Max maintained a positive attitude and worked hard during his recovery in the BC Centre for Ability's Community Brain Injury Program. His nominators are inspired by his work ethic and academic achievements in Grade 12, where he has maintained an A average and taken a challenging course load.

Sanam Sadat - Mountainside Secondary

In moving to Canada from Afghanistan in grade 7, Sanam overcame great personal and cultural barriers to thrive in school and her personal life. Since starting at Mountainside Secondary, she has worked hard to maintain her home, part-time job, fitness schedule, and important community connections. Sanam is on track to graduate this year in June 2023. After graduation, Sanam hopes to work as a makeup artist in the beauty and film industry. Sanam is a shining example of what can happen when you don’t give up.

Shoalan Bauer - Argyle Secondary

Shoalan is a student who has made great personal strides to overcome a traumatic brain injury. He suffered a stroke during his grade 10 year and has worked hard to regain his speech and mobility through various therapies. He returned to school and his athletic pursuits, including playing on the Argyle Football Team. Shoalan is on track to graduate this spring with his graduate class. He is recognized by his nominators for his resiliency and determination.

Sophia McKay - Lynn Valley Elementary

Sophia has shown remarkable personal and academic growth in the past few years. She has overcome many societal and personal barriers and is now more outgoing and self-advocating. Sophia is demonstrating her academic strides, including in writing, reading and math, and takes great pride in her accomplishments and friendships. Sophia aspires to become a peer mentor for her friends upon entering high school.

Category: Youth Community Enhancement Award

Recognizes young volunteers who have made positive contributions to the community by providing at least 75 hours of service on a committee, or by working with a local organization or group.

Berend Liem - Handsworth Secondary

Berend has been member of Handsworth Secondary’s First Responders Club since Grade 10, where he uses his acquired first aid and life-saving skills to treat students that have suffered from falls, cuts, and joint dislocations. In one instance, Berend assisted a student dealing with respiratory problems, where he administered oxygen, asked primary and secondary questions, and ultimately contacted Emergency Medical Services. Berend demonstrates empathy, trust, and responsibility while providing a tremendous service to his school and fellow students.

Dominika Sotola - Argyle Secondary

Dominika has contributed over 274 volunteer hours throughout the community in the past three years. Among her many involvements, she volunteers as a manager for her school’s football team, helps organize events for Argyle’s Environmental Club, participates in Argyle’s Creativity for Change Club, and participated in Foundry’s Let’s Talk Shop workshop. Dominika is a bright and caring student who has a big heart for giving back to her school and wider community. 

Eliana Katz - Seycove Secondary

Eliana is a student at Seycove Secondary School with over 175 hours of volunteer service. She gives back to her school community through her volunteering with Seycove Student Council, Seycove Grad Council, and coaching basketball for camps and gym classes. She also volunteers at Cheakumus Centre as an outdoor school councillor. Eliana is a hardworking, determined, and generous person who is inspired to teach others the importance of giving back to the community.

Kai Earl-Thomas - Windsor Secondary

Kai has dedicated over 200 service hours to his school community, including volunteering for Windsor Secondary School’s Grad Council and the Youth Leadership Advisory regarding mental health initiatives. Along with another student, Kai spearheaded the decolonization of the school’s mascot to become the Windsor Wolves. The Windsor Wolves honours the important role of the Takaya (wolf) in Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Kai has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to his school and community.

Kasia Nyland - Brockton School

Kasia is an executive members of her school’s Community Action Team for Arts and Culture where she has contributed over 120 hours of service. Kasia volunteers for and is connected to various organizations for gender equity, poverty, and homelessness. She actively volunteers with the North Shore Harvest Project and connected her school with the One Girl Can program, where she led the fundraising to sponsor a Kenyan student to complete high school and university. Kasia has demonstrated commitment to serving her local community while also giving back globally. 

Noah Kezin - Brockton School

Noah is the chair of his school’s Community Action Team for Arts and Culture, where he has dedicated over 100 hours to cultural awareness campaigns to celebrate and learn about cultures from around the world. As part of his community engagement, Noah has conducted extensive research to learn about the violence that was perpetuated against Japanese-Canadians during World War II. Noah has been sharing this history and teaching others about Japanese internment camps at his school by inviting guest speakers, sharing at assemblies, and speaking to other classes.

Rhonwyn Waterson

Rhonwyn has dedicated over 500+ hours to supporting seniors and persons with disabilities in the District of North Vancouver. During the pandemic, her support helped vulnerable members of the community to stay safe and deal with social isolation. Since COVID protocols have relaxed, Rhonwyn has  continued to help community members safely return to their activities. In her service to the community and support for community members, Rhonwyn always demonstrating tact, grace, and a smile on her face. 

Tristan Pla - Handsworth Secondary

Tristan has been a valuable member of Handsworth Secondary School’s rugby community since 2018, including contributing 200 hours of volunteer time. In grade 11, Tristan took on the challenge of coaching the grade 8 boys rugby team, where he earned the respect of players and parents, and acted as a representative for the rugby program and the school. Tristan’s commitment has helped the rugby community to prosper at Handsworth, and the program would not be nearly the success it is today without his support.

Tyler Zinck - Seycove Secondary

Over the last two years Tyler has contributed over 200 hours to the Mount Seymour and Deep Cove community through his involvement with Parkgate Community Centre and Seycove Secondary. As COVID-19 restrictions lifted, Tyler stepped up to help get the Saturday Night Teen Basketball Drop-In restarted at Parkgate and similar intramural sports initiatives at Seycove. Tyler has been dedicated to volunteering at the Parkgate Preteen Dances, where he provides a comforting and welcoming presence. Tyler has many passions and is all about involving and connecting others to enhance the lives of youth.

Category: Outstanding Youth Friendly Business/Supporter of Youth

Recognizes a person or business that did an exceptional job in hiring or training youth, providing opportunities to youth or providing funding, support, or services to young people.

Griffin Oldknow - Capilano University

Griffin is a key member of the Parkgate Youth Community where he has been a Youth Drop in Worker since 2022. He has been instrumental in the success and expansion of the Youth Dungeons and Dragons Program, where he serves as Dungeon Master. Griffin has created a safe space for youth to explore social scenarios and conflict resolution, positively impacting their ability to build friendships, make decisions, and understand the impact of their actions on others. Griffin's ability to foster a community that values everyone's differences is a true example of supporting youth.

Michelle Reid from Seymour Heights Play-Based Programs

Seymour Heights Play-Based Programs has been providing valuable work experience for youth at Windsor Secondary since 2002. They provide hands-on learning opportunities in the childcare industry, and students can expect to be fully involved in day-to-day lessons, routines, operations, and planning. The organization goes above and beyond to be flexible and accommodate student needs. Michelle Reid, the lead teacher and manager, is a thoughtful and accommodating mentor that helps students gain valuable job skills and knowledge.

Hamid Moghaddam from Code Ninjas

Hamid is being nominated for his support of students at Windsor Secondary and providing them with work experience opportunities at Code Ninja. At Code Ninja, students get the opportunity to teach kids to code and build video games. Hamid provides training to the work experience students and some have been offered employment at the end of the work experience program. Hamid is a strong advocate and supporter of skills development for young workers and learners.

Marc Guidmon & Seymour Salmonid Society

Seymour Salmonid Society, and the manager Marc Guimond, provide valuable experience for youth, where they get to learn about the salmon life cycle both on site at streams and rivers and at the hatchery. Students from Windsor Secondary always come away with positive comments, new knowledge, and an appreciation for sustainability practices and working outdoors. Marc Guimond is an amazing lead, consistently providing timely responses and positive feedback.

Kim Steinhauson & Techniks Hair Studio & Spa

Kim, the owner of Techniks Hair Studio, provides valuable work experience to Windsor Secondary students. Kim has taken three Work Experience students under her wing in the past two years. Kim and her staff create a positive work environment that allows students to gain valuable experience and confidence for future employment prospects.

Category: Outstanding Youth Team

Recognizes a group who has completed a minimum of 50 hours per person of community or school service to enhance programs or services in their school or community.

Cleveland’s Extraordinary Grade 5 Student Helpers

Cleveland Elementary’s Extraordinary Grade 5 Student Helpers set an excellent example of volunteerism and leadership within their school community. Each student volunteers at least 7 hours a week to a variety of programs, from setting up the gym and leading sports programs such as the Spring Olympics, to running the school recycling program, and the Backpack Buddies program. By volunteering their time, supporting younger students, and organizing events, this group has gone out of their way to make their school community a better learning environment.

This group of 20 students includes:

  • Alexa Edgar
  • Alexander Stewart
  • Avisa Aminpoor Komachaly
  • Behnoud Ranjbari
  • Callum Wheeler
  • Ethan Melling
  • Emma Memari Pour
  • Jack Madden
  • Jackson Hamilton
  • Jaime Johnston 
  • Kalysha Salim Ebrahim 
  • Kamran Shokri
  • Kayla Yager
  • Keys Britch
  • Leo Zirnhelt
  • Liam Drummond
  • Remi Zurbuchen
  • Sam Watson
  • Thomas Winstanley
  • Tristan Stansfield

2022 award recipients

Category: Youth Recognition Award 

Recognizes young people who have made great personal strides, overcome personal or societal barriers, or demonstrated great skill in music, academics, art or sports.

Youth award winner Audrey Baker.

Audrey Baker

Audrey was nominated by Windsor Secondary, where she is a key member of her their volleyball, basketball and rugby team. She also contributes countless hours to bettering her school’s athletics community through coaching, yearbook photography, and running intermural leagues.

A headshot of Alianna Juma, youth award winner.

Alianna Juma

Alianna was nominated by Mountainside Secondary for her leadership experience on student council, and for overcoming personal challenges to reach her goals. She is a highly empathetic person who goes out of her way to be inclusive of others also working to overcome their own circumstances.

A headshot of Jalen Jackson, youth award winner.

Jalen Jackson

Jalen was nominated by his coaches at Windsor Secondary for his remarkable work ethic, teamwork and sportsmanship as a member of the Windsor Dukes basketball team. His coaches were also very impressed by Jalen’s perseverance and dedication to becoming the best athlete he can be.

A headshot of Kyle Lowis-Turtle, youth award winner.

Kyle Lowis-Turtle

Kyle was nominated by Parkgate Society for his personal resiliency, and the positivity he brings to the Parkgate community. Kyle is a talented artist as well, and assisted with redecorating the Youth Centre in 2020.

A headshot of Makaidea Gonzales, youth award winner.

Makaidea Gonzales

Makaidea was also nominated by Parkgate Society for her resiliency in meeting her personal goals. Makaidea has been making her mark with the Gals N Pals group, where she is a strong advocate for social justice movements. She is also a Youth Ambassador for the Squamish Nation Youth Centre.

A headshot of Yvonne Cabebe, youth award winner.

Yvonne Cabebe

Yvonne has been nominated by Parkgate Society for her involvement in various aspects of volunteer work. She is an amazing artist who uses her abilities to connect with others in the Parkgate community.

A blue star icon with sunglasses and a smile.

Zeyus Spenta

Zeyus was nominated by Handsworth Secondary for his extensive student leadership experience and accomplishments in his literary pursuits. Zeyus is the recipient of many international awards, with publications in academic journals and anthologies.

Category: Youth Community Enhancement Award

Recognizes young volunteers who have made positive contributions to the community by providing at least 75 hours of service on a committee, or by working with a local organization or group.

Headshot of Anders Bergman, youth award winner.

Anders Bergman

Anders has been nominated by Seycove Secondary for the work he has done for the North Shore Way, a series of hikes designed to encourage people to connect with the natural landscape of the District. Anders created North Shore Way’s website, and was instrumental in building up the program’s social media presence.

A headshot of Leo Cormier, youth award winnner.

Leo Cormier

Leo has been nominated by Mountainside Secondary for their exemplary leadership in their school community. Leo also dedicated countless hours towards establishing a BIPOC student group at his school. They have written proposals and grant applications, and served as interim facilitator until one could be found.

A headshot of Charli Degenstein, youth award winner.

Charlotte Degenstein

Charli has been nominated by Keats Camps. She has dedicated over 800 volunteer hours as a cabin leader, deckhand, and volunteer staff member. Her generosity with her time was integral to maintaining operations over the past two years, amidst challenges with COVID-19.

A headshot of Mia Martin, youth award winner.

Mia Martin

Mia has been nominated by Eastview Elementary for her involvement in student leadership. Mia helped organize events such as Pink Shirt Day and Camp Read, and also assists with lunch monitoring, morning announcements, and assisting younger buddy classrooms.

A headshot of Noa Mommone, youth award winner.

Noa Pockey-Mammone

Noa has been nominated by Handsworth Secondary for her student leadership experience and mental health advocacy. Noa also contributed to the writing of school district policy 409, which promotes cultural tolerance and acceptance in all aspects of a student’s school experience, and endorses the concept of active and positive multiculturalism.

Category: Outstanding Youth Friendly Business/Supporter of Youth

Recognizes a person or business that did an exceptional job in hiring or training youth, providing opportunities to youth or providing funding, support, or services to young people.

A headshot of Natasha Rivard-Morton, youth award winner.

Natasha Rivard-Morton

Natasha has been nominated by Parkgate Society, where she works as a Youth Centre Coordinator, enhancing the life of youth through education, advocacy and building connection. Over the past few years, she developed program and services that continued to support youth through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A blue star icon with sunglasses and a smile.

Seymour Golf and Country Club

Seymour Golf and Country Club has been nominated by Windsor Secondary School for its support of the Windsor Work Experience program. The organization offers several placement opportunities to help students gain work experience hours, and hires local students each year.

 

2021 award recipients

2021 Award recipients

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Youth Awards.

To protect the health and safety of our community, we acknowledged the award recipients online and through a virtual ceremony as part of the May 10, 2021 meeting of Council. Congratulations to all of our recipients!

Congratulations to all of our recipients!

Category: Youth Recognition Award 

Recognizes young people who have made great personal strides, overcome personal or societal barriers, or demonstrated great skill in music, academics, art or sports.

Amir Farhadpour - Sutherland Secondary

Amir is an active member of the North Shore community, volunteering in a multitude of different areas such as tutoring calculus and with Foundry North Shore. His positivity and openness make him a great advocate for youth, along with his growing modeling career and completing Level 10 in piano.

Arden Goddard-Despot - Handsworth Secondary

Arden actively supports mental health initiatives at Handsworth Secondary School through her commitment to sports. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she rallied the Sports Faculty at Handsworth Secondary School to provide a safe and secure facility for her field hockey team to prepare for their upcoming season.

Aria Erfan - Handsworth Secondary

Aria has been nominated by his instructors for his accomplishments in piano and mathematics. He has finished Level 9 Royal Conservatory of Music with an exceptional score of 90 and first class honours with distinction in Piano and has already started Level 10.

Aubrey Dorey-Havens – Windsor Secondary

Aubrey is a talented basketball player at Windsor and 3D Basketball. His elite skill, sportsmanship, and leadership have contributed to his teams’ successes. His hard work and dedication are admirable traits that he brings to basketball and to academics where he is also highly successful.

Camille Ford – Mountainside Secondary

Camille has been nominated by Mountainside Secondary School for overcoming personal obstacles to achieve her academic goals. Described as a life-long learner, Camille will graduate with honours this year and plans to study nursing.

Emily Duffy – Mountainside Secondary

Emily is being recognized for her resilience, continuing to work towards her goals whilst overcoming personal challenges. She has taken on many adult responsibilities as a teen and has been complemented for her strength in pushing forward and never giving up.

Freya Hawkshaw - École Ross Road Elementary

Freya is an advocate for the environment, gender equality, anti-racism, and the LGBTQ+ community. She was nominated by École Ross Road Elementary for inspiring and organizing others to help protect people and the environment.

Graham Best - Handsworth Secondary

Graham is student council president at Handsworth Secondary School and a member of the Youth Justice Lab, which educates students on the justice system, de-colonization and indigenous justice. They have been nominated by Handsworth Secondary School for their ambition, resiliency, and overcoming personal obstacles to achieve their goals.

Hailey Nicol - Capilano University

Hailey has achieved significant academic success in the Education Assistant Program at Capilano University. She engages with her peers, community, and academics with passion and determination. Showing strength and humour throughout personal barriers, Hailey has become an advocate for herself and others. Her love of learning is evident to those who know Hailey.

Kamyrn Chin – Windsor Secondary

Kamryn is an ambitious young woman who doesn't hesitate to help out when she see a need.  Her leadership in Student Council, STEM Club and the North Vancouver School District Leadership Council were paramount in her efforts to help younger women at Windsor Secondary to be involved in science and the school community.

Lauren Woolcombe – Mountainside Secondary

Lauren is being recognized for overcoming personal challenges to reach her academic goals, as well as her contribution to the sport of aerial silks, volunteering over 200+ hours with the West Vancouver Aerial Silks community. 

Lexy Pursell - Handsworth Secondary

Lexy Pursell balances her time between her love of dance, school, work and volunteering. Lexy is a part of Shift Dance Academy’s competitive program and has competed at an advanced level in numerous competitive groups, winning overall Highest Scoring groups at multiple events and continuing to Provincial Finals.

Luca Toube - Sherwood Park Elementary

Luca is being nominated by Parkgate Community Services Society for his kindness and conflict resolution skills. He is an inclusive pre-teen that goes above and beyond to include and support all children who attend programs with him.

Marika Brydon – Windsor Secondary

Marika has been nominated for her engagement of other youth and mediation skills. She is best known for her notable kindness, motivation to always put her best self forward, and supporting those around her in any way she can. She is also a fantastic origami teacher!

Mika Yekrangian – Mountainside Secondary

Mika was nominated by Mountainside Secondary for her leadership experience on Student Council and as part of the yearbook team, and for her participation in several extra-curricular groups, including Music Therapy, GSA, Game Ready, Drama Club, and Mycology. She is described as a positive and helpful role model with her peers and wants to study Film at Capilano University.

Oliver Punter-Reinhardt – Mountainside Secondary

Oliver was nominated by his teachers at Mountainside Secondary for his activism and allyship with racialized communities. Oliver is hardworking, resilient and determined to overcome personal challenges, managing a part time job while graduating early.

Sandra Mondragon – Mountainside Secondary

Sandra has been nominated by Mountainside Secondary for her leadership experience on Student Council and Grad Council, and for overcoming personal challenges to meet her goals. She is described as an inspiration for others, and is recognized for her determination and courage. Sandra has been accepted to the Communications Program at Capilano University.    

Sophie Nicholson - École Ross Road Elementary

Sophie has been nominated by École Ross Elementary School for her extensive leadership and volunteering experience. She generously volunteers her time to assist with coaching Kindergarten to Grade 3 basketball with VanCity Basketball, and with Highlands Church to prepare and serve Saturday lunch to those in need.

Victoria(Seungri) Kang - Carisbrooke Elementary

Victoria has been nominated for speaking out about her experiences with racism and discrimination towards the Asian-Canadian community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her well-written and open letter was published in the North Shore News, and we would like to thank her for helping make the District a safer and more inclusive place.

Category: Youth Community Enhancement Award

Recognizes young volunteers who have made positive contributions to the community by providing at least 75 hours of service on a committee, or by working with a local organization or group.

Emma Chylinski - BCIT

Emma has dedicated upwards of 75+ hours with the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, where she is involved with everything from tree propagation and planting to salmon spawner counts and the restoration of Maplewood Creek.

Jonah Louie - Dorothy Lynas Elementary

Jonah volunteers his time to collect bottles and cans in all weather conditions and donates the funds to organizations such as Jump Start, Lions Gate Hospital and the Vancouver/Hornby Island Food Banks. Over the past three years, he has raised over $2,500.

Matthew Coffin – Windsor Secondary

Matthew began his Grade 8 year at Windsor playing a vital role in the live streaming and video recording of events for the school. Matthew worked intensively for numerous events to record 14 different music classes, two ceremonies and even a musical theatre production. All of the hundreds of hours have come on a volunteer basis.

Meg Birrell – Seycove Secondary

Meg is a quiet leader who truly embraces the spirit of community. She volunteers her time towards a variety of causes: sewing masks for seniors during the pandemic, serving hot meals to those in need, volunteering with children at summer camps, and more.

Raina Liao – Seycove Secondary

Raina is an outstanding community member and has volunteered countless hours to the Seycove Secondary Band Program. Not only is she an exceptional musician, she also tutors and teaches free weekly lessons. Students enjoy her lessons because of her patience, humour, and efficiency. Outside of music, she is also a valued member of the Seycove Student Council.

Samantha Mills – North Shore Stars Volleyball Club

Samantha has invested huge amounts of positive energy into her community despite facing significant health challenges. She has invested over 500 hours of her time teaching and training over 200 kids and administering the sport of volleyball over the past few years. Samantha has contributed an immense value to the sport of volleyball and to her community.

Sho Birrell – Seycove Secondary

Sho’s community service record spans a range of experiences and causes, from serving meals to the homeless to mentoring young students as they learn Japanese. He is also a lighting operator at the Deep Cove Stage Society and works as a ski instructor.

Category: Outstanding Youth Friendly Business/Supporter of Youth

Recognizes a person or business that did an exceptional job in hiring or training youth, providing opportunities to youth or providing funding, support, or services to young people.

Deep Cove Kayak

Deep Cove Kayak is an outstanding supporter of youth in the Deep Cove and Mount Seymour community. They are a pillar in their community and are committed to keeping customers and youth campers safe, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every summer, the centre hires around 20 local high school and post-secondary students, to give them an opportunity to build valuable career experience while contributing positively to the community.

 

2020 award recipients

 

2020 Award recipients

Here are the recipients of the 2020 Youth Awards who were acknowledged and celebrated online along with a video message from Mayor Little.

Congratulations to all of our recipients!

Category: Recognition and Outstanding Achievement 

Recognizes young people who have made great personal strides, overcome personal or societal barriers, or demonstrated great skill in music, academics, art or sports.

Justin Walton — Windsor Secondary

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.

Florence Durocher — Windsor Secondary

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 Gray — Windsor Secondary

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 Williamson — Mountainside Secondary

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 Oldknow — Windsor Secondary

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 Charles — Mountainside Secondary

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 Mars — Mountainside Secondary

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 Strong — Hollyburn Family Services Wired 4 Success Program

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.

Category: Youth Community Enhancement

Recognizes young volunteers who have made positive contributions to the community by providing at least 75 hours of service on a committee, or by working with a local organization or group.

Sam Pescott — Handsworth Secondary

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 Fraser — Driftwood Dance Academy

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 Chou — Carson Graham Secondary

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 Asgari — Crofton House School

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 Sheardown — Argyle Secondary

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 Tyson & Peter Le — Argyle Secondary

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 Narita — Carson Graham Secondary

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.

Category: Outstanding Youth Friendly Business/Supporter of Youth

Recognizes a person or business that did an exceptional job in hiring or training youth, providing opportunities to youth or providing funding, support, or services to young people.

Safeway Parkgate Village

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.

Category: Outstanding Youth Team

Recognizes a group who has completed a minimum of 50 hours per person of community or school service to enhance programs or services in their school or community.

YouthLAB

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
     

 

2019 award recipients

Here are the recipients of 2019 Youth Awards, presented by Mayor Little and Council. Congratulations to all of our recipients!

Category: Recognition

Recognizes young people who have made great personal strides, overcome personal or societal barriers, or demonstrated great skill in music, academics, art or sports.

  • Tiernin Hoyle — Dorothy Lynas Elementary School
  • Shaye O’Donnell — Argyle Secondary School
  • Lisa Peramaki, Kallym Nicoll, Nevada Romas — Mountainside Secondary School
  • Amber McIntosh, Jonathan Hannah — Seycove
  • Misuzu Tosa — St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School
  • Sam Maxwell, Shandly Dowling, Shenagh Weeks — Windsor
  • Anna-Elaine Rempel — Capilano University

Category: Youth Community Enhancement

Recognizes young volunteers who have made positive contributions to the community by providing at least 75 hours of service on a committee, or by working with a local organization or group.

  • Alana Titerle — Carson Graham
  • Kate Walker — Sentinel Secondary School
  • Kimia Nouhi Kashani — Sentinel Secondary School
  • Jillian Kitt — Queen Margaret’s School
  • Shaunti Bains — Capilano University

Category: Outstanding Youth Friendly Business/Supporter of Youth

Recognizes a person or business that did an exceptional job in hiring or training youth, providing opportunities to youth or providing funding, support, or services to young people.

  • Ava Music and Arts Center​
  • Creativ Music Center
  • Deep Cove Starbucks​
  • NorVan Boys and Girls Club
  • Paul Moretto
  • Total Therapy
  • The Home Depot

Category: Outstanding Youth Team

Recognizes a group who has completed a minimum of 50 hours per person of community or school service to enhance programs or services in their school or community.

  • Capilano Youth Advisory Committee
  • Handsworth Secondary School:
    • Ali Borujerdi
    • Andres Delgado
    • Andrew Kershaw
    • Bowen Xiao
    • Charlotte Ticehurst-Wong
    • Danny Kim
    • Dennis Quek
    • Don Lee
    • Eamon Ma
    • Griffin Lee
    • Kian Anjam
    • Lauryn Thrift
    • Luca Le May
    • Niki Booker
    • Shahaab Oshidary

2018 award recipients

Here are the recipients of 2018 Youth Awards, presented by Mayor Walton and Council. Congratulations to all of our recipients!

Outstanding Youth Team Award

This award recognizes a group who have completed a minimum of 50 hours per person of community or school service to enhance programs or services in their school or community. 

Team: Vancouver Coastal Health Congregate Meals Program at Parkgate Community Centre

  • Sentinel Secondary — Annudesh Liyanage
  • Saint Thomas Aquinas — Bella Haaf, Celine Liu 
  • Windsor Secondary — Braelyn Gandossi
  • Other — Caitlin Lowe, Khatidja Malick, Stephanie Lowe

Youth Recognition Award

This award recognizes young people who have made great personal strides, overcome personal or societal barriers, or demonstrated great skill in music, academics, art or sports. 

  • Argyle Secondary School — Cameron Joyce, Ella Haysom, Joe Delahaye, Kerryanne Calllahan, Nathan Lirenman, Sarah Huxley, Will Palmer, Zoie Phillips 
  • Mountainside Secondary — Adelle Mintoft-Graystone, Angeline Segato, Emily Nahanne-O'Donaghey, Hayden Dobie, Lucy Watson Weston, Stanfield Zafir Kassam
  • Seycove Secondary —  Aidan Harding
  • Windsor Secondary — Molly Trinkl, Sydney Treasure, Tania Ajikan
  • Capilano University —  Madi McWilliam

Outstanding Youth Friendly Business/Supporter of Youth Award

This award recognizes a person or business that did an exceptional job in hiring or training youth, providing opportunities to youth, or providing funding, support, or services to young people. 

  • Derek Palmer and Maplewood Farms
  • Tine Moberg-Parker
  • Terry Bulych

Youth Community Enhancement Award

This award recognizes young volunteers who have made positive contributions to the community by providing at least 75 hours of service on a committee, or by working with a local organization or group. 

  • Argyle Secondary — Caden Dignard-Campbell,  Hannah Greenfield, Johannes Jurenka- Ruehle
  • Handsworth Secondary — Avin Alimohammadi
  • Sutherland Secondary — Jordanne Burgess
  • Windsor Secondary — Nick Martel
  • Other — Daniel Shaw

Learn more about the annual Youth Awards

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