2026 Youth Awards Now Open – Nominate Someone Today!
If you know someone between the ages of 11-24 and you want to give them recognition for their hard work and determination, the BGC Kawarthas Foundation is hosting their 7th Annual Kawartha Lakes Youth Awards.
The Youth Awards were created to shine a spotlight on the young leaders of Kawartha Lakes. There are local youth whose devotion to their passions and love for the community deserve to be recognized and celebrated. There are eight award categories for two age groups, 11-17 and 18-24, as well as two scholarships.
The eight award categories are Arts Achievement, Outstanding Worker, Humanitarian, STEM, Leadership, Resiliency, Health & Wellness Champion, and BGC Club Spirit (this is the only category where they must have current or prior connection to BGC Kawarthas).
In 2024, Fenelon Falls youth Avalon Loube won the Leadership Award alongside her colleagues in the Fenelon Falls Youth Council, as well as the Humanitarian Award on her own. Loube said it was “absolutely lovely” to be nominated and to win. “You can get your parents, mentors, coaches, teachers, anyone that you know within the BGC to help nominate you,” she explained, “and they also asked me questions about what I’ve accomplished in the community, how I’ve worked to achieve and represent some of the values BGC represents as well.”
A nominee who is transitioning to post-secondary education or training within the next year can also be considered for the Ron Kennedy Scholarship. Ron Kennedy was the founder of BGC Kawarthas (formerly called Kawartha Youth Incorporated) in 1970. A second memorial scholarship, the Marcie Beall Scholarship, is also available, for anyone between 17 to 24 years old who would use it to assist in education or career advancement. Marcie Beall was a former employee of the club and was passionate about working with children and youth.
Nomination forms can be found here. Anyone can submit a nomination, and youth can submit for someone they know and for themselves. Youth can be nominated as individuals or together in groups. Being a winner or finalist of these awards can look good on a resumé or postsecondary school application.
The ceremony in June, which is open to the public, will highlight all the finalists. Each year, BGC Kawarthas shares amazing and varied stories at the event, and on social media to thousands of followers. The ceremony will also have recognition from our local MP and MPP, certificates, games, music, food, swag and more!
Many local businesses support the event as sponsors, including longtime lead sponsors Polito Ford Lincoln, Kawartha Lakes Honda, and Y91.9 FM. Proceeds go towards the BGC Kawarthas Foundation.
If you know someone with strong ties to Kawartha Lakes who deserves to be acknowledged for their achievements, you can nominate them for up to two awards, not just one. Nomination forms are due Monday, March 23rd.