Kawartha Lakes Youth Awards Winners Announced
Lindsay, ON: Twenty-eight young people were celebrated tonight for their achievements in a variety of fields at the 4th Annual Kawartha Lakes Youth Awards. From those finalists, 15 awards, including two scholarships, were handed out.
“It is an honour to recognize so many young achievers in our community,” says Amy Terrill, Executive Director. “Their stories of resiliency, dedication to learning and improving their skills, and contributions to the community make them truly exceptional.”
The event, which is organized by BGC Kawarthas Foundation, was hosted by Kellsie McCullough and Joey Mackey, two accomplished local performers, at Fairview Baptist Church in Lindsay. With the generous support of sponsors, it is a fundraiser for youth services at the Club which has seen unprecedented growth in the last year due to the addition of the skatepark at BGC Kawarthas’ facility on Lindsay Street.
Two guest speakers were also featured this evening. Hannah Schevers was a winner of two youth awards in 2022 where she impressed the judges with her advocacy and action in improving the lives of people with disabilities. By sharing her story and co-creating a social media campaign and movement called Tru Faces, Hannah is breaking down stereotypes and improving the lives of others.
The second speaker, Shahaddah Jack, is the 2022 National Youth of the Year for BGC Canada. Shahaddah is a poet, activist, photographer, and spoken word artist. She’s also been a BGC Club kid, volunteer and employee with BGC Eastview in Toronto. Earlier in the day today, she facilitated a spoken word workshop with youth at BGC Kawarthas. Shahaddah was chosen from candidates across the country based on their achievements, service and leadership to their Club, school, and community.
Two scholarships were awarded: the Ron Kennedy Scholarship, set up by the family of the late founder of the Club in 2020 for the Club’s 50th anniversary; and the Marcie Beall scholarship (former Club staff) which was established by her family to honour her memory in 2021 after she succumbed to cancer.
Award Winners
Arts Achievement Award
(Sponsored by Flato, Supported by Kawartha Lakes Arts Council)
12 – 17: Jenna Dunford
18 – 24: Christina Dedes
Entrepreneurship Award
(Sponsored by KLCFDC & City of Kawartha Lakes)
12 – 17: Rowan Kerr
18 – 24: Laura Butler
Physical Literacy Award
(Sponsored by Planet Fitness)
12 – 17: Tie – Amy Lamb and Addison Coulter
18 – 24: Serena Tesic
Resiliency Award
(Sponsored by Pinnguaq)
12 – 17: Landen Edwards-White
18 – 24: Hannah McCallum
Humanitarian Award
(Sponsored by Wood-Mizer)
12 – 17: Matthew DeVuono
Leadership Award
(Sponsored by Greg Evans Professional Corporation)
12 – 17: Evan Brown
18 – 24: Madalynn Murray
BGC Club Spirit Award
(Sponsored by Cable Cable)
12 – 17: Landen Edwards-White
18 – 24: Mikyla Dietrich
Ron Kennedy Scholarship
(Supported by the Kennedy Family)
Sophie Gregory
Marcie Beall Scholarship
(Scholarship from the Beall/Lough Families)
Mikyla Dietrich
For more information about the Awards, please visit the website BGC Kawarthas, and follow the following social media platforms:
Instagram: @bgckawarthasfoundation
Facebook: BGC Kawarthas Foundation