Submissions for 2025 Now Open!

A new Youth Awards season has begun! This time with some all new, polished-up award categories! We also have brand new, easier-to-use forms for submission!

If you are from the Kawartha Lakes or Peterborough area, and you have a kid between 12-24 years old and you think they deserve recognition for their hard work related to art, working, advocacy, leadership, sportsmanship, perseverance, spirit, or STEM smarts, you can submit them for these awards! If you yourself are between 12-24 years old, you can submit for yourself too!

What Awards Are There?

Arts Achievement Award

The recipient of this aware has demonstrated originality and passion in creating, promoting or celebrating art. The art category is broad and includes visual art, music, theatre, dance, film, literature, artisan crafts and digital media. Creating art can include the design and production of original work, and promoting and celebrating art could include marketing, organizing gatherings or promoting the art of others.

Outstanding Young Worker Award 

The recipient of this award may be self-employed, a co-op student, paid or unpaid volunteer, or a paid employee.  They are recognized for qualities that make them a strong team player in a workplace:  positive attitude, reliability, willingness to learn, strong work ethic and commitment to making a difference.  They are consistent performers who routinely go above and beyond expectations.

Advocate Award 

The recipient of this award has shown courage and conviction by standing up for, and speaking out, in support of their beliefs. They’ve translated those convictions into action while showing respect and dignity towards others.  Whether they fight for social justice issues, sustainability of the planet, or equality and inclusion, they do so with passion.  This award may be for an individual, or a group. 

STEM Award 

The recipient of this award has demonstrated a strong interest in, and achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM).  They exhibit some of the qualities of a scientist:  curiosity, interest in discovery, innovation and experimentation.  They enjoy finding solutions to problems, and might be known as a tech whiz.  Their achievements may be academic, in club or community initiatives, or through entrepreneurial ventures. 

Leadership Award 

The recipient of this award understands themselves, their goals and vision. They are able to harness various strengths, approaches, and skills in order to influence, interact and communicate with others. This individual has demonstrated the ability to motivate a group of people to achieve a common goal together.

Resiliency Award

The recipient of this award has shown an ability to overcome obstacles, persevere when problems arise and to bounce back from adversity. They have faced challenges, delays and opposition on the road to success. They haven’t just survived, they have thrived.

Health and Wellness Champion Award

The recipient of this award has demonstrated mindfulness, a commitment to health and wellness, and understands the value of being active for life.  Award recipients exhibit leadership in promoting physical literacy by actively participating in or organizing wellness initiatives, sports, fitness programs, or health awareness campaigns. Their positive influence motivates others to adopt lifelong habits that contribute to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Ron Kennedy Scholarship

A nominee, who is transitioning to post-secondary education or training in the next 12 months (as of this form being submitted) can also be considered for the Ron Kennedy Scholarship ($500 value). Ron Kennedy exemplified all the qualities represented by our eight award categories. This scholarship, established by the family of our founder, Ron Kennedy, will be awarded to one individual from our full slate of nominees. This nominee is transitioning to post-secondary education or training in the next 12 months and should be considered for the Ron Kennedy Scholarship.

Here are our 2025 Award Sponsors:

• Arts Achievement: Sponsored by Kei-Lin Roofing Inc.
• Humanitarian
• Outstanding Worker
• BGC Club Spirit 
• Health & Wellness Champion
• Leadership: Sponsored by Greg Evans Professional Corp.
• Resiliency
• Ron Kennedy Scholarship Fund: Sponsored by the Kennedy Family
• Marcie Beall Scholarship Fund: Sponsored by the Beall Family

You can find out more about the awards by going here.