The BGC Kawarthas Foundation in Lindsay is inviting nominations for its seventh annual Kawartha Lakes Youth Awards, recognizing young people aged 11 to 24 for their achievements, leadership, and contributions to the community.
Created to spotlight young leaders in Kawartha Lakes whose dedication to their passions and commitment to community service deserve recognition, the awards celebrate youth in two age groups (11 to 17 and 18 to 24) and in eight categories, including arts achievement, outstanding young worker, humanitarian, STEM, leadership, resiliency, health and wellness champion, and BGC Club Spirit.
Anyone can submit a nomination, including youth themselves.
Fenelon Falls resident Avalon Loube, who last year received both the leadership award along with her colleagues on the Fenelon Falls Youth Impact Council and the humanitarian award individually, states in a media release 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,” Loube notes. “They also asked me questions about what I’ve accomplished in the community (and) how I’ve worked to achieve and represent some of the values BGC represents as well.”
Nominees can be recognized individually or as part of a group, and each candidate may be nominated for up to two awards.
In addition to the awards, nominations are also being accepted for two scholarship awards.
The Ron Kennedy Scholarship, established in honour of the founder of BGC Kawarthas, will be awarded to one nominee who is transitioning to post-secondary education or training within the next year. The $800 Marcie Beall Scholarship, named after a former BGC Kawarthas employee known for her dedication to working with children and youth, is available for nominees aged 17 to 24 with previous or current involvement with BGC Kawarthas and will support their education or career advancement.
Nomination forms are available at www.bgckawarthas.com/kawartha-lakes-youth-awards/, with submissions due by Monday, March 23. Finalists will be recognized during a public awards ceremony in June featuring presentations, certificates, entertainment, and more.
