Kitchener Youth Action Council award winners announced

NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF KITCHENER
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The 22nd Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) Youth Awards Ceremony took place last night in the Kitchener City Hall Rotunda. The annual event celebrates the talents and contributions of youth in the community aged 14-24. With 96 nominations received, 165 youth were recognized during the evening’s ceremonies.

“Kitchener youth are doing incredible things in our community,” said Janice Ouellette, supervisor of children’s and youth services for the City of Kitchener. “They're talented, passionate, and motivated to make a difference. We're grateful for the opportunity to recognize the next generation of leaders for the valuable contributions they're already making to our community.”

The awards included 13 categories for recognition, including arts and culture, leadership, sports and recreation, unity in diversity, and intergenerational work. Also awarded was The Youth Ally award, which recognizes an adult volunteering with youth and serving as a positive role model in the community.

KY 2019 Award winners include:

Community Contribution – Oscar Judelson-Kelly

Arts & Culture – Jacy Morneau

Entrepreneurship – Skyler Antler

Environmental – Jillian Jeung

Leadership – Melda Kiziltan

Personal Triumph – Tyler Anthony

Service & Caregiving – Jace Nyp

Social Action & Justice – Zakirah Allain

Sports & Recreation – Faith Gurski

Unity in Diversity – Edward Linder

Intergenerational – Lillian Hyatt

Group Award – Cameron Heights Black Student Union

Youth Ally – Kate Gingerich

Students from Cameron Heights performed at the event and Mayor Berry Vrbanovic provided opening remarks.

The awards program is intended to generate awareness for the leadership, talents and meaningful contributions of youth in Kitchener, while inspiring young people to become more involved in their community.

For more information on the KYAC Awards visit, www.kitchener.ca/youthawards

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