May 5, 2017 - The City of Thunder Bay Recreation and Culture Division held an awards ceremony to recognize youth for their accomplishments and contributions to our community. Five individual awards and two community organization awards were presented this evening at the Kinsmen Youth Centre.

"Youth are the future of our community," said Kim Begin - Program Supervisor Children & Youth, City of Thunder Bay. "It is inspiring to see such young leaders with so much passion and drive. We are proud to recognize them for their truly remarkable achievements and show them our support. We encourage them to continue their efforts and thank them for their leadership and for the positive role models they have become in our community."

Youth Awards were presented to:

Branden Trochymchuk - Community Enhancement Award

Branden Trochymchuk has been involved with the Natural Helper's, an informal network which offers support to their peers. Brandon was also one of 10 students chosen to be trained in bullying prevention and has subsequently led several workshops for students in grades seven - nine.   Brandon is also the youth representative for both the Safe and Accepting School Committee and the Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee.

Karadyn Kiviaho - Young Giant Award

Karadyn Kiviaho is recognized as an effective student mediator in the Peer Mediator Program, helping to solve problems by youth with youth. Karadyn is also a Student Ambassador at Westgate Collegiate Vocational Institute where she works hard to ensure that all new students in the school are comfortable and able to feel safe. Karadyn is dedicated to helping make her school a welcoming environment for all students. 

Brandon Rehfuhs - Young Entrepreneurs Award

Brandon Rehfuhs' interest in entrepreneurism was demonstrated this year in his grade nine business class where he earned 100 per cent in his introduction to business course. Brandon designed a calendar with photo contributions by Westgate students and teachers, and was able to get it sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Brandon used a strategic sales plan to sell 2,000 calendars and was able to donate $870 to charitable organizations including the Thunder Bay Humane Society, Special Olympics Ontario, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Regional Food Distribution Association. 

Riley Yesno - The Leader of Tomorrow Award

Riley Yesno is a member of the Rainy River Youth Council, the Prime Minister's Youth Council, Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board's Designated Trustee and is the Neechee Studio Youth Liaison. Riley has been recognized by CBC as one of Canada's top 13 Indigenous Women to watch.  Riley truly strives to make a difference, be a good role model and advocate for those without representation or means to do so themselves.
Marlene Thomas - Outstanding Commitment and Dedication to their Community Award
Marlene Thomas has just recently returned to Westgate School and has already shown a serious commitment to being a part of the school community. Marlene is a member of the Social Justice League (GSA), the Collaborative Inquiry Project, the Yearbook Committee and Law Day. Marlene also volunteers at her community Pow Wows, streets fairs and as a fire keeper. 

The Westgate Wellness Group - Youth Movement Group Award

The Westgate Wellness Group works hard to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and provides opportunities for students to reduce stress. The Westgate Wellness Group has been instrumental in the promotion of the Westgate Wellness Room, a safe space where students can decompress when under stress or in crisis. The members of this group have recently designed a Tree of Kindness where students can take a leaf, write a kind message or quote, and stick it to the tree posted in the main hall. The initiative was so popular with the students that they ran out of leaves on the first day. 

Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre's Youth Council - Community Organization Youth Award

Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre's Youth Council brings together youth ages 13 - 19 years of age and provides opportunities for social and community engagement. The youth on the Council are working on numerous projects. Some of their initiatives include planning to host a booth at Thunder Pride's Pride in the Park for the first time, and working towards painting a "Friendship Mural" in a public space to inspire inclusivity and solidarity for our community. The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for youth to come and express their opinion on issues surrounding the city, accessing opportunities for volunteering and leadership development, making friends and having fun.

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Contact:  Kim Begin, Program Supervisor - Children & Youth, 620-7051, kbegin@thunderbay.ca