Hardworking youth in Burnaby were recognized for their contributions to the community on Monday.
At the start of the most recent city council meeting, Mayor Derek Corrigan presented 26 young people with Youth Citizenship Awards, on behalf of the city’s Youth Voice committee. School trustees Ron Burton, Meiling Chia, Larry Hayes, Harman Pandher, James Wang and Gary Wong were also on hand.
“Those in attendance today are youth that volunteer at recreation centres, lead girls' groups, focus on bullying and self esteem, organize volunteer programs and work with students who have special needs,” said Corrigan. “They're involved in leadership groups, part of green eco-teams, they organize technology training for seniors.
“These youth are local heroes.”
The ceremony was part of Burnaby Youth Week, held every year during the first week of May. Youth Week is designed to build connections between young people and their communities.
“Young people are often criticized and stereotype, and this year’s group proves much to the contrary,” said Corrigan. “They really are people to be looked up to.”
The award recipients were Maisaloon Al-Ashkar, Vanessa Bui, Albert Cherng, Andy Lin and Si Jia Wen.
As well, Certificates of Recognition went to Jess Ashton, Hannah Aubert, Theo Best, Jeanne d’arc Mabalama, Joey Di Pietro, Mary Yanya Erasto, Jenny Ho, Nathan Marsh, Jeo Mateo, Aishwi Roshan, Nicolle Salas, Julie Schlegel, Shadab Sharafiar, Julia Sharma, Elijah Sherlock, Jordan Strachan, Caitie Sturm, Victoria Thein, Jet Thorsteinsson, Anthony Wong and Aslan Youdan.
Award winners each received a $100 bursary.
