2026 Applause Awards Winners and Finalists

Councillor Debbie Hanlon Award for Senior of the Year

Winner:

Finalists: 

• Edward Sawdon: Facing a long history of medical problems, Ed has repeatedly overcome personal challenges. This, however, has not stopped Ed from acting as a passionate volunteer for many organizations and causes. Since moving to Newfoundland & Labrador, Ed has been involved as a member and a volunteer with the Empower Disability Resource Centre, CHANNAL/Lifewise, Ostomy Newfoundland & Labrador, CMHA-NL, Schizophrenia Society of NL; Pottle Centre, COD-NL, and Vibrant Communities/Citizens Voice, CSC-NL. Ed has received numerous national, provincial & local awards, including the 2013 CMHA National Consumer Award; 2014 Governor-General's Caring Canadian Award & the 2016 Sovereign's Medal for Volunteerism.
• Max Kirby: 103-year-old Maxwell Kirby of St. John's left an indelible mark on his community before passing away on January 22, 2026. He was a celebrated athlete in his prime, a regular on NTV's Inspiring NL, and the pride of MUN's Field House. Max walked MUN's indoor track daily, and always with a smile. His remarkable commitment changed people, pushed people, and inspired people. Max gave back to the community with his kind demeanor and enduring spirit, positively influencing everyone he encountered.

Youth of the Year

Junior Youth of the Year 

Winner: 

• Gayathri Prem: A dedicated student leader and community advocate, she served as Student Council VP and is now a Grade 9 rep at PWC. She co founded a social action club that raised funds for community initiatives. She volunteers with Unified Sports, joins Duke of Edinburgh, SharingOurCultures, and has performed at the Canada Games, Canada Day and Multicultural events. She received the Matthew Churchill Award for being a well rounded student. She is a volleyball athlete, academic, artist/dancer and a role model to many.

Finalist: 

• Olivia Neary: Olivia Neary is a Grade 8 French Immersion student at St. Paul’s Junior High and a dedicated youth leader. She volunteers weekly with Shallaway Youth Choir, mentoring young choristers, and serves as a junior camp leader. An accomplished rower and active performer in music, dance, and theatre, Olivia shows strong commitment, teamwork, and creativity. Her leadership, volunteerism, and passion for the arts make a meaningful impact in her community.

Senior Youth of the Year

Winner: 

• Alpita Patro: Gonzaga High School student, Alpita Patro, volunteers at Bishop’s Garden Senior Living, coached badminton, and serves as a first responder. She founded Creators of Tomorrow to guide 200+ students through immersive STEM workshops and developed memory aids for seniors. Representing Team NL four times at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, she was named the 2022 Sanofi BioGENEius National competition winner and earned several medals. At the NL youth parliament, she served as the MHA for St. John’s West.

Finalists: 

• Grace Snow: Grace is a Grade 11 French Immersion student at Holy Heart of Mary High School. She has been actively involved in various leadership and national adovocacy roles. She currently serves as a member of the Health Canada National Youth Committee and dedicates some of her time to research on behalf of Food Allergy Canada. Her hobbies include playing alto saxophone, figure skating, swimming, and locating peanut-free ice-cream parlours.
• Noshin Khan: Noshin Khan is the founder and leader of her school's Robotics Club, securing over $3,000 in corporate funding to compete nationally. She has placed first in the Rotary Speak-Off and has attended the Adventure in Citizenship program in Ottawa. Noshin is a peer-tutor, Environmental Representative, Community Outreach Network member, and Family Service Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House. She has been awarded the prestigious Currie Undergraduate Scholarship in Engineering at UNB valued at $75,000.

Athletes of the Year Awards

Awards are given in three categories - female, male and team.

Marg Davis Award for Female Athlete of the Year

Winner: 

• Falon McLoughlan: Falon McLoughlan has distinguished herself as a high-achieving athlete, student and community leader. Falon earned a silver at the Pan American Games in Canoas, Brazil Leading to the 100th Deaflympics in Tokyo in 2025 where Team Canada finished a historic 7th in women’s volleyball. Falon won silver at the Canadian Club Nationals and was a 16U Provincial All-Star. Falon won numerous awards and scholarships in 2025 including The Team Gushue Athletic Award. With a 96 average, Falon leads by example.

Finalists: 

• Kate Bazeley: In 2025, Kate Bazeley once again showcased her talent and leadership in women’s long-distance running. Competing among the professional field at the Boston Marathon, she finished seventh in the masters category with an impressive time of 2:39:33.  Closer to home, Kate secured her ninth win at the Tely 10, setting a new course record of 53:42. She also won the Mews Memorial 8K, the Paradise Five and Dime 10K, and the Atlantic track and field championships 5000 metre! 
• Mya Rogers: Mya was a dual sport athlete for Team NL at the Canadian Championships in both 4-Wall Handball and in Trampoline Gymnastics in Alberta. She also competed at Elite Canada in B.C for Trampoline. In Handball, Mya won gold for junior singles and for doubles and silver for women’s B singles. For Trampoline, Mya earned gold in women’s L5 Synchronized Trampoline and a 5th in Individual at Elite Canada. She then captured the silver in synchro and bronze individual at the Canadian Championships.

Tom “Dynamite” Dunn Award for Male Athlete of the Year

Winner: 

• Jason Hill: Jason Hill delivered a dominant season locally and nationally. With 3 Cheers Pub, he led the team to a 14-2-2 first-place finish, St. John’s Day Tournament title (4-0), and league championship (6-0). He earned MVP honours for both the regular season and tournament, and captured the pitching Triple Crown with 10 wins, 116 strikeouts, and a 1.70 ERA. He was named to the All-League Team and earned Player of the Month honours. Jason also won a provincial championship, captured gold in Galway as an All-Star Infielder, and was named the 2025 Softball NL Player of the Year.

Finalists: 

• Levi Moulton: Levi is a lifelong runner whose passion for anatomy and athletics inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. He will begin his surgical training this July. Despite a demanding schedule, he consistently prioritizes training, making a dedicated effort to be in peak condition each time he steps to the start line. Having competed against some of the top runners in Canada, Levi credits his love for Newfoundland and his lifelong admiration for the Tely 10 as key motivators in pushing him to rise above the competition. 
• Harry Carter: Harry played a key role in winning the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial League title, earning All-Star honours and helping his team qualify for nationals. With Holy Cross, he led a historic run to the Canadian National Championship—the first by a Newfoundland and Labrador team since 1988. He assisted the opening goal in the semifinal win over Quebec, then scored a late equalizer in the final against Ontario to force penalties. He also scored the first penalty in the shootout, securing a 5–4 victory, and was named tournament MVP.

Team of the Year

Winner: 

• Holy Cross Nutra Holdings: Holy Cross Nutra Holdings finished off an undefeated season by capturing their 3rd National soccer championship in 4 years in front of their fans at King George the 5th soccer pitch in St.John's with a thrilling 2-1 win over Quebec with Teri Murphy notching the winning goal. Holy Cross won their 10 consecutive Jubilee Provincial soccer Championship and also captured the NL Cup tournament title.

Finalists: 

• Galway Hitmen: The Galway Hitmen made history in 2025, winning an unprecedented 10th national senior men's fastpitch softball title. This one was perhaps their most dramatic. After a perfect 5-0 record in round-robin play, the Hitmen dropped their opening game of the playoffs. To win another title, the club would have to run the table - winning four-straight games to claim the Canadian championship. The Hitmen did just that, including three victories on championship Sunday. First a win over British Columbia, followed by a 2-1 decision over Toronto. In the final, trailing 1-0 heading into the seventh inning, The Hitmen scored twice in their final at bat to win it all. Sean Cleary was named the top player of the championship round. It solidifies Galway's place as the greatest Canadian fastpitch team ever, with a record 10 titles, and one of the greatest amateur sports teams of all-time.
• Holy Cross Kirby Group: Holy Cross Kirby Group men captured the National Soccer Championship in front of their hometown fans at King George the 5th by beating Ontario in a penalty shot shootout with Keeper Thomas Pieroway blasting in the winning goal. It gave Holy Cross and Newfoundland and Labrador its second National title with the first being won in 1988. Holy Cross went undefeated in the Challenge Cup Provincial league and the NL Cup, securing both titles for the club.

Climate Change Leadership Awards

 Awards are given in two categories - corporate and community.

Corporate Climate Change Leadership Award

Winner: 

• Choices for Youth: Choices for Youth (CFY) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending youth homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador. Opening in Fall 2025, its Social Enterprise and Innovation Hub is an adaptive reuse of a former two-storey concrete building, bringing together Choices for Youth’s three social enterprises alongside dedicated support and training staff. The Hub will provide rapid skills development for vulnerable youth, connecting them to social enterprise employment and supporting their transition to the labour market or post-secondary education. Exterior upgrades and interior renovations have brought the building up to modern energy efficiency and accessibility standards, reducing energy consumption by an estimated 84 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 3.8 tonnes annually.

Finalists: 

• Biolab: BioLabMate is rethinking the future of lab and medical materials by developing biodegradable products made from seaweed-based materials as an alternative to petroleum-based single-use plastics. The company is focused on helping reduce plastic waste in research labs and medical facilities while advancing more sustainable, ocean-derived solutions. They are building a "blue economy" in St. John's turning abundant local resources in high-value exports.
• Take Charge: TakeCharge is a joint initiative of Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, delivering energy efficiency programs to customers across the province. Since 2009, it has helped save over 300 gigawatt-hours of energy annually and reduced electricity costs by more than $320 million.

  Programs like Energy Savers Kits provide free efficiency upgrades to households earning under $70,000. In 2025, 745 St. John’s households received kits, saving 673,934 kilowatt-hours, over $102,000, and reducing peak demand by 183 kilowatts. An additional 34 homes received free attic insulation upgrades, saving $72,000 in costs and more than 54,000 kilowatt-hours annually, or about $8,800 in yearly savings.

Community Climate Change Leadership Award

Winner: 

• Home Again Furniture Bank: Home Again Furniture Bank is a St. John’s-based non-profit transforming lives while reducing environmental impact. Over 10 years, it has diverted more than 2 million pounds of furniture from landfill by redistributing essential items to families in need. Through its social enterprise, Again & Again, and upcycling programs, Home Again extends the life of furniture, creates employment, and demonstrates how circular solutions reduce waste, strengthen communities, and support housing stability.

Finalists: 

• Stewardship Association of Municipalities (SAM): SAM is a non-profit network of municipalities across NL working to conserve habitat, support biodiversity, and advance environmental stewardship. Through partnerships, SAM helps protect wetlands, coastal areas, and species-at-risk habitat. In St. John’s, this includes expanding protected areas like Lundrigan’s Marsh, Southside Hills, and Cape Spear to support climate resilience and healthy communities.
• Econext: Econext is a not-for-profit industry association that helps accelerate environmentally sustainable economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. With approximately 200 member businesses, research institutions, governments, and organizations – econext is Newfoundland and Labrador’s leading voice on the green economy. econext has four key areas of focus: Member opportunities; public policy and advocacy; capacity building; and innovation.

Innovative Housing Design Award

Winners:

• First Light, Harvey House Project: Since 1983, First Light Friendship Centre has worked to uplift the Urban Indigenous community in St. John’s. Their work is rooted in community, culture and connection, and this is what they hope you’ll find when you land at Harvey House. This culturally grounded, 10 unit transitional housing program, has reinvigorated a historic St. John’s property, welcoming home femme, gender diverse and Two-Spirit resident relatives carrying lived experiences of violence. The building and program are named in memory of Andrew Harvey, a guiding force in the innovation of First Light's Housing, Justice & Social Supports programming. First Light hopes he'd be proud of the team’s work.
• Werkliv, Wester-Land Project: Wester-Land is a purpose-built, thoughtfully designed campus-adjacent student housing project that offers housing for over 670 students. Located next to the Aquarena at MUN, Wester-land focuses on sustainability, accessibility, and community through fully furnished apartments, shared wellness and study spaces, and bike-focused transportation. Wester-Land brings student housing capacity closer to campus with the goal of minimizing urban sprawl and furniture waste.

Heritage Awards

The following properties were recognized for preserving or restoring the original character of a building:

Winners: 

• 90 Pleasant Street (Heritage Area 2): “The Cooperage” is a new outbuilding located in the backyard of 90 Pleasant Street, which is a municipally and provincially designated Heritage Building. The construction of The Cooperage involved an archeological investigation which uncovered the presence of a cooperage on the property in the early 1900s.Interviews were conducted with descendants of original property owners to help determine window and door placement as no photos of the original cooperage could be found. Parts of the existing foundation were incorporated into the new building and historic building methods were used where building code allowed.
• 71 Rennie's Mill Road (Heritage Area 1): The owners of 71 Rennie’s Mill Road recently completed a 15-month restoration project on this 159-year-old home known as Clifton. The exterior of the house was scraped and painted, new clapboard replaced rotten pieces where necessary, and missing trim elements were restored. The majority of Clifton’s original wooden windows were intact, and these were preserved. Non-functioning windows were carefully removed, restored, and re-installed in order to render them operational. Where new windows were required, these were built to match existing windows using traditional materials. This work will help preserve the building for hopefully another 150 years.
• 111 Freshwater Road (Heritage Area 3): The property owner of 111 Freshwater Road went above and beyond the minimum heritage requirements with this exterior renovation by retaining the original materials on the front of the house. All wooden windows were maintained, the wood clapboard and trims were sanded and painted, and rotten pieces were replaced when necessary. Siding on the rest of the house was removed and replaced with wood clapboard to match the front of the house. Building and window trims installed on the back of the house were built to echo the style found on the front facade. This is a wonderful example of how a building can be revitalized and contribute positively to the streetscape.

Tourism Awards

Awards are given in three categories - excellence, legend, and distinction.

Tourism Excellence Award 

Winner:

• Spirit of Newfoundland: Spirit of Newfoundland Productions is a St. John’s food, beverage, and entertainment company. Operating since 1997, Peter Halley and Kathie Hicks have been bringing their artistic and entrepreneurial talents to the company and community. At its core are original dinner & show productions for audiences of all types; performed across the province and at their current home is 208 Gower Street, St. John's. They strive to celebrate the rich culture of Newfoundland & Labrador and be a part of it. 

Tourism Legend Award

Winner:

• Destination St. John’s: Destination St. John’s is the region’s destination marketing organization, working on behalf of its partners to grow tourism as a powerful force for good. Since 1997, DSJ has attracted business, sport, and cultural events, while growing leisure, group, and motorcoach travel. These efforts drive economic impact, support local businesses, and enrich community life; positioning the St. John’s region as a vibrant, inclusive, and world-class destination.

The Destination St. John’s Award of Distinction

Winner:

• 2025 Canada Games Host Society: The 2025 Canada Games represented a defining moment for St. John’s and our province; welcoming athletes, coaches, officials, and visitors from across the country. The impact of the Games was significant generating over $180 million in economic activity, including more than $40 million in visitor spending, supporting over 600 local jobs and nearly $57 million in wages, and welcoming more than 31,000 visitors from outside the region. But beyond the numbers, the Games created something even more meaningful; an extraordinary sense of community pride. They showcased St. John’s as a vibrant, inclusive, and capable host destination, with nearly 93% of visitors indicating they are likely to return. From the opening ceremonies to the final events, the experience delivered to participants and guests was exceptional. The energy throughout the city was undeniable, and the legacy of the Games will be felt for years to come. This success was made possible through the leadership of the Host Society, supported by a dedicated team, countless volunteers, and strong partnerships across all levels of government and our community.

Volunteer of the Year

This award recognizes two categories of volunteers - individual and community group.

Individual Volunteer of the Year

Winner: 

• Gary Furlong: Gary Furlong is the President of the Geraldine Rubia Centre at 41 Shaw Street. He assumed the role 12 years ago with a vision of creating a welcoming and inclusive space for adults with special needs, ensuring that individuals of all abilities feel supported and valued. Gary has worked with the City of St. John’s since 1989 and has a long record of community involvement. He volunteered 17 years with CHMR as a country music DJ and now hosts a classic country show on VOWR. He has served with the Knights of Columbus and spent 14 years as DJ for the St. John’s Maple Leafs.

Finalists: 

• Tom Jackman: Tom Jackman is a prominent neurodiversity advocate and community volunteer-based volunteer, widely recognized for his dedication to improving the lives of autistic individuals and people with disabilities. He is a board member at the National Autism Network where he is currently working to inform the Federal Government on how to carry out Canada's Autism Strategy. Beyond disability advocacy, Jackman’s volunteer footprint in the St. John’s region is diverse and extensive.
• Glenn Roil: Glenn Roil is an international award-winning mental health advocate and published author. A referral partner with StigmaZero since 2019, he also co-leads the Americas Region for the Global Mental Health Peer Network. Glenn’s lived experience informs his work to reduce stigma and improve workplace mental health, earning honours including the 2022 National Alliance of Mental Illness Lionel Aldridge Champions Award and the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission Human Rights Champion Award for mental health.

Group Volunteer of the Year

Winner: 

• Seth and Matty’s Hat Trick Campaign Committee: Established to raise funds and awareness for the Easter Seals Accessible & Inclusive Park Project, the committee has successfully raised over $120,000. They have demonstrated strong leadership and community engagement by organizing fundraising events, building partnerships with local businesses, and inspiring others to support accessible recreation. A friendship that began at school, grew stronger at camp, and was fueled by a hockey rivalry—supported by families who believed in the vision their sons were creating.

Finalists: 

• NL Eats Community Outreach Inc.: NL Eats Community Outreach Inc. is a community-driven initiative dedicated to celebrating and strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador’s local food culture. They successfully expanded its reach through high-impact community events, strengthened partnerships with local producers and businesses, and significantly increased public engagement across the province. Through storytelling and collaboration, NL Eats promotes sustainability, supports local economies, and creates inclusive spaces where food brings people together.
• Georgestown Neighbourhood Association: The Georgestown Neighbourhood Association was founded in 2000 by residents interested in community building. For the last 26 years, they have worked to advocate for the neighbourhood and to build community through events such as their spring and fall clean-ups and summer flea market and barbecue. They have recently co-sponsored a food drive with Bridges to Hope and hope to do this again in the future.

Arts Awards

This award recognize two categories of artists: individual and group.

Artists of the Year

Winner:

• Deantha Edmunds: Deantha Edmunds is Canada’s first Inuk professional classical singer, and a Member of the Order of Canada. Acadia University awarded her an Honorary Doctor of Music. In 2025, she won the JUNO for ‘Classical Composition of the Year’, ECMA’s ‘Indigenous Artist of the Year’, and both ‘Classical Artist’ and ‘Indigenous Artist of the Year’ from Music NL. Deantha seeks to empower Indigenous people and share their stories, and her work has international reverberation as well as community integrity.

Finalists:

• Ana Liusa Ramos: Ana Luísa Ramos is a Brazilian singer-songwriter based in St. John’s, Canada. She won Global Release of the Year at the 2025 ECMAs and is a multiple MusicNL Award winner. She has performed internationally for over two decades and contributed to more than 20 albums. Ana also collaborates with Eric Taylor Escudero in Ana & Eric. Her latest album, Solaris, features songs in Portuguese and English exploring themes of love.
• Caroline Clarke: Caroline Clarke is a St. John’s–based illustrator and artist known for bright, colourful, and often humorous work. Her illustrations appear in children’s books, animation, promotional materials and signage. She has exhibited at the NL Craft Council Gallery. In 2025, she contributed to documenting the Canada Summer Games with the Group of 77 through drawings, served as inaugural artist-in-residence for the Trail of the Caribou Pilgrimage, and has launched an urban sketcher group for St. John’s.

Arts Organization/Group of the Year

Winner:

• Resource Centre for the Arts: The Resource Centre for the Arts was created in 1972 as an artist-run, community-based organization that fosters the development and showcasing of NL's art and artists. RCA Theatre Company (RCAT) provides resources and a supportive environment for the production and promotion of Newfoundland and Labrador Theatre, while its home, the historic LSPU Hall, is an accessible space dedicated to serving the community through well-resourced programming and as a venue for multi-disciplinary works, festivals, and events.

Finalists:

• PerSIStence Theatre Company: PerSIStence Theatre Company is a non-profit organization in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada that uses professional theatre and related initiatives to respond to the persistent and universal need for promoting, understanding and embracing the core beliefs of feminism. 
• Group of 77 Drawing Group: The Group of 77 Drawing Group is a long-standing collective of artists based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Founded in 1977, the member-run group meets weekly to draw from the human figure, fostering skill development and community. During the Canada Summer Games this past August, 27 members drew live events, capturing the energy, movement, and spirit of the Games through observational work.