Youth Awards
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Current winners
Junior Youth of the Year - Annabelle Edmunds-Ramsay
Annabelle sings in many languages but sharing Nunatsiavut’s Inuttitut classical music means the most. She performs with diverse groups like Shallaway Youth Choir, Indigenous Performing Arts NL and Opera on the Avalon. Volunteering on the Chorister Council and being an Apprentice to younger singers speaks to her leadership & dedication. Her empathy and optimism shines bright on and off stage.
Councillor Ron Ellsworth and Recreation Fieldworker Nicole Murphy presented Annabelle with the award at the 2025 Applause Awards Gala.
Senior Youth of the Year - Klaire Gardiner
Klaire is a dedicated student at Gonzaga High School in St. John’s, NL, enrolled in the Advanced Placement program. She co-founded the Outdoor Library of Airport Heights and volunteers with initiatives like the Kids Eat Smart Program, AHFD, Coldest Night of the Year, and PUPS. A Black Belt in Karate and certified lifeguard, Klaire completed all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and aspires to become a psychologist to support her community.
Councillor Ron Ellsworth and Recreation Fieldworker Nicole Murphy presented Klaire with the award at the 2025 Applause Awards Gala.
Previous winners
2024 |
Junior Youth of the Year - Alexis MacDonaldAlexis MacDonald, a student at École Rocher-du-Nord, is actively involved in her community through various organizations, including the "About Face" Youth Advisory Committee, a national organization supporting individuals with facial differences. Senior Youth of the Year - Sheza ChowdhurySheza Chowdhury is a dedicated and enthusiastic grade 10 student at Gonzaga High School, showcasing her skills in various clubs and teams. Her diverse interests, attention to detail, and eagerness to help others make her an exemplary student. |
2023 |
Seth Hyde - Junior Youth of the YearA student at MacDonald Drive Junior High, Seth is actively involved in a number of school activities, including Student Council and the NHL Youth Advisory Committee. He is involved in Video production and broadcasting for the school, including the multi-cultural welcome video, retirement videos and morning announcements; he hosts activities and events and emcees concerts and assemblies. Seth actively volunteers as a visitor at Kenny's Pond Retirement Home, reads in church, and participates in grounds clean ups. Always willing to jump in where needed and whatever the request, Seth is recognized for his determination, compassion and empathy.
Cameron Gardiner - Senior Youth of the YearA student at Gonzaga High School. Founder of the Airport Heights Food Drive, Cameron is actively working on establishing an Outdoor Library. He is a strong participant in the Mercedes Garden initiative at St. Patrick’s Nursing Home, the YMCA Media Mentors Program, Rotary Interact Club, the Gonzaga Student Mental Health Coalition, Tutors for Tuition and much more. In his nomination for this award, Cameron’s science teacher describes him as “the epitome of what it means to be humble: and a “rare gem: Cameron Gardiner will make changes in this world!” |
2022 |
Maia Mckeown - Junior Youth of the YearMckeown is a well-rounded individual with a penchant for languages and a talent for music. She actively participates in school groups at Brother Rice Junior High and performs with the Shalloway Youth Choir and the CALOS Youth Orchestra and volunteers her time at Kenny's Pond Retirement Residence. She also volunteered last year at Vera Perlin Society summer camps. An award-winning short story writer and public speaker, McKeown also performs with Best Kind Productions, and has appeared at numerous music festivals and events from St. John's to Carbonear. Tanish Bhatt - Senior Youth of the YearA Grade 10 student at Gonzaga High School Bhatt is a competitive tennis and badminton player and an outstanding student: Winner of the Sanofi Biogenius Competition in the Atlantic Canada Division for 2021; Gold Medalist at the 2019 NL Science Fair and the MUN Department of Psychology Award; Winner of the MacDonald Drive Junior High Citizen of the Year Award and Student Leadership Award (2021); and recipient of the Jeff Babstock Award in 2021. He is spearheading the Gonzaga SpellingBee4Literacy, is actively involved in the STEM program and was accepted to participate in the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Parliament 2022 session. |
2021 |
Margaret Peters - Junior Youth of the YearMargaret Peters is an outstanding French Immersion academic, leader and volunteer. She is an outstanding academic student and leader. She volunteers with school breakfast program, plans special events and organizes food drives. Also, a talented band and choir member. Despite COVID-19 limitations Margaret has continued to provide leadership for the school band and choir and is a member of Shallaway Youth Choir, Girl Guides of Canada, and St. Mark’s Anglican Church Youth Group. Jorja Hinks - Senior Youth if the YearJorja has inspired and empowered others. In 2012, at age 8, she created an international non-profit called Jorja's Journeys that with the help of others provides emergency relief and educational skill development in developing countries. Jorja has taken part in eight international impact trips and through these have developed strategies to ensure Jorja's Journeys is providing responsible and effective aid with long-term transformative outcomes. She is a motivational speaker for local youth, athlete, and high achieving academic student. Jorja is an active member of the Cabot Taekwondo Club, a competitive figure skater, an advocate for ASL and Deaf individuals, on her school volleyball team and is completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
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