Choices for Youth team members, program participants, and supporters gathered at the CLB Armoury on October 23 to celebrate the achievements of nine young people at our Annual Youth Celebration. FDC Officer Rebecca Gillard opened the proceedings and introduced the event’s emcees: CFY’s Senior Director of Programs and Human Resources, Dave Banfield, and Youth Advisory and Leadership Council Co-Chair Dionne. The emcees welcomed everyone and then brought CFY’s Executive Director Jen Crowe to the stage to bring greetings.
Jen began by thanking the event organizers, CFY program staff, and the awards committee for making the Annual Youth Celebration possible. Jen then acknowledged the resiliency, hard work, and ongoing commitment of the young people that CFY works with, noting that they are the ones who are ultimately inspiring and driving the CFY team.
Dave and Dionne then introduced a special guest speaker: Kaitlyn, a young person who has availed of CFY programs and services. Kaitlyn shared her inspirational story of overcoming personal demons, addiction, abuse, violence, and self-destructive behaviour to achieve her goals. Kaitlyn’s story of resilience and strength in overcoming adversity inspired attendees and exemplifies the latent potential within young people that can be unlocked with appropriate supports.
The first award to be presented was the Raymond Furlong Award, named after one of the first young people involved in the development of CFY, acknowledges a young person’s regular and consistent attendance and a commitment to learning in a high school, post-secondary program, or other program.
Dave and Dionne next invited Julia, Beth, Katie, and Deanne to present the Stepping Stone Award. The Stepping Stone Award acknowledges the special achievements of young people who have gone above and beyond and shown particular initiative and progress in education or employment. It is meant to recognize young people who truly embody resilience, initiative, and strength. Four young people received Stepping Stone Awards at this year’s Youth Celebration.
Dave and Dionne next invited Efe, Beth, Megan, and Katie to present the River Award. The River Award acknowledges the personal growth of young people who have gone above and beyond and shown progress in perseverance and self-awareness. It is meant to recognize young people who truly embody resilience and strength. A river does not turn around discouraged upon reaching an obstacle; it instead finds a new path to keep moving forward. Three young people received River Awards at this year’s Youth Celebration.
Finally, Brandon took the stage and presented a young person with the Michael Walsh Award, which is named for a CFY staff member who is no longer with us and goes to a young person who demonstrates good-natured resiliency in dealing with challenges in their life.
The event concluded with door prize draws and a meal of Ches’s for all attendees. CFY sincerely thanks the young people in our community for trusting us to help them reach their goals, and we extend our gratitude to our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment to supporting these youth.
The Youth Achievement Awards not only recognized the remarkable achievements of the ten award recipients but also celebrated the many young individuals involved in CFY programs, who are making gradual strides daily to realize their potential with the assistance of our incredible teams.
Written by Chris Morris
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