Youth of Distinction Awards

Celebrate Calgary’s emerging leaders

Nominate Someone
2025 Recipients

Planned for youth, by youth

The Youth of Distinction Awards (YODA) is a city-wide celebration that shines a spotlight on the many ways young people lead and make an impact. Each year, the ceremony brings together youth, families, and community members to recognize outstanding junior high and high school students across eight non-academic categories. YODA honours leadership in all its forms. It’s a powerful reminder of the talent, resilience, and dedication young people bring to our city.

Nominate an Outstanding youth

Nominations are currently closed but will open in September 2026.
You can read more about the categories and past recipients here.

Nominate a youth

Who attends?

This is more than a celebration—it’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and organizations committed to supporting youth leadership.

  • Youth leaders
  • Elected officials
  • Families
  • Local changemakers
Attendees love this event!

4.75/5

  • “If youth aren’t recognized for their efforts then change won’t be made, and when we don’t have representation of youth creating change we don’t have a strong society.”

    YODA Attendee

  • “I believe in myself, but knowing that other people selected me to win, and they also really believe in me, really makes me want to start working on [my project] again as soon as I can.”

    YODA Finalist

  • “Receiving the award… [gave] me [the] push that I needed because it shows that I'm not the only one who thinks it's important; it's important to all the people that selected me to win, too.”

    YODA Recipient

  • “A HUGE thank you for inviting us to be part of your awesome event… We really enjoyed being part of empowering inspiring youth and cheering them on—something close to our hearts here at the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre AARC. It's wonderful that you provide a place where they can be recognized and celebrated.”

    YODA Attendee

In the press

LiveWire Calgary

Eight exceptional Calgarians to be honoured during Youth Distinction Awards

“We see through all these finalists that youth are capable right now, they aren’t tomorrow’s leaders, they are leading right now.”

Read article

CityNews Calgary

National Volunteer Week wraps up in Calgary with Youth Distinction Awards Ceremony

24 outstanding young people were recognized for their contributions, leadership, and advocacy at the annual Youth of Distinction Awards.

Read article

Past event highlights

  • YODA 2025 Honours Young Changemakers

    On the final day of National Volunteer Week, the Youth of Distinction Awards (YODA) honoured 24 outstanding youth finalists (ages 12–18) who are creating real, lasting change in Calgary through their leadership, creativity, advocacy, and service.

    Read story: YODA 2025 Honours Young Changemakers
  • YODA Finalists

    Every year, the Youth of Distinction Awards spotlight young people who are changing our city—and the world—for the better. From humble helpers to bold leaders, these finalists are showing us all what’s possible when youth lead with heart, courage, and purpose.

    Read story: YODA Finalists

supporters

FAQ

You can’t nominate yourself, but you can ask someone who knows you well, like a friend, parent, or teacher, to submit a nomination on your behalf.

YODA is only open to youth who are still registered in junior high or senior high school (aged 12–18). Learn more about each category here.

Nominations are currently closed, but you can read more about the categories and past recipients here.

YODA is only open to youth who are still registered in junior high or senior high school (aged 12–18). 

You can also sign up to receive an update once applications are open.

We encourage you to wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable—whether that’s a dress, jeans, sneakers, or something a little dressier. Come as yourself.

Your ticket includes entrance to the event, brunch, and access to the Calgary Zoo. Once the ceremony is over, you’re welcome to tour the zoo! 

Parking is not included in the ticket price.

As an award finalist, you’re given 2 complimentary tickets (one for yourself and one for someone else). If you’d like to bring more guests, additional tickets will need to be purchased. 

If you have any further questions or concerns, please email yoda@youthcentral.com.

Parking is not included in your ticket price.

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