On Saturday, May 2, Youth Central celebrated 24 outstanding youth finalist at the 2026 Youth of Distinction Awards (YODA), recognizing youth people ages 12-18 who are making a difference in Calgary and the surrounding cities through their leadership, creativity, advocacy, and commitment to their communities.
From young people giving their time to support others, to advocates speaking up for causes they care about, to athletes showing dedication and teamwork, and friends who make a positive impact on the people around them, YODA celebrates the many different ways youth are contributing to their communities.
Each finalist brings their own story, strengths, and passions to the table. Together, they remind us that leadership doesn’t always look the same—and that young people are already making meaningful contributions to Calgary today.
YODA is more than an awards ceremony. It’s an opportunity to recognize the people, actions, and everyday moments that make a difference, while giving Calgary’s youth a platform to share their stories and inspire others.
With the support of generous sponsors, community partners, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this celebration possible, Youth Central is proud to shine a light on the incredible young people who are helping shape our city.
Scroll down to meet the 2026 award recipients and learn more about the inspiring finalists recognized this year. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and the many ways they’re making a difference in Calgary.
Advocacy Award presented by TD Bank
Recipient: Sahar Azimi
Finalist: Evan Li
Finalist: Diksha Mehta
Arts and Culture Award presented by Calgary Foundation
Recipient: Oban Brownlee
Finalist: Jasmine Wang
Finalist: Sydney Ball
Environment Award presented by Rotary club of Calgary at Stampede Park, Kids at Heart Golf Classic
Recipient: Gayatri Sakharkar
Finalist: Citrus Yao
Finalist: Zekai Yang
Leadership Award presented by the Friends and Family of Al Duerr
Recipient: Flora Feng
Finalist: Caden Chau
Finalist: Claire McCluskey
Peer Support presented by the Equium Group
Recipient: Elizabeth Rajurkar
Finalist: David Osuntubo
Finalist: Kamyar Dowlatabadibazaz
Penny Hume Volunteer Award presented by Rotary Club of Calgary East
Recipient: Sara Karmali
Finalist: Kushad Singhi
Finalist: Zerak Chaudhry
Perseverance Award presented by the Hunter Family Foundation
Recipient: Abby Woodham
Finalist: Mina Soliman
Finalist: Oliver Endicott
Sportsmanship Award presented by the John Bowlen Legacy Fund
Recipient: Shubham (Shub) Goyal
Finalist: Mason South
Finalist: Vasundhara Joshi
