8 categories. 24 finalists. Endless inspiration.
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.
Meet the 2025 Finalists. Click on an image below to learn more about these amazing youth.
Volunteer Finalist
LUCY MORCOM
From mentoring youth to lifting spirits across generations, Lucy’s 750+ volunteer hours reflect a deep passion for mental health and community care. A natural leader with a kind heart, she’s turning empathy into action—and inspiring others to do the same.
Volunteer Finalist
KARTIK RAMACHANDRAN
A humble powerhouse in STEM, Kartik organizes robotics events for thousands, uplifts young minds, and champions diversity. His dedication, leadership, and quiet impact are building a more inclusive and inspired future in STEM.
Volunteer Recipient
HARPER ROY
After losing her sister to cancer, Harper turned grief into action—raising $10,000 and mentoring others with empathy and heart. From supporting families in crisis or her friends in sport, she leads with compassion far beyond her years.
Sportsmanship Finalist
GAVIN GUKERT
Gavin lives and breathes volleyball—playing, coaching, and officiating with heart. His mentorship builds confidence, teamwork, and respect in young athletes, leaving a legacy of leadership on and off the court.
Sportsmanship Finalist
JOSEPHINE CAMERON
A national champion paddler and multi-sport athlete, Josephine breaks barriers and builds bridges. As a South Asian leader in sport, she mentors, advocates, and uplifts others—proving that inclusivity and excellence can go hand-in-hand.
Sportsmanship Recipient
ALEX KOZYREV
When injury ended his playing career, Alex didn’t leave the rink—he stepped into leadership. Now an official and mentor, he ensures sports remain fair, safe, and respectful for all. His resilience and commitment uplift a new generation of athletes.
Perseverance Finalist
RACE LEONARD-BOWEN
Race has transformed adversity into achievement. He has found his stride in a supportive school community—rising as a confident academic leader and mentor. His quiet determination and steady growth have inspired everyone around him.
Perseverance Finalist
KYLE FRASER
Kyle’s resilience shines through a life marked by instability. After facing repeated setbacks, he found stability, strength, and a second chance at Discovering Choices. Now thriving, Kyle leads by example—showing that perseverance, support, and courage can pave the way to a brighter future.
Perseverance Recipient
PHOENIX EAGLE BEAR
When life could have left her hardened, Phoenix chose healing. Drawing strength from ceremony, therapy, and community, she transforms personal hardship into hope for others. Phoenix is building something powerful: a future where every young person knows they belong.
Peer Support Finalist
MCKENZIE AFRICA
Mckenzie shows up—for everyone. Through simple acts of kindness and unwavering support, he reminds others they matter. His empathy and selflessness inspire a culture of care and connection.
Peer Support Finalist
ELLIE PEARS
Ellie leads with heart. Whether welcoming new volunteers or ensuring friends get home safely, her kindness, compassion, and everyday leadership create a stronger, more connected community.
Peer Support Recipient
JEANNE YE
Jeanne is a quiet force of encouragement and excellence. From reviving a school STEM team to mentoring peers, she uplifts others through empathy, action, and inspiration—empowering her community to thrive.
Environment Finalist
ANDY SHI
Andy protects Calgary’s creeks and wild spaces—rain or shine. With two years of hands-on conservation under his belt, Andy’s curiosity and dedication make him a powerful force for environmental stewardship.
Environment Finalist
ARYAN SHARMA
Aryan isn’t just imagining a cleaner future—he’s building it. His award-winning invention, the Microguard, detects and filters microplastics from water in real time, proving that big change starts with bold ideas.
Environment Recipient
MIHIR RAO
Mihir is an environmental advocate making sure youth have a voice in decisions that shape our planet. From Canada’s House of Commons to Banff National Park, he’s pushing for real youth representation in climate action.
Arts & Culture Finalist
OLI ABRAHAMOWICZ
Oli brings stories to life. As a comic creator, cosplayer, and champion of the arts, Oli uses their creativity to inspire others, build confidence, and create worlds where everyone belongs.
Arts & Culture Finalist
ASIYA ISKANDER
Asiya turned her love of ballroom dance into a vibrant hub of connection for immigrant youth. Through Inspire Dance Studio, she offers free classes that are more than just a movement—they’re a pathway to friendship, confidence, and feeling at home in a new country.
Arts & Culture Recipient
JEANAE ELISHA VENTURA
Jeanae Elisha believes music has the power to heal, connect, and spark change. Whether she’s performing on stage or fundraising for causes close to her heart, Jeanae Elisha uses her voice to build bridges between cultures, uplift communities, and inspire others to turn their talents into acts of kindness.
Advocacy Finalist
MARIGOLD MIOC
Marigold is a powerful voice for human rights and gender equality. Whether she’s organizing food drives or speaking out against violence, her work is grounded in empathy, action, and a deep commitment to helping others.
Advocacy Finalist
IVY LIU
Ivy is on a mission to break barriers and build a future where gender no longer limits potential. Whether she’s uplifting newcomer women, connecting with trailblazing leaders, or making space for others at her school, Ivy leads with empathy and conviction.
Advocacy Recipient
OLIVIA BOUILLET
From the hockey rink to the art studio, Olivia is on a mission to make space for everyone. She mentors, she advocates, she creates—and she does it all while navigating a chronic health condition with strength and grace.
Leadership Finalist
KAMEA JR. LAFONTAINE
Kamea Jr. is a national champion in public speaking and a dedicated mentor. Whether coaching peers, shaping education policy, or leading in cadets, he uplifts others and ensures youth voices are heard loud and clear.
Leadership Finalist
NIKITA ADAMS
Nikita leads with empathy, strength, and purpose. From guiding youth in cadets to mentoring peers at school, she motivates others to overcome challenges and build a brighter, more inclusive future—together.
Leadership Recipient
LIANGRAY LI
Liangray is building bridges between cultures. As co-founder of Ignite Youth Club, he empowers newcomer youth through leadership, connection, and community, helping hundreds find friendship and a sense of belonging.
