2016 Youth Role Model Awards (Included is the Rosalinda Natividad Cantiveros Award for Courage)
Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero, writes: “The youth is the hope of our country.” And the City of Winnipeg’s Equity Committee honours the achievement of the youth as role models at their annual 2016 Youth Role Model Awards held recently at the RBC Convention Centre.
“I’m so impressed by all the young people here tonight who are achieving such amazing things for our city. Whether its academic, artistic, athletic or community work, you are contributing towards a better, stronger more beautiful place. You should be very proud of yourselves,” Mayor Brian Bowman’s addressed to the youths. He continued: “ You can never be too young to start making a difference in your community or to start following your dreams. I want each and everyone of you here to know that you are making a difference and you can achieve your dreams.”
“I’m pleased that the City of Winnipeg’s Citizen Equity Committee has Youth Role Model Awards that deliverable for the motivated young people. It’s very important to acknowledge and to recognize the youths as they are a great example of how our youths can be a true leader and role model in the community. I look forward to working with the Committee to continue celebrating our diversity in Winnipeg,” said Councillor Cindy Gilroy, chairperson of the City of Winnipeg’s CEC. “As a Chairperson for the Citizen Equity Committee, I am honoured and would like to congratulate the 2016 Youth Role Model Award recipients and their families and wish them all continued success in the future endeavours.” Gilroy added.
“The Citizen Equity Committee received dozens of applications for this year’s awards from many highly qualified and inspiring youth. We were happy to honour 16 distinguished and deserving recipients and groups along with their families and supporters in an evening of applause and laughter. Winnipeg has so many engaged and active youth that I can’t wait to see the applicants for next year.” Maria Morrison, Coordinator, Citizen Equity Committee, City of Winnipeg
Included in the award is the Rosalinda Natividad Cantiveros Award for Courage, marking the courage and perseverance of Rosalinda Natividad Cantiveros as an immigrant. The award recognizes the youth who has shown leadership in the city’s diverse society. Wade “Kojo” Williams Sr. Award for Action Against Racism and Discrimination is awarded to the youth who have shown the exemplary achievements in battling against racism and discrimination. Both Cantiveros and Williams were formers members of the City of Winnipeg’s Equity Committee who had worked and shown dedications and commitments to their chosen fields.
The 2016 Youth Role Model Awards include: Spirituality: Junior awardee – Grace Bruinooge; Senior awardee: Tyler Harper; Volunteering: Junior:-Vanessa Mckay- Senior: Corey Sanderson; Sports: Junior- Sukhcharhat Dhillon; Senior-Skylar Boulanger; Advocacy: Junio- Tracie Leost; Senior Rashawna Blair; Education and Training: Junior- Kyle Wittmeier; Senior- Zona May; Performance/Arts: Junior-Essence Wandering Spirit Mordock; Senior- Megan Guevarra; Rosalinda Natividad Cantiveros Award for Courage: Junior- Frank Cotroneo; Senior- Curtis Harper; Wade “Kojo” Williams, Sr. for Action Against Racism and Discrimination: Junior – Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre Youth Council; Senior- Vincent Massey Mental Health Day Team.
MLA Kevin Chief, guest speaker, recognizes the achievements of the youth during the awarding ceremony.
City of Winnipeg’s Citizen Equity Committee includes Councillor Cindy Gilroy, chariperson; members include Councillor John Orlikow, Maria Morrison, coordinator; Clive Wightman, Alison Moist, Antonio Buccini, Julie Holand Javier, Tahiran Khan, Tanya McFadyen, Vicki Sinclair, Solange Sookram, Bonnie Thompson, Sylvia Todaschuk and Joseph Oladele.
Jenna Khan, Morning Show host of Energy Mornings with Frankie and Jenna Energy 106; entertainment by Hi Life Steel Orchestra and performance by the Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy.
Photos by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal
