YourTV Cornwall and the Optimist Club of Cornwall presented the YourTV Youth Achievement Awards in person for the first time since 2019! On Thursday, June 9th they recognized 24 young individuals making a difference in their schools and communities.

Youth are recognized in three categories:

1. Kindness Is Cool: Youth who have performed a service or act of kindness, heroism, support, or encouragement of a friend, family, neighbour, or stranger, with no personal gain for themselves.
2. At My Best: Youth who have achieved a top performance, or performance to the best of their ability. This can be in any area, including academics, athletics, music, art, writing, and drama.
3. Giving Back: Youth who have given back to their community by volunteering their time for a cause in an exceptional manner, or being a key driver in a fundraising campaign.

“You can tell by the recipients’ reactions just how much the recognition means for them,” says Producer Gabriel Riviere-Reid. “These aren’t the kids who are usually winning prizes; it’s those who are volunteering behind the scenes, the kid who always smiles and makes the new student feel welcome, or reaches out to the lonely child who doesn’t have friends. It’s the young people who face obstacles, overcome them and excel while doing so.”

“They’re humble. They’re not looking for recognition.” adds Optimist Club of Cornwall Past President and event Chair Terry Muir. “They’re just out there making a difference, helping others.”

“Doesn’t it give you hope for the future?” asks Riviere-Reid, “Watching the news, it’s easy to feel down. But when you see what these youth are doing, the future looks like it’s in good hands.”

YourTV and the Optimist Club are proud to continue this tradition of honouring the best in youth in our community. The awards have been held for almost a decade, meaning almost 200 youth in Cornwall from Grades 4 through 12 have been recognized over the years!

The awards ceremony airs on YourTV Cornwall throughout the month, premiering on Monday, June 20th at 8pm on Channels 11/700HD/EPICO100. Check out their full schedule at www.yourtv.tv/cornwall.