The Seeker’s Top Ten Citizens of the Year for 2022

Article by the Editorial Staff of The Seeker

Cornwall, Ontario — With the start of a new year, we would like to take a moment to reflect on some of the people who made 2022 a memorable one. Here are The Seeker’s Top Ten Citizens of the Year for 2022. We have many outstanding citizens that deserve acknowledgment, more than a Top 10 list’s worth. Nonetheless, we hope this list highlights some of the people who make this community amazing. Also, we want to thank everyone who submitted wonderful nominations, which gave The Seeker magazine’s editorial staff a lot to discuss. In no particular order, here is our list:

The Seeker’s Top Ten Citizens of the Year for 2022

David Murphy – After a courageous battle against cancer, he passed away in November. David was an advocate and promoter of his hometown; former Councilor for the City of Cornwall, inductee to the Cornwall Sports Hall of Fame, Chamber of Cornwall President Award winner, local community leader and volunteer Platinum Jubilee Medallion recipient and Legend of the year “Mad Dog Murphy” Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Also, he was a beloved father, best friend, and biggest fan of Julia.

Lee Theodore – He was named the Cornwall Chamber’s Citizen of the Year. He is an entrepreneur who help co-found the Spicy Pearl featuring Caribbean and Thai flavours. He has volunteered for Art Walk, the River Institute, and Cornwall’s Environmental and Climate Change Committee.

Justin Towndale – In 2022, he was elected as Cornwall’s youngest Mayor in recent history. Also, he continues to serve the Canadian Armed Forces as an Infantry Officer. In addition, he is a The Stomping Grounds Cafe and Bistro business partner. Also, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Sexual Assault Support Services for Women of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, and Akwesasne.

Juliette Labossiere – She is the Executive Director of the local United Way and a strong voice of advocacy for social justice. From the “Let’s Talk About Poverty” campaign, Celebration Sleigh, the Holiday Gala, the 20th anniversary of Holiday Angels at Pommier, Giving Tuesday, to impressive community partnerships, Juliette’s leadership of a wonderful team has had a huge impact on our community. She received the prestigious President’s Award from the Cornwall Chamber.

Kashenni:iostha – She is a board member of C.U.R.E.A (the Coalition for Unity, Respect, Equality/Equity for All), an artist (KM Creations), and an advocate for Aboriginal rights and diversity. She is always available and ready to lend a hand to worthy causes.

Sarah Good – She ran an impressive campaign, finishing in first place for Cornwall’s City Council. She works in Human Resources for the Children’s Aid Society and is Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity.

Nolan Quinn – He is the owner of Dairy Queen in Cornwall, and he was elected MPP for SDSG in 2022. He has many years of volunteering under his belt with the United Way, the Children’s Treatment Centre, Big Brother’s Big Sister’s and the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation.

Michael Turcotte – He is a local Podiatrist at The Foot and Ankle Clinic in Cornwall. Also, he is the Committee Chair for Ghost Walk for Charity. The group raised over $30,000 for local charities. In addition, he was Hospital Board Chair for many years, President of Girls’ Softball for 14 years, President of Cornwall Girls Hockey, coached for 20 years in various sports, and a Board Member of Rachel’s Kids since its inception.

Liz Quenville – She is the Cornwall president of Diversity Cornwall and was the first (along with her son) to leave a mark on a Pride mural in Lamoureux Park. This year thousand participated in the Diversity Cornwall celebration and march. Also, the event featured many community partners.

Yafa Goawily – She operates Yafa Arts and Crafts, founded the Cornwall Art Hive, and recently partnered with the Cornwall Police Services and Police Chief Spowart, to create an art piece called “One Circle”, reminding us of the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusivity. Yafa also has a podcast about Art and healing. She is certainly full of positive energy, and her light shines bright in our community!

In conclusion, thank you everyone for your contributions to our community! Lastly, in March 2023, for International Women’s Day, we will be highlighting the accomplishments of 10 local women in our community. Some women could have appeared on both lists, but we made the editorial decision to limit persons to one list or the other upcoming one.