Youth Shine Bright at the YourTV Youth Achievement Awards

The spirit of leadership, compassion, and determination took centre stage this week as the YourTV Youth Achievement Awards, powered by the Optimist Club of Cornwall, celebrated students who are making a difference in their schools and communities. Held annually, this inspiring event honours local youth who go above and beyond in three key categories: At My Best, Giving Back, and Kindness is Cool.

Each award recognized winners and finalists across different grade levels—from elementary to high school—highlighting achievements both big and small that reflect empathy, resilience, and community spirit.

At My Best

Grade 4 to 6
Winner: Yashvi Uniyal – Viscount Alexander Public School (Nominated by: Andrea Hum, Beth Loynachan, Jackie Simard)
Finalist: Malcolm McFaul – Viscount Alexander Public School (Nominated by: Hillary Trotman, Pamela Lalonde)

Grade 7 to 8
Winner: Abbie Campos – Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School (Nominated by: Andrea Stang)
Finalist: Karagan King – St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School (Nominated by: Gordie Van Putten)

Grade 9 to 10
Winner: Ella Neville – École secondaire catholique La Citadelle (Nominated by: Cedric Deschamps)
Finalist: Emmett Alguire – École secondaire catholique La Citadelle (Nominated by: Joëlle Perras)

Grade 11 to 12
Winner: Cale Pettem – St. Matthew Catholic Secondary School (Nominated by: Angela Pilon)
Finalist: Annabella Curtis – École secondaire catholique La Citadelle (Nominated by: Marie-Josée Larocque)

Giving Back

Grade 4 to 6
Winner: Elliot Lefebvre – Williamstown Public School (Nominated byr: Laura / CLMHA)
Finalist: Ainsley Ladouceur – École Élémentaire catholique Sainte-Lucie (Nominated by: Chanel Billard)

Grade 7 to 8
Winner: Kairi Harrop – St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School (Nominated by: Allister Aitken)
Finalist: Blake Ieropoli – Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School (Nominated by: Andrea Stang)

Grade 9 to 10
Winner: Molly Wright – St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School (Nominated by: Gordie Van Putten)
Finalist: Heidi Baumann – Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School (Nominated by: Nancy McIntyre)

Grade 11 to 12
Winner: Grace Shoniker – Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School (Nominated by: Mindy Gibbs)
Finalist: Abibat Abass – St. Lawrence Secondary School (Nominated by: Mark Enns)

Kindness is Cool

Grade 4 to 6
Winner: Carter Benedict – Williamstown Public School (Nominated by: Maren Butkovich, Emily Saucier)
Finalist: Will Daye – Longue Sault Public School (Nominated by: Ali Eamon)

Grade 7 to 8
Winner: Callah Clark – Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School (Nominated by: Mindy Gibbs)
Finalist: Elina Gracian Hudson – St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School (Nominated by: Gordie Van Putten)

Grade 9 to 10
Winner: Hunter Looyen – St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School (Nominated by: Madison Frechette, Joy Martel)
Finalist: Hudson Gibbs – Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School (Nominated by: Nancy McIntyre)

Grade 11 to 12
Winner: Emma Marion – St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School (Nominated by: Gordie Van Putten)
Finalist: Grant Haley – École secondaire publique L’Héritage (Nominated by: Guillaume Morissette)

A special guest performer, former YAA recipient Jacob Pilon and the talented Méya Cheffer entertained us to a tune from “Les Cowboys Fringuants”. Jacob has been seen in the news recently as he is the leading force behind the calls for a new French Catholic School to be built.

The Optimist Club of Cornwall and YourTV continue to shine a light on the exceptional young people in our region. These awards serve as a reminder that the future is in good hands, thanks to the dedication of local educators, mentors, and organizations that uplift and empower youth.

Congratulations to all winners and finalists for their outstanding contributions and for being true role models in our community.