Kitchener celebrates local youth with KYAC Youth Awards
Kitchener, ON – The Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) Youth Awards were presented at the Victoria Park Pavilion earlier this evening before an audience of nearly 200 people. This annual event celebrates the talents and contributions of youth ages 14 to 24 in our community.
“Kitchener youth are doing remarkable things and making a real impact on our community,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Tonight’s celebration was an opportunity for us to honour the leadership and dedication of young people who are actively working to make Kitchener, and surrounding communities, a better place for all. I’m confident these young leaders will continue to drive innovation, foster community development, and create meaningful change in our city, not just today, but for many decades ahead.”
A total of 58 Kitchener youth were nominated by their peers to be recognized for their community involvement. Awards in 14 categories were presented by Kitchener councillors and local sponsors in Arts and Culture, Leadership, Sports and Recreation, and Social Justice, among others, including a new Youth in Technology category. The Youth Ally award was also presented which recognizes any adult (ages 24+) serving as a positive role model for youth in the community.
Congratulations to all 58 nominees and the 2026 KYAC Youth Award recipients:
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Arts & Culture: Isabella Todd
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Entrepreneurship: Olivia Vento
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Environment: Laurel Pierroz-Wong
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Intergenerational: Darren Harry Baine
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Leadership: Isabella Mazza
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Personal Triumph: Sarah Arogun
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Service & Caregiving: Olivia Kuszaj
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Social Justice & Action: Alison Zangrilli & Zoya Khan
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Sports & Recreation: Mehreen Khakh
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Unity in Diversity: Rebecca Girolametto
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*NEW: Youth in Technology: Imaan Raza
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Group Award: Grassroots KW Group - Abinaya Balaji, Saskia Coosa, Salma Elgohary, Jason Deng, Liam Neusteter, Isha Shenoy, Daisy Zhang, Deeka Douglas, Katie Yu, Sol Qiu
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Youth Ally: David Dirks
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Community Contribution: Yemariam Mulugeta
For award recipient bios and achievements, visit kitchener.ca/YouthAwards.
The KYAC Youth Awards generate awareness for the leadership, talent, and meaningful contributions of youth in Kitchener, while inspiring young people to become more involved in their community. The event is organized and hosted each year by the Kitchener Youth Action Council.
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For more information:
Corporate Communications
City of Kitchener
media@kitchener.ca
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.