Thursday, May 21, 2015 Special pullout section 4 Pages CELEBRATING OUR YOUTH � e Town of Halton Hills celebrated International Youth Week, May 1-7, with a variety of events and the highlight being the MYAC (Mayor's Youth Action Committee) Youth Awards and Art Competi- tion Ceremony held at the Halton Hills Cultural Centre on Tuesday, May 5. � e youth awards are given to individuals who are involved in the community at a capacity that bene� ts their peers and others as well as recognizing youth for their commitment to their education, the environment, the performing arts, sports, the community and their inspiration. � e awards winners are being recognized for promoting a posi- tive image of young people and generating awareness of the value and the contributions youth can make. Read about these youth on this and pgs. 2 & 4, as well as see the artwork created by the next generation of artists on pgs. 3 & 4. More than 40 youth, honoured for their achievements, were on stage with Mayor Rick Bonnette. Photo by Ray Lavender Halton Hills youth inspire with their achievements Youth Recognition Award Winners ANDREW HILSON, CODY LYONS, EMILY BELBIN, ELIZABETH WILSON, HEATHER BRADSHAW, KAYLA SCHUMAKER, NICOLE WADDICK, MARIAH HANLIN, MARY-LYNN PEEL, TAYLOR MATTHEWS AND ZEHRA RAJABALI Recipients for this award have proven to be inspiring role models for their peers through their active participation in volunteerism and various initiatives. � ese youth represent ideal role models through their high standing academics, volunteer- ing at local organizations, their participation within their school such as members of the swim team or mentor program, their involvement with Inspire Halton events, coaching, local commu- nity events, and their school senates. Not only are these recipients promoting a positive image of youth but they are also making a di� erent and contributing to the Halton Hills community. Sustainability Award Winners ALEXSANDRA SPASEVSKI, AUTUMN BENFORD, CINDY DZIUBA, JODIE BRAGA, KELSEY XERRI, MADDIE SHIELL, LEAH MACGOWEN AND SYDNEY WELSH Recipients demonstrate a passion for sustainability to improve the community and quality of life in Halton Hills. We have a group of students from CtK who are members of the E-team, who run a se- ries of environmentally friendly initiatives such as installing water bottle � ll-up stations and awareness events. In addition, another recipient has been involved with Acton High School's Environmental SHSM and GDHS's green club where she has also had the chance to be a part of the organization, POWER.