Community's 'up and coming' leaders honoured with Give Back Awards

Twenty outstanding students are being honoured for their countless contributions to enhancing the community as recipients of Neighbourhood Network's 2024 Give Back Awards.

Students from Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King Township, Richmond Hill, and Whitchurch-Stouffville were selected for their volunteer work with sports, arts, seniors, children, the environment, and more that go well beyond the 40 hours of community service necessary to receive their high school diploma. They each received $1,000 for their plans.

A panel of judges chose the winners, who were recognized at a special ceremony last night at Magna headquarters in Aurora.

“I am so inspired and, I feel hopeful,” said Erin Cerenzia, manager of community relations. “I think over the last few years, through the pandemic and situations we’re seeing at home and around the world, it’s easy to feel discouraged. When you read about these young people and the way they are giving back and donating their time, being innovative and creative in looking at how to solve these big world problems, and make a difference, I feel inspired and hopeful for our future.”

Charlie Jackson of Sir William Mulock Secondary School in Newmarket was one of the students recognized at the event. He is an active volunteer with the Newmarket Food Pantry, delivering food supplies to those unable to access them independently.

“It feels great to be here, be recognized for all my achievements, and to be surrounded by so many amazing people, too,” said Jackson. “Listening to everyone’s story is awesome.”

Jackson also gives back through Relay for Life, the Terry Fox Fun, as co-chair of the Newmarket-Aurora Youth Council, and is president of his school’s student and music councils. He is dedicated to becoming an engineer and developing innovative technologies that better serve humanity and create a brighter and more equitable future for all.

“I’m going to Queen’s University for engineering, and I hope to use my engineering degree to develop different technologies and use problem-solving skills to apply these to my community and world at large and create a positive difference,” said Jackson.

“We’re so lucky to have an amazing team that I work with every day,” said Cerenzia. “This is one of our favourite events of our entire year because our vision of building better communities together all stems from volunteerism.”

Jaylah Hall, who attends, Dr. of G.W. Williams Secondary School, was another student honoured at the event. She is dedicated to preserving and evolving Black heritage through storytelling.

“I think it’s an amazing opportunity and, I think it’s a great opportunity for us to reconnect as youth as up-and-coming leaders of this society, as part of today’s generation and, I think it’s a wonderful networking opportunity, as well,” said Hall.

She advocates through spoken word, cultural clubs, and community initiatives, aiming to empower and unify the Black community. She volunteers with the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association, where she created Black Rivers – the organization’s youth leadership committee – and supports their annual Kuumba Summer Camp, leading children seven to 13 years old.

She also supports Black York Region Youth and founded the Black Student Alliance at her school. Hall plans to study animation, where she will continue to use the arts to amplify Black narratives, ensuring a vibrant legacy for generations to come. She plans to use the funds for her studies at Toronto Metropolitan University.

“I hope to use that for my post-secondary education so that I can continue to pursue networking opportunities in Toronto, working in the film industry at TMU,” said Hall. “I hope this opportunity to understand, with a great network in the city, of course, greater needs of our community.”

Neighbourhood Network is the charitable arm of Magna International. It runs numerous philanthropic programs in York Region, including an annual holiday gift drive that collects and distributes donations of gift cards, cash, food, clothing, toys, and toiletries to community partners, and a winter snow removal program for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

“We believe in creating lifelong volunteers,” said Cerenzia. “We know volunteers are the core of our society and, the programs, events, and initiatives we all take for granted are driven by the work and power of volunteers.”

The following 20 youth received Give Back awards this year: