The City of Brantford, in partnership with the Brantford Youth Council, marked the conclusion of National Youth Week with a spirited celebration of community leadership and youth empowerment at the Rope Factory Event Hall on Wednesday. The annual Youth Excellence Awards and Youth Leadership Development Program graduation ceremony drew dozens of attendees, including proud family members, local leaders, and educators.
Seventeen exceptional young residents were formally recognized for their contributions to social well-being, civic growth, and inclusive leadership across the community. Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis and Councillors Mandy Samwell and Gino Caputo presented the awards, underscoring the city’s ongoing investment in the next generation.
“The Brantford Youth Excellence Awards is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals under the age of 25 in our community,” said Mayor Davis during his address. “This year we awarded youth for their efforts in facilitating peer groups, volunteering, raising awareness for social causes, and for the incredible progress they have made in personal development. I am proud to recognize the hard work of our future leaders.”
The award recipients included:
Acquiane Blake, Alae Mebrouk, Avery Stamer, Brayden Barnett, Frankie Costa, Jaxon Kazakevicius, Kaitlynn Sales, Kassandra Lalonde, Liam McDermott, Madison Nantais, Riley Corbett, Riya Lalji, Ruth Loker, Selene Crick, Serenity Anwhatin, Spencer Ward, and Tommy Symons.
In addition to the awards, certificates were also presented to graduates of the 2025 Youth Leadership Development Program, a two-tiered initiative designed to build leadership capacity among high school-aged youth. The program emphasizes teamwork, effective communication, adaptable leadership styles, and motivational skills, equipping participants to take on real-world challenges in their schools and neighborhoods.
The evening also celebrated local talent through visual and performing arts. Attendees explored an art exhibition featuring work by youth artists Iris Jeong, Ellie Jeong, Eli Nanticoke, and Yatawee Aniwattanakun, while musical performances by Kaylynn Spencer, Aaron Sopko, and Hahsdotrewi Bomberry added to the vibrant atmosphere.
The event was part of Brantford’s broader commitment to youth engagement through its Empowering Youth Strategy, which seeks to foster a youth-friendly city through partnerships with community organizations, advocacy groups, and the Brantford Youth Council. The city holds official designation as a Youth Friendly Community, a distinction that reflects ongoing efforts to ensure young people are heard, supported, and equipped to lead.
For more information about Brantford’s youth initiatives and upcoming programs, visit brantford.ca/YOUth.
