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(Photo/City of Kelowna)
By VernonMatters Staff
Community pride

Kelowna honours community leaders at 50th annual Civic and Community Awards

May 9, 2025 | 10:21 AM

Kelowna residents came together at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort to celebrate the city’s top volunteers, athletes, artists and community organizations during the 50th annual Civic and Community Awards.

Clayton Gall was named Citizen of the Year for his contributions to the community. Ainsley Wood received the Young Citizen of the Year award, which includes a $2,000 scholarship from the Payton and Dillon Budd Memorial Fund. The other two finalists received $1,000 each. Teen Honour in the Arts winner Almendra Osorio was awarded a $500 entrance scholarship to UBC Okanagan, provided by the university’s Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies.

Kylie Taylor and Jerome Blake were named Female and Male Athlete of the Year. Maya Andruchow and Dominic Sodaro received the Augie Ciancone Memorial Awards as top young athletes. The OKM Senior Girls Volleyball Team was recognized as Athletic Team of the Year. Coach Bill Franzman received the Bob Giordano Memorial Award for his contributions to local sports.

In the arts, Tyson Cook, also known by his stage name Freida Whales, was recognized with the Honour in the Arts award for advancing Kelowna’s cultural scene.

Special Olympics Kelowna was named Volunteer Organization of the Year and received a $3,000 donation from the Central Okanagan Foundation. Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, was awarded Corporate Community of the Year. Beverley Kalmakoff received the Champion for the Environment Award for her work in sustainability and environmental awareness.

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The Anita Tozer Memorial Award, which is presented by mayor and council, was shared this year by Pam Turgeon and Shadia Doty for their service and dedication to the city.

Nominations for the 51st annual Civic and Community Awards will open in the winter of 2025.

by VernonMatters Staff
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