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# Four Yukon youth honoured for outstanding contributions throughout the territory

Four Yukoners are receiving the Outstanding Youth Achievement Award in recognition for outstanding service and contributions in Yukon. The 2020 recipients are Vanessa Oliverio, Taylor Shorty, Max Zimmermann and Judy Russell.

The award recognizes Yukon youth who enrich their communities, themselves and others through constructive contributions. Recipients have demonstrated a passion for volunteering, fundraising, helping seniors and Elders, and acting as positive role models and ambassadors for their communities.

> I am so honoured to be a part of this great program that recognizes the achievements and successes of so many wonderful youth from across Yukon. I look forward to seeing what these youth will do in the future.

> Congratulations to this year’s award recipients. Yukon youth are truly amazing. Their hard work and dedication impacts Yukon communities in such positive ways and they inspire us all to give back to our communities.

Quick facts

- Winners receive a cash prize of $250 from the Youth Directorate, a certificate and medallion of recognition from the Commissioner’s office and are featured on posters in their community.

- Youth between the ages of 15 and 20 can be nominated for an Outstanding Youth Achievement Award. Nominations are accepted between January 1 and June 1 every year.

- Staff try to select two recipients from Whitehorse and two recipients from Yukon communities when possible.

Backgrounder

Biographies of 2020 Outstanding Youth Achievement Award recipients

Vanessa Oliverio

Vanessa, 18, is being recognized for her devotion to the youth and community of Dawson. She is a staple in community events and with the Dawson City volunteer firefighters. As a junior volunteer firefighter, Vanessa can often be found promoting fire safety to both youth and adults alike. She is also an advocate for climate change action, mental health, Indigenous rights and youth engagement. She recently arranged a youth trip to Old Crow which she has since documented in a photobook. Vanessa volunteers with the Students Commission of Canada promoting issues such as mental health and climate change awareness in the North. In addition to her community outreach, Vanessa has won both the Air North First Light and Skills Canada Photo competitions.

Taylor Shorty

Taylor, 16, is being recognized for his volunteer work and mentorship within his hometown of Faro. Taylor has represented Yukon in golf at the Western Canada Summer Games and has volunteered his time teaching at the Faro Golf Course. His dedication to volunteering at community events has made him a mentor and role model for youth and adults alike. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Taylor taught the youth of Faro snowmobile safety so they could serve the community by running errands and other helpful activities. Taylor’s contributions to sport, community engagement and youth programming help make Faro a better place for its youth and other community members.

Max Zimmermann

Max, 16, is being recognized for his volunteer work as a basketball coach and member of the F.H. Collins Social Justice Club. Max is involved with many initiatives including a national climate change project that aims to reduce waste in Yukon lakes by installing receptacles for discarded fishing lines. Max is also the host of a youth video series through the Yukon Child and Youth Advocate Office focusing on the voices of local youth with the lens of the United Nations convention on child rights. Max is an outstanding role model for his peers and youth in Whitehorse, encouraging them to participate in an active lifestyle and teaching them the importance of giving to others.

Judy Russell

Judy, 17, is being recognized for her commitment to being a leader and role model for her school community, as well as Yukon athletics. Judy used her high personal academic achievement to help others as a peer tutor in a variety of subjects. In addition to tutoring, taking a full class load and overcoming personal difficulties, Judy learned to play five instruments, often taking time to mentor younger students to become more comfortable and confident with their own musicianship. Judy is also being recognized for her contribution to Yukon Wrestling. Judy has competed and medalled for Team Yukon at the Arctic Winter Games, Western Canada Summer Games and the Inuit Games. When an injury prevented Judy from competing for a season, she earned her Coaching Level 1, encouraging younger wrestlers to achieve their personal best.

Media contact

Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca

Alexis Miller
Communications, Executive Council Office
867-456-6507
alexis.miller@gov.yk.ca

News release #:
20-233
Related information:
Nominate someone for an Outstanding Youth Achievement Award
Outstanding Youth Achievement Award nomination form