A trained ambassador for the Tourette Association of America, the president of the Leamington Minor Baseball Association, and siblings who saved a man from drowning in Lake Erie are among this year's recipients of the Mayor's Awards in Leamington.
Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald handed the awards out on Tuesday night at a Special Council Meeting.
"These awards are a celebration of the people who help shape our community for the better," said MacDonald. "Whether through acts of service, leadership, or quiet kindness, each recipient has made a meaningful difference in the lives of others."
The recipient of this year's Outstanding Youth Award is Lily Steinhoff, who has worked to help others with the same condition she has. Steinhoff is a trained ambassador with the Tourette's Association of America and was a member of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee in 2023.
Callahan and his sister, Lyla, won this year's Mayor's Special Award for Heroism. The two spotted a sinking personal watercraft several hundred metres off the shore of Lake Erie. While Lyla called 911, her brother grabbed life jackets and swam out to the man in distress.
Doctor Martin Girash, the former President and CEO of Windsor Regional Hospital, won the Ontario Senior of the Year Award. Girash was also chair of the Erie St. Clair LHIN, the University of Windsor Board of Governors, and the Leamington Seniors Advisory Committee.
Active with the Migrant Worker Community Program and the South Erie Community Council, Lorraine Gibson won the Mayor's Special Award posthumously. Gibson was also active with Toastmasters and won the SECC's Volunteer Changemaker Award in 2019.
Mark and Jerry Ribble were named winners of the Mayor's Special Award for their tireless work advocating for veterans. The men coordinate Leamington's Remembrance Day Ceremony and launched the Hometown Heroes Banner Project six years ago.
Warren Dunford is this year's Community Inspiration Award recipient. He's active with Leamington youth in the Leamington Minor Hockey League and the Leamington Minor Baseball League. He's also a member of the Sun Parlour Curling Club.
The final award winner on Tuesday night is Kevin Gale, the president of the Leamington Minor Baseball Association. He won the Distinguished Voluntary Service Award.
The Municipality of Leamington received 24 nominations this year, which were evaluated by the Mayor's Recognition Awards Committee.