The Town of LaSalle has released the shortlist for its inaugural Town of LaSalle Awards of Excellence, following the receipt of more than 140 nominations.
"We are overwhelmed at the response from the community," said LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche. "The committee has reviewed all entries and chose three to six nominees in each category. The winners will be announced at the Awards of Excellence event."
Three awards of distinction were chosen in advance of the awards ceremony on April 9.
The Mayor's Distinguished Achievement Award will go to Jeff Burrows, the drummer and founding member of the Canadian rock band 'The Tea Party.’ He is being recognized for his international music career and dedication to raising funds for local charities.
Robert Moore has been awarded the Legacy Award. Moore is a long-time coach at Sandwich Secondary School, where he spent more than two decades coaching track and field. He has had a lasting impact on generations of student athletes.
The Youth Leadership Award will be given to Angelo Lucier, a grade 11 student at Sandwich Secondary School. He's being honoured for his academic excellence, student leadership, volunteer work, and the creation of the Orange Bracelet Campaign, which supports Indigenous youth programs.
The other ten awards will be handed out at the Event Centre at LaSalle Landing on April 9.
Here are the nominees.
Excellence in the Arts:
Gerdan Macedonian Dance Ensemble
International Art Design
Lauri Taperluie
Marie-Rose Music Studio
Trailblazer Award:
Angela LaPorta
Kristine Gombai
Nicole Palazzi
Coach or Mentor of the Year
Dave Crundwell
Mara Martin
Tommy Holgate
Athlete or Team of the Year
Ben Tilson
Ella Steel-Douglas
Max Pierascenzi
Mayiah Willis
Olivia (Liv) Koszegi
WonderBroads Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team
Professional Excellence Award:
Dr. Bryce Leontowicz
Elizabeth Papp
Rob Modestino
Dr. Krishna Khatri
Simmie Kaur
Young Professional Award:
Dr. Janelle Abela
Dr. Steve Barati
Jack Robson
Joseph Jones
Lauren Harris
Excellence in Customer Service:
LaSalle Collective
Lisa McCallum - Visibly Delighted Games & Novelty Boutique
Rob's Pharmacy LaSalle
Tim Warnholtz - YQG Digital
Tomlie Orthodontics
Business Excellence Awards (less than 15 employees):
Infinite Health Club
InSpire Learner Centre
Pepe's Pumpkin Patch
LaSalle Vision
Tina Bezaire Insurance Ltd.
Business Excellence Awards (more than 15 employees):
Montessori Early Years
CentreLine
Reaume Chevrolet Buick GMC
OG Pizza
New Business of the Year Award:
Kava Cafe & Bakery
Connect Chiropractic
Local Dealz
Revery Medical Aesthetics
The Yoga Effect
Councillor Sue Desjarlais Community Champion Award:
LaSalle Community Fund Association
Lisa Homenick
Little Hands Kids for a Cause
St. Andrews Community Food Bank
Kris Cooper
Tickets to attend the awards event are available at a cost of $100 per ticket, or $750 for a table of eight, until April 2.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the awards presentation. Entertainment and a silent auction will be held with proceeds going to the St. Andrews Community Food Bank.
