For the 10th year running, 91原创 Rotarians are recognizing the outstanding contributions of local youth and giving them a boost for their future.

That gesture was repeated Thursday evening, when the four local Rotary Clubs held the annual Service Above Self Student and Youth (SASSY) Awards evening at the Chief Sepass Theatre in Fort 91原创.

It was an inspiring evening celebrating youth achievement in the community, said Annette Borrows, the event chair.

The evening鈥檚 format was along the lines of a Juno Awards program, featuring entertainment by talented local youth sandwiched between the presentations of seven awards. 

SASSY recognizes youth ages 15 to 21 who are living or studying in 91原创 and who are making a difference in the community by demonstrating the Rotary ideal of 鈥楽ervice Above Self,鈥� Borrows said.

At the event, seven awards were presented to future leaders in the categories of community service, leadership beyond adversity, sports, cultural and diversity, environment, arts and culture, as well as youth leadership.

SASSY (Service Above Self Student and Youth) exists to celebrate exceptional youth for their outstanding leadership contributions locally and internationally, she said.

鈥淭his year鈥檚 applicants and finalists are amazing and we are excited to shine a light on these young people."

Each winner this year received $1,200, while the runners up received $600. 

It's felt it helps support and recognition the accomplishments of up-and-coming young leaders in 91原创, said Borrows.

Rea Klar was a SASSY 2023 environmental leadership award finalist, and she spoke to what the recognition meant to her.

鈥淏eing nominated for the 2023 SASSY Award in environmentalism was a profound honour. It ignited a fire within me to strive even harder for our planet's well-being,鈥� she said.

Since the award鈥檚 inception a decade ago, Rotary has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to young leaders.

鈥淭he Rotary Clubs of 91原创 believe in supporting our local youth as a cornerstone of our service to the community. We are proud to recognize these young people who will be the leaders of tomorrow and helping them reach their potential,鈥� said Rick Davis, president of the Rotary Club of 91原创 Central.

2025 WINNERS

鈥� Sports leadership 鈥� Lyla McKay

As a multi-sport athlete in basketball and volleyball, Lyla, a Walnut Grove Secondary student, has led her teams to provincial championships, earned numerous awards, and ranked in B.C.鈥檚 all-time basketball records.

As team captain, she fosters communication, leads under pressure, and builds team spirit.

Beyond athletics, Lyla mentors鈥� younger students, organizes school events, coaches youth teams, and serves as head student chef in the school cafeteria.

From environmental cleanups to inspiring future athletes, Lyla leads with purpose and passion. This fall, she will continue her journey playing volleyball for SFU鈥檚 Red Leaf鈥檚, carrying these lessons forward.

鈥� Community Service 鈥� Megan Sooah Webster 

Megan, a Walnut Grove Secondary student, is a passionate advocate for education, mental health, and social equity.

As co-founder and president of 鈥楨ducaring,鈥� she has led initiatives including book drives, fundraisers, and education awareness campaigns.

Through AloxAware, she addresses homelessness and addiction stigma, creating a documentary in collaboration with Fraser Health.

She also founded a mock trials club and pioneered 鈥渃ourt debate鈥� to make legal education accessible.

Her academic work includes a research paper on youth psychopathy and MAOA gene expression, earning recognition at the Indigo Academic Conference. Her leadership empowers change both locally and globally.

鈥� Environmental leadership 鈥� Zoya Saeedi Mepham

Zoya, a 91原创 Fine Art School student, is a passionate environmental advocate rooted in a deep connection to nature and a belief that access to the natural world is a right.

A leader with her school鈥檚 Green Team and PA-MOJA chapters, she has organized sustainability fundraisers, battery recycling programs, and educational workshops, raising more than $20,000 for global and local initiatives.

Her commitment to stewardship stems from her education at the environmental school project.

Zoya remains dedicated to pursuing post-secondary education and a legal career focused on environmental justice and equitable access to nature.

鈥� Leadership beyond adversity 鈥� Hassina Hormat

Hassina, a 91原创 Secondary student who plans on attending UFV in the fall, is a resilient individual who overcame gender discrimination in Afghanistan and two years in a refugee camp before resettling in Canada, where she became her family鈥檚 main translator and advocate.

Despite financial and systemic barriers to her dream of becoming a pilot, Hassina remains determined.

Hassina has demonstrated leadership through roles such as interpreter, food bank volunteer, pharmacy assistant, reading tutor, and participant in the WAVE IT internship program. Through service, adaptability, and commitment, they鈥檝e become a strong, compassionate leader in their community.

Arts and culture leadership 鈥� Alyssa Borton

Alyssa, a Walnut Grove Secondary student, is a passionate writer and visual artist dedicated to enriching her community鈥檚 creative landscape.

Alyssa鈥檚 poetry has been published three times by Polar Expressions Publishing, and she鈥檚 served as writer, editor, and social media manager for Gator Nation News.

Her visual art has been featured in public displays and shows like the North Van Arts Anonymous Art Show.

Alyssa founded the WGSS Artist Collective and led projects like school murals and a student art fair supporting Youth Mental Health Canada. She plans to continue empowering young artists while pursuing a BA at UBC next year.

鈥� Youth leadership 鈥� Dimi Nazarov

Beginning in elementary school, Dimi, now a Walnut Grove Secondary student, has grown into a dedicated youth leader and mentor, supporting younger students through reading buddies, tutoring, and school transition programs like GQ and Girl Up.

She鈥檚 held leadership roles with air cadets, led public speaking lessons, and organized events for younger students.

She actively contributes to the 91原创 School District Foundation, Starfish Packs, and community initiatives promoting environmental awareness through the eco team.

Through roles at her karate dojo and local library, Dimi builds confidence in children while fostering a strong sense of community service.

鈥� Cultural and diversity leadership 鈥� Samuel Woelders

For the past seven years, Samuel, a 91原创 Christian High School student, has worked with Max, a boy with Down syndrome and autism, through his church鈥檚 Thrive program 鈥� where he developed a passion for inclusion and leadership.

After completing specialized training, Samuel now mentor new volunteers and promote disability awareness.

This passion extends to his roles in Big Brothers Big Sisters and as student council president, where he fosters belonging and diversity.

Samuel has also served at Camp LCS and on service trips to Mexico and the Bronx, learning that true leadership is rooted in empathy, connection, and inclusion.