By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
The Town of Oakville celebrated the successful conclusion of its summer camp season with the annual Oakville Summer Camp Leadership Awards, held at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts.
The event honoured the contributions of the camp staff and recognized the exceptional leadership of this year’s award recipients.
With more than 120 guests in attendance, the awards night paid special tribute to Ray McConnell, a former summer camp leader who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident involving an impaired driver in 1982. McConnell remembered for his dedication to Oakville’s youth programs, was honoured through the presentation of the Ray McConnell Leadership Award, given annually to a staff member who exemplifies leadership and commitment to the community. This year, the McConnell family presented the award to Michelle Rubach-Flores.
Other awards distributed included the Carol Gall Rookie of the Year Award, won by Bilal Tahir, and the HIGH FIVE Champion Award, which recognizes excellence in promoting child well-being. The following individuals received the HIGH FIVE Champion Award: Hannah Baung, Alice Cancela, Meghan DaPonte, Logan French, Olivia Goodstadt, Alayna Guerrero, Saujas Lad, Ana Elisa Lopez-Miranda, Mirha Mansoor, Sahib Nagra, Tomas Serrano, Kaitlyn Short, and Anélise Thomas.
The Extra Mile Award, given to staff who go above and beyond in their roles, was awarded to Adelaide Birtch, Lauren Chambers, Lucas Graffi, Hamza Hersi, Rileigh Ivings, Miranda Kolodziej, Gia Kotadia, Anyaowa Nsitem, Charlotte Lemieux, Ella Mitchell, Julia Sheppard, Charlie Thomson-Hill, and Jackie Tseng.
Oakville’s summer camps serve children aged four to 12 and are accredited by the provincial HIGH FIVE program, which promotes the healthy development of children in recreation and sport. Oakville was the first municipality in the Halton Region to achieve this accreditation for its day camps.