Four Yukoners were recognized Wednesday with Outstanding Youth Achievement Awards.

Jetta Bilsky, Elizabeth Boyd, Katie Vowk and Jack Royle are the 2017 award winners.

They were presented by Commissioner Doug Phillips, Education Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee and Tourism and Culture Minister Jeanie Dendys.

The awards recognize youth who are involved in their Yukon communities, such as volunteering, fundraising, helping seniors and elders, or any activity that allows youth to act as positive role models.

“It is with immense pride that we recognize young Yukoners making a difference in their communities,” Phillips said.

“Our territory has long been known for its excellent volunteer spirit, and it is clear Yukon’s future will continue to shine bright with the contribution of the youth being honoured today.”

Winners receive $250, a certificate 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 ward.

Bilsky, a 17-year-old Whitehorse resident, is being recognized for being an outstanding role model, volunteer, and an active member of the sport community.

“Jetta works hard to excel while still being kind, polite, dependable and loving,” said a statement from Phillips’ office.

“She was one of the first volunteers with the Whitehorse General Hospital’s volunteer program. She was instrumental in the development of the volunteer program through piloting the activities, processes and policies involved with the program’s implementation.

“Jetta is proud of the work she does, working and volunteering as needed. She sees this as valuable experience for her career aspirations as a physician.”

Bilsky also helps prepare and serve food to those in need at the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen.

She is also a youth basketball referee for high school aged 12 to 17. She was chosen to play for the Yukon women’s basketball team at the Western Canada Games and at the Arctic Winter Games.

Royle, 17, is being recognized for his willingness to help others and his involvement with many Vanier Catholic Secondary School and Whitehorse community initiatives.

He began helping in the soup kitchen beside his mother at the age of six. He also helps assemble the Rotary snack bags that the soup kitchen distributes.

Royle was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Whitehorse in 2016 for his outstanding community service.

He was recognized by the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Society as its Youth Volunteer of the Year in 2016. Royle has volunteered for every food drive the Catholic schools of Whitehorse have organized, and has been an active member of Vanier’s Social Justice Club.

“Jack was a founding member of Vanier’s Gay-Straight Alliance, and is an outspoken advocate for acceptance of all people, regardless of their religion, sexual orientation or gender,” the statement said.

“Jack is an outstanding citizen at Vanier Catholic Secondary School as well as an outstanding member of the Whitehorse Sacred Heart Parish and the city in general. Jack is a leader and is an outspoken defender of those who have faced difficult circumstances.”

Boyd, an 18-year-old Mount Lorne resident, is being recognized for her exceptional devotion as a volunteer firefighter with the Mount Lorne Volunteer Fire Department.

She was also heavily involved with the local 4-H Club and Junior Rangers program.

In her last years as a Junior Ranger, Boyd helped instruct younger members of the group.

At the age of 16, she joined the department as an “Explorer Firefighter”, and became a full-fledged volunteer firefighter at 18.

“She is always ready to step up for demonstrations and activities, and is always volunteering with fundraising events such as litter clean-up, the Mis-Adventure Run and information booths,” the statement said.

“On top of that, she has trained and done exceptionally well representing Yukon at the Regional Fire Fit Competitions held in Langley, B.C.

“She excelled as a participant of the Ember Academy in 2015—a week-long program sponsored by the Fire Marshall’s Office to help encourage women to join the fire service.”

This month, she is part of the team of instructors at the Ember Academy.

“Elizabeth is not afraid of taking on new challenges such as learning new skills required for being a volunteer firefighter,” said the statement.

Vowk, 17, was recognized as an exemplary mentor to young skiers and swimmers with the local Alpine Ski Association and Synchro Yukon for the past five years.

“She has shown them how to be a team and takes the time to explain the value that they bring to the team dynamic,” the statement said.

“After competing at a high level within synchronized swimming, Katie returned to the sport as a coach with the six- to nine-year-old girls in the pool twice a week and led them to their final water show each spring.

“Katie has also volunteered with the training of Special Olympic World athletes.” Vowk has received multiple awards for outstanding athleticism and achievement in sports.

The awards are for her achievements in alpine ski racing at two Artic Winter Games and one Canada Winter Games.

She competed at the Canadian Nationals in pair’s synchronized swimming after eight years of being a member of Synchro Yukon.

She received one MVP for volleyball and was a top three scorer in her rugby season.

“Katie brings warmth, laughter and personality along with her sincerity when she works, volunteers and interacts within the community and especially with the youth in the sporting community,” said the statement.

Added McPhee: “Yukon youth who are going above and beyond and contribute to our communities are an inspiration to their peers and to Yukoners of all ages.”