Seven local youths were honoured Friday at the first-ever Service Above Self Surrey Youth (SASSY) awards.
The event, which was organized by the Semiahmoo Rotary Club, honoured youth in White Rock and Surrey between the ages of 16 and 21 who have done exceptional work in the community.
The recipients were chosen from more than 75 nominees for awards which include youth leadership, community service and cultural diversity.
All seven received a $500 bursary and a $500 donation to the charity of their choice.
The event featured a keynote presentation by Craig Kielburger, co-founder of the Me to We foundation and Free the Children.
The Rotary club plans to make the awards an annual event.
The recipients of the first annual SASSY Awards include:
• Against-the-Odds Award (Sponsored by the White Rock Rotary Club) - John Davidson
• Athletic/Sportsmanship Awards - Jake Bruchet
• Community Award - Amie Johnson
• Cultural Diversity - Kanwalnain Grewal
• Humanitarian Award - Stephanie Blain
• Performing and Visual Arts Award - Joe Given
• Youth Leadership Awards (Sponsored by the Semiahmoo Rotary Club) - Cynthia Bhourji