Mayor’s Recognition Awards a highlight of Leamington Council chambers

The annual Mayor’s Recognition Awards were presented just ahead of the June 13 meeting of Leamington Council.

A full council chambers featured the recipients and their families as Mayor Hilda MacDonald presented each of them with their awards.

The Distinguished Volunteer Service Award was given to long-time community volunteer Delores Klassen.

The Community Inspiration Award was presented to George Bergen, who is the President of

The Bridge Youth Resource Centre and is instrumental as part of the group that opened the Leamington Community Hope Centre.

Three Mayor’s Special Awards were then presented.

The first special award was presented to Martin Varela, who is the Migrant Workers Community Program chair. Martin arrived in Leamington in 2009 and made Leamington his home.

The Mayor’s Special Award for Innovation went to the entire UMEI Christian High School Robotics team, who placed very high in local and provincial competitions.

The final award of the night was awarded posthumously to the late Herm Dick, who passed away in March. Herm was a long-time volunteer who had a passion for service to his community and spent several years on Mersea Township Council. Herm’s son Dennis Dick accepted the award alongside his mom, Elizabeth.

Mayor Hilda MacDonald presents the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award to Delores Klassen.

Mayor Hilda MacDonald presents the Community Inspiration Award to George Bergen.

Mayor Hilda MacDonald presents the Mayor’s Special Award to Martin Varela.

Mayor Hilda MacDonald presents the Innovation award to the UMEI Lightning Robotics team, from left, Mason Fittler, Aidan Brown, Nathan Ribble, Delaney Dault, Ben Recker, Braedon Douglas, Olivia Coppola, Liam Brown, Jocelyn Giroux, Isabel Neufeld, Mr. John Fittler.

Mayor Hilda MacDonald presents the Mayor’s Special Award for the late Herm Dick to Elizabeth Dick and son Dennis Dick.