City of Peterborough Celebrates 2024 Civic Award Recipients

Peterborough, ON – The City of Peterborough recognized outstanding citizens and groups for their contributions in enriching the lives of City residents during the 2024 Civic Awards ceremony, held Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.  

The Civic Awards have been taking place since 1953, recognizing individuals and groups who have helped enhance the City through dedication to sports, volunteerism, the arts and environmentalism.  

“The Civic Awards are one of the most meaningful ways we can say thank you to the residents who make Peterborough a better place. Each nominee and recipient represent the spirit of generosity, creativity and commitment that defines Peterborough. On behalf of City Council, I want to congratulate this year’s award winners and extend my gratitude to everyone who gives their time and talent to enrich the lives of Peterborough residents,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.  

Civic Award recipients are first nominated by community members, and each nomination is reviewed by a Citizen Appointment Selection Working Group. A list of candidates is then brought to City Council for consideration.  

A full description of Civic Awards and award recipients can be found at peterborough.ca/civicawards.  

Civic Award recipients are as follows:  

Community Betterment  

Peterborough Housing Food Bank Volunteers  

Aya Darrouba  

Kinsmen Club of Peterborough 

Trevor Hesselink 

Activity Haven Board of Directors 

Good Neighbours Care Centre 

Cultural Betterment 

Guru Sai Charan Pitla  

Friends of the Library 

Peterborough Girls Hockey Association  

Environmental Stewardship/Sustainability 

Laura Gardner 

Shelley Strain 

Athletic Award of Merit 

Matthew Kathiravelu  

Toula Pappas 

Stone Shearer 

Mayor’s Youth Award  

Rayne Froggatt 

Holnbeck Award 

John Morris 

Junior Athlete of the Year 

Nicole Jin  

Adult Athlete of the Year 

Cole Lester 

Senior Athlete of the Year 

John Kasperski 

Youth Volunteer of the Year 

Brianna Hearn-Finney 

Volunteer of the Year 

Yvonne Zerafa-Rapson 

Lifetime Achievement Award 

Henry Clarke