At Kidston Helm Ross Lawyers, we believe in recognizing and uplifting young leaders who are making a meaningful impact in our community. That’s why we’re proud to support the Vernon Junior Good Citizen of the Year Award, presented annually by the North Okanagan Optimist Club.
This year, we congratulate 15-year-old Ash Burdett, the recipient of the second annual Junior Good Citizen Award. Ash was honored for their dedication to inclusivity, advocacy, and community-building, demonstrating the kind of leadership and compassion that makes Vernon a better place for everyone.
A Leader in Community Change
Ash was nominated for the 2025 award by Awaken Education teacher Robert Buchanan, who recognized their passion for supporting others and inspiring change. Their contributions include:
Launching The Binder Exchange Project – In partnership with the Vernon Family Resource Centre, Ash helped establish this program to provide essential gender-affirming resources to youth in need. Thanks to Ash and their classmates, the project has since received additional funding to expand its reach.
Advocating Through Art & Poetry – Ash has publicly shared their experiences through spoken word poetry, reading at the Transgender Day of Remembrance event in Vernon. Their poetry recounts their own coming-out story, serving as a source of solidarity and allyship for other queer members of the community.
Truth & Reconciliation Through Creativity – As part of a class project examining the legacy of residential schools, Ash created a written and visual art piece exploring the impact of colonization on LGBTQ2S+ individuals. Their work highlights intersections between history, identity, and resilience.
For their contributions, Ash received a $300 donation to give to a charity of their choice, furthering their commitment to helping others and creating lasting change.
A Role Model for the Future
Ash exemplifies the spirit of the Junior Good Citizen Award. Their commitment to supporting others, championing inclusivity, and creating meaningful change in the community makes them a truly deserving recipient.
Ash credits much of their drive for community involvement to Awaken Education, an outdoor, community-based schooling system in Vernon. The program has encouraged them to step outside their comfort zone, engage with local organizations, and stay involved in initiatives that make a difference.
Honouring Young Changemakers
At Kidston Helm Ross, we firmly believe that young people like Ash Burdett represent the future of leadership and positive change in Vernon. By recognizing and celebrating youth who go above and beyond to help their community, we hope to inspire others to do the same.
We are incredibly proud to support the Junior Good Citizen of the Year Award and look forward to seeing how Ash and other young leaders continue to shape our community for the better.
Congratulations, Ash! Your work is inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what you do next.
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