Surrey: Seven 2017 “Service Above Self Surrey Youth” (SASSY) Awards were presented on Friday evening to honour achievements of local youth. More than 250 people convened at Surrey Arts Centre to celebrate recipients at the 7th annual awards ceremony.
Awards were granted in the categories of Arts & Culture Leadership, Community Service, Environmental Leadership, International Service, Overcoming Adversity, Sports Leadership, and Youth Leadership. Recipient youth each received a $1,000 bursary and $500 to donate to a registered charity of their choice.
“The City of Surrey recognizes that youth are a valuable part of our community and we are proud of their active contributions, ideas and perspectives in civic life,” said Mayor Linda Hepner. “Thank you to our sponsors, our amazing performers, and award recipients who made this year’s event another great success.”
“The SASSY Awards have continuously been a key platform that honours youth who engage, grow, and lead while making a difference in Surrey,” said Councillor Mike Starchuk. “Youth play a major role in our city, and we’re proud of their commitment to making Surrey a great place for other youth to excel.”
Sponsored by Semiahmoo Rotary Club, the 7th Annual SASSY Awards featured performances by singer-songwriters Ava Carich, Josh Bogert and Richard Tichelman. Special entertainment also included XBA Dance Company, Spiral Dance and the Semiahmoo Jazz Band. Proceeds from the SASSY Awards support Rotary Club’s “Interact” program, where local youth lead projects to help other youth.
The SASSY Awards is a Rotary scholarship awards program for youth, aged 15 to 21, who are living or studying in Surrey or White Rock, which seeks to recognize, acknowledge and celebrate youth achievement. For more information visit www.sassyawards.ca
