Teen wins Ontario Junior Citizen of Year Award. Andrew Sigmaringam, right, receives his Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year certificate from Grace Peacok, managing editor of the Etobicoke Guardian. Sigmaringam is one of 12 young people from across the province honoured by the Ontario Community Newspaper Association for outstanding community contribution. Born deaf, Sigmaringam works extensivly as a peer mentor and leader, and will be studying social work at Ryerson University next September. Staff photo/MARY GAUDET
February 7, 2012
An Etobicoke teen has been awarded the 2011 Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award.
The award recognizes youth ages six to 27 who are outstanding leaders making a difference in their communities.
Nominees may be involved in community service, contribute to their community while living with a physical or psychological limitation, have performed acts of heroism or bravery or are simply "good kids" who show a commitment to making life better for others.
Andrew Sigmaringam, 17, is one of 12 finalists out of 176 nominees who will receive an Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award at a ceremony in Toronto in March officiated by Lt.-Gov. David Onley.
Born deaf, Andrew had cochlear implant surgery as a toddler to allow him to hear and has helped other deaf students receive the necessary surgery "that has made him so successful," said his teacher Diana Francavilla, who nominated him for the award.
"Andrew is an unselfish member of our community - ready to help in any way he can."
Andrew helped raise $5,000 for Free the Children, a charity that empowers "children helping children through education." He has assisted children with autism. He speaks about his personal experiences as a guest speaker at workshops.
Another Etobicoke native, Andrea Tenuta, 17, will receive a 2011 Junior Citizen of the Year certificate for her nomination.
Andrea acted as student leader for three years at Father Serra Catholic Elementary School to organize toy collections for the CHUM City Christmas Wish. She has spent 160 hours as a Bible camp counsellor at All Saints Church.
Andrea has also been the main organizer at Bishop Allen Academy Catholic Secondary School's Irie Huntington's fundraiser, which raised approximately $3,000 each year.
This March Break, Andrea is headed to Guatemala to work at an orphanage.
The Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Awards are promoted through 300-plus member newspapers of the Ontario Community Newspaper Association, which includes The Etobicoke Guardian, with the support of corporate sponsors TD Bank Group and Direct Energy.
