By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Mount Pearl’s Youth of the Year winners Emily Hounsell and Alex Taylor were among the young people celebrated at the City’s Focus on Youth Awards this month. From left are: MP Tom Osbourne, Youth of the Year Award winners Emily Hounsell and Alex Taylor, Karen Rossiter, who is the sister of the late John Rossiter, a former youth of the year award winner for whom the award is named, and Mayor Dave Aker. Photo courtesy of the City of Mount Pearl
Alex Taylor and Emily Hounsell shared the Youth of The Year award as Mount Pearl gathered May 12 to honour the best of the best within its next generation of leaders at the 36th Annual Focus on Youth awards, held at the Reid Community Centre for the Awards,
Taylor and Hounsell were recognised for their outstanding youth achievements, leadership and community involvement.
“These awards recognize young people who inspire others and contribute to a strong sense of our community in Mount Pearl,” said Mayor Dave Aker. “Their dedication, leadership, and commitment help shape our future.”
Hounsell is a Grade 12 student whose leadership, perseverance, and commitment to community service was lauded, with her nomination calling her a standout role model in the City of Mount Pearl.
She has been an active and dedicated member of Girl Guides of Canada for 13 years, earning her every major award available, including the Lady Baden‑Powell Award, Canada Cord, and Trailblazer Awards.
“She has played leadership roles at district and provincial events, including leading activities, presenting sessions, running campfires, and supporting large‑scale camps and gatherings,” stated the nomination, adding that she also serves on the Provincial Youth Forum, where she helps design challenges and plans an annual youth forum weekend attended by young members from across Newfoundland and Labrador. Academically, Hounsell has maintained a consistent 90 per cent average since Grade 7, excelling particularly in mathematics and science, and she received the Student of the Year award at Mount Pearl Intermediate, as well as an early entrance scholarship to Memorial University.
“She now gives back academically by volunteering as a tutor through Tutoring for Tuition, helping other students succeed while earning university credit,” read the nomination.
Beyond Guiding and academics Hounsell is a member of her school’s leadership committee and skates recreationally with the Mount Pearl – Paradise Figure Skating Club and volunteers at events like the Frosty Festival.
Taylor, also a Grade 12 student, was described as making a meaningful contribution through his compassion, leadership, and lifelong commitment to community service.
“From a very young age, Alex believed that giving back is both a responsibility and a privilege,” read his nomination. “Since the age of ten, he has consistently volunteered his time, energy, and musical talent to support individuals, families, and organizations in need, balancing academic excellence with an extraordinary level of service.”
Taylor is the founder and organizer of the Annual Merry & Bright Christmas Fundraiser, now entering its seventh year, which has raised more than $8,000 for organizations such as Bridges to Hope, The Gathering Place, Dollar A Day, the Janeway, and CNIB. He has also organized and performed in numerous benefit concerts for the Canadian Red Cross, raising thousands of dollars in support of disaster relief efforts related to floods, wildfires, and the war in Ukraine.
“One notable achievement includes organizing a wildfire relief concert in just four days, demonstrating remarkable initiative, leadership, and community awareness,” read the nomination.
Taylor volunteers regularly with the Royal Canadian Legion, assisting with poppy campaigns across Mount Pearl and was chosen to lay a wreath at the 2024 Remembrance Day Ceremony on behalf of the Government of Canada. He also volunteers with Sharing Our Cultures, food banks, and senior living facilities, contributing more than 40 volunteer hours each month while maintaining a 95 per cent academic average in French Immersion.
His efforts have earned numerous recognitions, including the King Charles Coronation Medal for Community Volunteer, CNIB Volunteer of the Year, and multiple Focus on Youth awards.
Other youth honoured at the awards ceremony included Brandon Philpott and Claire Gibbons (Athletes of the Year), Mount Pearl Soccer Association Girls U15 PYL team (Sports Team of the Year), Rachel Spurrell (Literary Arts Award), Beibhinn Edwards (Visual Arts Award), Jane Caines (Individual Performing Arts Award), O’Donel High School - Grease (Performing Arts Award - Group), Sophia Zhang (Youth In STEM Award), Alex Taylor and Allyssa Roberts (Youth Opportunity fund Volunteer of the Year), O’Donel High School First Responders (Group Of The Year), Devon Fahey (Community Safety and Well-Being Award), and Julie Dicker (Reconciliation In Action Award.)
More information about the award recipients and nominees is available at mountpearl.ca/focusonyouth.