2026 Applause Awards Presented At Gala Event
Last evening, the City of St. John’s celebrated outstanding community contributions at the 2026 Applause Awards gala held at the St. John’s Convention Centre.
“These awards recognize the people who go above and beyond to strengthen our community,” said Mayor Danny Breen. “From volunteers and leaders to artists and advocates, each finalist plays an important role in shaping a city that is inclusive, vibrant, and deeply valued by those who call it home. Council is honoured to celebrate your contributions and the impact you make every day.”
This year marked a significant milestone for the Applause Awards with the introduction of the Arts Awards, first announced in 2025. These new categories, Artist of the Year and Arts Organization/Group of the Year, highlight the vital role that arts and culture play in shaping the identity of St. John’s.
The award winners and finalists are as follows:
Tom “Dynamite” Dunne Award for Male Athlete of the Year
Finalists: Levi Moulton, Harry Carter
Winner: Jason Hill
Marg Davis Award for Female Athlete of the Year
Finalists: Kate Bazeley, Mya Rogers
Winner: Falon McLoughlan
Team of the Year
Finalists: Holy Cross Kirby Group, Galway Hitmen
Winner: Holy Cross Nutra Holdings
Climate Change Leadership (Corporate)
Finalists: Biolab, Take Charge
Winner: Choices for Youth
Climate Change Leadership (Community)
Finalists: Econext, Stewardship Association of Municipalities (SAM)
Winner: Home Again Furniture Bank
Heritage Awards
Winners: 71 Rennie’s Mill Road, 90 Pleasant Street, 111 Freshwater Road
Councillor Debbie Hanlon Award for Senior of the Year
Finalists: Max Kirby, Edward Sawdon
Winner: Bruce Templeton
Tourism (Legend)
Winner: Destination St. John’s
Tourism (Excellence)
Winner: Spirit of Newfoundland
Destination St. John’s Award of Distinction
Winner: 2025 Canada Games Host Society
Youth of the Year (Junior)
Finalist: Olivia Neary
Winner: Gayathri Prem
Youth of the Year (Senior)
Finalists: Noshin Khan, Grace Snow
Winner: Alpita Patro
Volunteer of the Year (Individual)
Finalists: Glenn Roil, Tom Jackman
Winner: Gary Furlong
Volunteer of the Year (Community Group)
Finalists: Georgestown Neighbourhood Association, NL Eats Community Outreach Inc.
Winner: Seth & Matty’s Hat Trick Campaign Committee
Innovative Housing Design
Winners: First Light (Harvey House), Werkliv (Wester-Land)
Artist of the Year
Finalists: Ana Luísa Ramos, Caroline Clarke
Winner: Deantha Edmunds
Arts Organization/Group of the Year
Finalists: Group of 77 Drawing Group, PerSIStence Theatre Company
Winner: Resource Centre for the Arts
This year, the City received 77 nominations across the 16 award categories.
The City of St. John’s annual civic awards program, the Applause Awards, celebrates the outstanding achievements of individuals, groups, and organizations who make a meaningful impact in our community. The program highlights excellence in arts and culture, athletics, climate leadership, heritage preservation, volunteerism, tourism, youth and senior leadership, and innovative housing design.
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Softball NL Would Like To Take This Opportunity To Congratulate All Of The City Of St. John’s 2026 Applause Awards Winners And Finalists!
