By Cecilia Nasmith

With the two top winners leading the way – Outstanding Youth Jordan Mapley and Outstanding Citizen Barry Adamson – Port Hope's stars were celebrated Thursday night at the annual Civic Awards ceremony

Recipients in seven categories were honoured in a pre-recorded broadcast that was aired on YourTV and can be found on the Port Hope website.

“There hasn't been a more important time in recent history to celebrate and honour the good work being done by our citizens,” Mayor Bob Sanderson declared.

“If this past year has taught us anything, it's that we rely on our community to get us through some of the tough moments. This year's Civic Awards reminds us that, even when there is turmoil, humans are still contributing to our community in ways that wow us every day.

“Congratulations to all of the nominees and award winners, and I encourage everyone to watch the ceremony posted on our website to share in the celebration of these fine individuals and groups.”

The Civic Awards Program recognizes the broad range of elements that make up Port Hope's inspiring culture by acknowledging those who contribute time, skills and resources toward improving the quality of life in the community.

It celebrate nominees worthy of recognition for exceptional contributions and achievements that bring honour and enrichment to the municipality.

These include Adamson, a founding member of the Port Hope Agricultural Heritage Club. In 2007, when their building received an eviction notice, Adamson took the opportunity – with limited funds and no thought of giving up – to replace it with a newer facility that was a better fit for its treasured antiques that illustrate the community's agricultural heritage. It reopened in 2012 and even had an expansion in 2014. Adamson also helped expand the club's membership to 265 from six.

In 2010, Adamson joined the Float Your Fanny Event Committee and helped inspire a complete rejuvenation of the event with new enhancements, community partnerships, grants, economic impacts and media coverage – all elevating the event to a professional standard second to none.

Adamson also served on the Wesleyville Cemetery board, participated in Canada Day and Santa Claus parades, helped improve the audio at Remembrance Day ceremonies, delivered Salvation Army Christmas hampers, hosted the Early Years Family Night barbecue, volunteered with First Port Hope Beavers and gave his time at Ganaraska Trail Public School participating in the playground build, constructing raised garden beds outside the kindergarten classroom, and volunteering at many school fundraisers, trips and athletic events.

Mapley began her volunteer career as a lunch monitor at Ganaraska Trail Public School, where she also assisted in the kindergarten classrooms and provided support for other students in the extended French program. As a high school student, she maintains a 90-plus average in pre-university an extended French courses and has won academic awards in physical education, history, geography, environmental science and law – all while working part-time to save money for university and keeping up exceptional community-service commitments. It is estimated she has logged more than 600 community-service hours to date.

Mapley is a long-time clarinet player and member of the Port Hope High School Orchestra, as well as a member of the varsity dance team and varsity rugby team (often acting as captain). She has served as communication minister and participated in such school events as Link Crew, Fast for Funds, the annual Christmas Craft Sale, the Terry Fox Run and the Spartan Race.

Within the community, she has been part of the Rotary Interact Club, Canadian Firefighters' Museum and the Port Hope Horticultural Society plant sale. She has served as an activity leader at the Farmers' Market and as an ambassador for the Port Hope Fall Fair.

The Civic Awards Advisory Committee is a committee of council that meets regularly throughout the year to manage the recognition programs and host the annual award ceremony on behalf of council. Committee members are Keri Kroeger, David Kroeger, Sue Niles, Alexandra Byers, Sandra Ging, Councillor Wendy Meadows, recording secretary Mandy Burnet and staff representative Jeannie Maidens.

The Civic Awards Committee is seeking civic-minded individuals to join the team. Anyone interested in applying can get more information on the municipality's Boards and Committees webpage.