Municipal Awards

The 2026 Junior Male Athlete of the Year is Kieran Cutler. A standout catcher, this athlete leads by example on the field and in the community. He has earned the respect of teammates and coaches through his work ethic, character, and commitment to the game. In 2025, he was awarded a full baseball scholarship. At the Canada Games, he rose to the moment—ranking among the top offensive players. Now competing at the National Junior College Athletic Division, he continues to push himself, representing his community with pride while setting a strong example for young athletes.

The 2026 Junior Female Athlete of the Year is Avery Durdle. A standout in both hockey and baseball, she continues to raise the bar with every season. As a key pitcher, she helped lead her team to a silver medal at the Atlantic Cup Championship at the Canada Games and is also a provincial silver medalist.

Beyond competition, she gives back by volunteering her time to support young girls beginning their journey in baseball, helping them chase their dreams. She leads by example, embracing every challenge as an opportunity to grow while lifting up those around her.

The 2026 Male Athlete of the Year is Gavin Baggs. He has represented The Town of Paradise and Newfoundland and Labrador, excelling across multiple sports, including para hockey, athletics, and swimming. At the Canada Games, he earned four medals and was recognized with the Roland Michener Award for Male Athlete of the Games. A member of Canada’s National Men’s Para Hockey Team and an outstanding student in drama, he leads with dedication, humility, and a strong sense of community.

The 2026 Female Athlete of the Year is champion powerlifter Lisa Froude. In 2025, she earned a spot on Team Canada and travelled to Norway to compete in the 2025 World Bench Press. She has won gold at provincials and two national silver medals and has earned a spot on Team Canada for the upcoming World Bench Press Championship in Warsaw, Poland. All while raising three kids, working full time, and volunteering with the Paradise Centennial Lions Club.

The 2026 Coach of the Year is Pat Slaney. He has built something truly special, mentoring his athletes to championship success while creating lasting impact beyond the game. As head coach of Gonzaga High School and Provincial U15 basketball, Pat has led his teams to incredible achievements, including three consecutive 4A Boys Basketball Championships. What makes this even more meaningful is the journey. He has coached three of his senior athletes since they were in Grade 5, guiding them all the way through to high school and three provincial titles. He invests in his players, gets to know them and makes each one feel beyond valued.

The 2026 Official of the Year is Chantal McDonald. Chantal had an exceptional year, officiating at the local, provincial, and national levels, including the NL Soccer Association, the Challenge Cup, University Soccer, and the Canada Summer Games. She has also taken on a leadership role as Director of Officiating, working to grow youth refereeing while continuing her own development and mentoring young officials. All of this while maintaining Dean’s List status in Mechanical Engineering at Memorial University. 

The 2026 Inspired Artist of the Year is David Sturge. David is an award-winning wildlife photographer, recognized for his powerful storytelling and commitment to conservation, including a Gold Award for photographic excellence from the Canadian Association for Photographic Art. In 2026, he contributed to the nationally broadcast documentary The Berg, filmed and produced by The Nature of Things. Through his work, he continues to capture and champion the wild spaces and wildlife of this province, inspiring a deeper appreciation for conservation.

This year’s Performing Artists of the Year are The Salt Beef Junkies. This group of young musicians are energizing and preserving Irish Newfoundland tradition with infectious, toe-tapping arrangements. They have been performing together since 2019, touring festivals and venues across Canada and Ireland, and released their debut album Somewhere in Between.

This year’s Youth of the Year is Reece Antle, a compassionate and hardworking young leader who is making a meaningful impact in her community. A top-performing equestrian athlete, she trained and competed independently while returning from an injury, finishing the season ranked number one in the province.

She gives back through youth mentorship, lesson programs, and therapeutic riding, dedicating countless hours to the care and wellbeing of horses. Alongside her athletic achievements, Reece excels academically and is an award-winning vocalist at both the Kiwanis and Rotary Music Festivals.

This year’s Citizen of the Year is Judy Sparkes, a proud veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and a devoted member of the Paradise Centennial Lions Club. She leads with kindness, strength, and an unwavering sense of purpose.

Judy founded the Little Lions Program, creating connections between seniors and new mothers and their babies. She co-coordinates Healing Rhythms for Veterans, offering comfort and understanding to those who have served. During the 2025 Canada Games, she stepped forward to support young athletes, and she continues to give her time to the Avalon Dragons’ annual fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness. She is known for her warm smile, her generous spirit, and her constant presence wherever help is needed.

Susan Pennell the 2026 Volunteer of the Year, has dedicated more than 25 years to coaching and volunteering, making a lasting impact on youth in the Paradise community. This past year alone, she served as Vice President of Paradise Minor Baseball, coached school basketball, and is acting as Team Manager for Team NL.

With her background as a school counsellor, she supports both the physical and mental well-being of athletes in the community.

The 2026 Volunteer Group of the Year is Paradise Centennial Lions Club. They stand by the motto “We Serve.” Whether it’s supporting residents, community groups, or Town initiatives, they are always ready to lend a hand—through both financial support and hands-on volunteerism.

From food drives to supporting families and contributing to local events, their impact is felt throughout the community.

The 2026 Business Excellence Award recipient is Banished Brewing. Banished has become a true hub for Paradise. It was built on a simple belief: when you show up for your community, your community shows up for you. Now in their fourth year, this organization continues to raise the bar. In 2025 alone, they increased production by 27 percent, grew revenue by 20 percent, expanded distribution to eight provinces, and supported more than 100 community groups, sports teams, and charities. Being named the Exclusive Brewer of the 2025 Canada Games was a defining moment, transforming their taproom into an Official Community Hub—creating a space for people to gather, celebrate, and take pride in their community. They are more than a brewery—they are a place, a team, and a community working together.

The 2026 Business Excellence Award for Under 15 Employees award recipient is Advantage RV Repair and Sales. They are a business that is community-minded, customer-focused, and committed to growth and excellence. Whether guiding families through stressful insurance repairs, helping first-time buyers find the right trailer, or taking the time to educate RV owners, Advantage RV consistently go above and beyond. What truly sets this business apart is its deep commitment to community. As the business has grown, so too has its dedication to giving back—supporting youth sports, community initiatives, and families in need.

The 2026 Innovation and Resiliency Award recipient is Banished Brewing.  They continue to set the standard for what it means to grow with purpose.  What truly sets them apart is how they innovate with purpose. From partnerships like “Best Days,” supporting wild Atlantic salmon conservation, to creative ideas like a limited-edition can that reveals the Canada Games logo in sunlight, and transforming their space into a Community Hub—they continue to find meaningful ways to give back.