Thank You to our 2025 CYCA Supporters!

Meet our 2025 Chief Youth Courage Award Honorees

Abbie Ball – YouthLink Calgary – Award Proudly Presented by Pulse Seismic

Abbie first came to YouthLink as a summer camp participant. There, she garnered the attention of YouthLink staff for her willingness to help out and for her efforts to make everyone feel included. Her kindness and empathy for others was truly remarkable.

Later that summer, Abbie returned to YouthLink to participate in a focus group for their new cyber safety program. Her open and honest feedback was extremely valuable in refining the program. Abbie has also been a youth spokesperson for YouthLink at community events, detailing the challenges youth are facing when it comes to online safety.

Abbie is described as kind, empathetic, and mature beyond her years. She is always willing to go above and beyond, and makes it her mission to make sure everyone feels welcome and included.

We are so pleased to present Abbie with this award as recognition for her contribution to YouthLink Calgary and her community. Congratulations, Abbie!

Brayden Chenier – ntegrated School Support Program – Provincial

Brayden Chenier is being honoured with our ISSP Provincial Chief Youth Courage Award. Brayden was nominated by high school counsellor who describes him as a compassionate, kind, hardworking young man with a passion for sports and art.

Brayden has been part of the ISSP program through his school since 2023 and has benefitted greatly from the supports offered, including that of their mental health professional.

With the support of the mental health professional, Brayden has been able to successfully navigate a variety of challenges in his life including coming to terms his disability and navigating a tragic loss in his life.

Despite the challenges he has faced, Brayden continues to persevere, and has excelled at school. He is a member of a variety of sports team and even has dreams of becoming a paralympic athlete in the future.

We are so proud of Brayden and everything he has achieved, and cannot wait to see what his future holds. Congratulations, Brayden!

Corbin Rud – Calgary Police Cadet Corps – Award Proudly Presented by Bennett Jones

Corbin joined the Cadet program in 2022. Since then, Corbin has shown a keen interest in policing and is known as a kind, hard working leader in the Corps.

One of the things Corbin has enjoyed about the Calgary Police Cadet Corps is the Flag Party. He has taken on the responsibility of instructing new members and takes immense pride in their progress.

Corbin is described by his commanders as diligent, helpful, and dedicated to the program. They believe that he truly has the skill, demeanor, and personality to go far in the program and admire his willingness to step up and help whenever needed.

Corbin was chosen to march with CPS Executives for the Remembrance Day parade last year and enjoys the opportunities to volunteer with the Cadets.

Corbin is known for being a model Cadet and we are honoured to present him with the award in recognition of all that he has achieved. Congrats, Corbin!

Esey Asrat – Multi Agency School Support Team

Esey arrived in Canada when he was in Grade 4 from Eritrea. At the time, he didn’t speak any English and needed support transitioning to his new school, so he was referred to MASST in 2023.

With the support of his team, Esey has made significant progress towards his goals by joining sports teams, engaging more at school, and by attending tutoring sessions.

Esey has become a true leader at his school, demonstrating a high level of responsibility and accountability. He has taken on a coaching role with the female sports teams at his school and even helps to hand out lunches to students when his time allows.

Esey is described as a resilient, funny, grateful, and determined young man. We are so proud of everything Esey has achieved and look forward to following his journey.

Mylie (Jorden) Courchene – Multi Agency School Support Team – Award Proudly Presented by Bennett Jones

Jorden joined the MASST program in 2023 after being referred by her school. At the time, Jorden was facing challenges at school and struggled to fit in due to her soft-spoken nature and anxiety.

With the support of her MASST team, Jorden worked on improving her school attendance, engaging with her classmates, and becoming more confident. Jorden was also able to enjoy a unique equine therapy program through MASST, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Jorden has made such significant improvements that she is also now mentoring kindergarten students at her school, helping those who are facing similar struggles that she did.

One of Jorden’s current goals is working to connect more with her Indigenous heritage. She is making strides toward this goal by learning how to sew ribbon skirts and eventually wants to learn some traditional dances.

Jorden is such a kind, considerate, and bright young girl and we are so excited to reward her hard work by presenting her with this award. Congratulations, Jorden!

Makuachukwu (MK) Okongwu – Bridges to Brighter Futures – Program Proudly Supported by Shaw Family Foundation

MK became a part of the Bridges to Brighter Futures program when his school, along with CPS officers, hosted a special bike safety day. MK was so excited for this day and even wore a police badge throughout the event.

The police officers at the event described MK as a very engaging student who was eager to learn. He made quick friends with all of the officers in attendance, asking questions and learning about their equipment, while also learning about bike safety.

MK also notes that when he grows up, he would like to become a police officer.

MK is described as a positive young man, who has an infectious presence in his school. We are honoured to present MK with this award and cannot wait to watch his continued growth as a student and member of our community. Congratulations, MK!

Mykhailo “Michael” Nosachov – Power Play – Award Proudly Presented by Bennett Jones

Michael, who is originally from Ukraine, joined Power Play after immigrating to Canada from Poland two years ago. When he first arrived, he was looking to get more involved in the community and Power Play was recommended to his family.

Since then, Michael has participated in both hockey and soccer Power Play programs. Michael is very dedicated to the program and attends every week without fail.

Michael is described as very responsible and kind and does a great job caring for his younger brother at Power Play. He is known for his positive attitude, listening skills, and leadership abilities.

Michael has a very positive future ahead of him and we cannot wait to see everything that he will accomplish. Congratulations on this award, Michael!

Rylan Lord – Integrated School Support Program – Calgary

Rylan has been attending Patrick Airlie Elementary School since Kindergarten. With the help of the supports offered at his school, Rylan has discovered a passion for mathematics, consistently produces great work in his other subjects, improved his emotional regulation skills, and built an even greater sense of confidence.

Rylan is known throughout his school as being positive influence on his peers while being kind, funny, and engaging. Rylan has taken on leadership roles within his school, such as becoming a Kindergarten Helper, and can always be counted on to take initiative and help his fellow students.

It is noted by school staff that through his positive attitude, excitement for learning, and care for others, that Rylan will continue to be a leader as he progresses through life.

We are so excited to present Rylan with this award and cannot wait to see what his future holds. Congratulations, Rylan!