Some of the North Okanagan’s top athletes have walked away with the hardware.
The fourth annual Rotary North Okanagan Athletic Awards were held Tuesday at the Vernon Lodge.
“Two hundred and fifty athletes, coaches, administrators and proud parents gathered to recognize the top high school athletes in the North Okanagan,” said Keith Johnston, one of the organizers.
Ella Oduro, a W.L Seaton volleyball and basketball player, was awarded the top academic female athlete award, while Jacob Molitwenik, a Vernon Christian School track, volleyball and basketball player, was awarded the top academic male athlete Award.
Hannah Bennison, a Vernon Secondary School cross country runner, was named the best all around female athlete and Ben Hladik, a VSS football and basketball player, was recognized as the best all around male athlete.
Team of the year honours went to the W.L Seaton girls volleyball team and the VSS football team.
As part of the ceremony, former NHL player Aaron Volpatti took to the stage.
“He gave a powerful speech where he highlighted three keys to success — investing the time in practicing your skills, building and maintaining confidence and knowing your role,” said Johnston.
Members of the W. L. Seaton Secondary Jazz Band also performed.
During the event, Rotarians from the four North Okanagan clubs presented 27 awards. The gold sponsors were Vernon Optometry, Bannister GM, Bannister Honda and Capri Insurance while there were a number of silver sponsors.