2023 Municipal Award Recipients

Athletic Awards

Junior Male Athlete of the Year: Gleb Evstigneev

Gleb Evstigneev is a trampoline athlete, 2023 Canada Games team member and 2022 gold

medal winner at Elite Canada. He is the first to represent Newfoundland and Labrador in Gymnastics on the international stage, having competed in Bulgaria at the World Age Group Competition. A well-known provincial and national champion, Gleb was recently recognized at the 18th annual Premier’s Athletic Awards. He has been described as a fantastic role model with an incredible work ethic. Currently studying at Memorial University, Gleb values professional development and leadership and is now a certified coach who strives to ensure youth have a safe sporting experience. He is also a provincial level judge who works incredibly hard every day to perfect his craft and share his love of the sport.

Junior Female Athlete of the Year: Emily Power

Emily Power is an honours student at Mount Pearl Sr. High and a dedicated instructor at

Alex Foley’s Academy of Martial Arts. She is a gold medalist and world champion a Team Canada member, competing in Kenpo Karate. Emily has gone on to become a three-time, World Champion at the Karate Championships in Killarney, Ireland. She has her sights set on earning the next Canadian Championship this coming May in Ottawa. After winning her prestigious international title in Ireland, she was invited to the province’s House of Assembly to receive formal recognition for her accomplishments. Emily also plays Rugby and as team Captain for Nl Rock, she will travel to Florida to compete in an International Rugby 7 Tournment. She is also in the NL Rugby training pool and is competing for a position to represent NL at the 2025 Canada Games.

19+ Male Athlete of the Year: Sam Follett

Sam Follett is part of the youngest team to win the Provincial Men’s Curling Championship

and has represented his province at the Tim Horton’s Brier – two years in a row. With numerous competitions under his belt including the Provincial Curling Championship, Canada Games in PEI, and the Canadian National Junior Curling Championship, Sam is a humble but seasoned athlete who works hard on and off the ice. A Paradise resident for his entire life, he takes pride in his hometown and loves to tell people where he is from when on the road. A full-time student in the Faculty of Science at Memorial University, a dedicated volunteer in the Curling community and for his church music group, Sam is a strong role model for other young athletes in the Town of Paradise.

50+ Male Athlete of the Year: Keith Glynn

Keith Glynn has finished 83 road races including 14 Tely Ten races, 12 Cape to Cabot, threemarathons, two half marathons and numerous five-kilometre runs. He was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Athletics Association (NLAA) Hall of Fame and received the Dr. John Williams Award for encouraging others to participate in the Tely Ten. In 2022, Keith earned the number two spot in his age group for the 10 km NLAA rankings. Not only is he an avid long-distance runner, but he co-founded the Paradise Running Club and is a strong advocate for active social programs in Paradise.

Award accepted by Katie Keats on behalf of Keith Glynn.

Citizenship and Volunteer Awards

Coach of the Year: Steve Nolan

Steve Nolan has a track record of coaching star athletes in gymnastics and is the

Trampoline Program Director at Campia. With over 13 years of experience as an active coach and trainer, he is described as a dedicated mentor who has devoted his life to helping young athletes realize their dreams. A highlight of his career was coaching the Town’s 2023 Junior Male Athlete of the Year at the World Age Group Competition in Sofia, Bulgaria. Steve's list of accolades include earning the Trampoline coach title at the 2023 Canada Winter Games and Coach of the Year for Trampoline with Gymnastics Newfoundland and Labrador in 2022.

Award accepted by Gleb Evstigneev on behalf of Steve Nolan.

Youth of the Year (18 years & under): Joshua Warren

Joshua Warren is an accomplished, mature and well-rounded volunteer and student at

Mount Pearl Senior High. He was selected to represent his school at the Michael Smith Challenge, the University of Waterloo Math Contest, and the Canadian Chemistry Contest and completed an internship at PolyUnity Tech last summer where he worked in 3D printing. Joshua’s academic record is outstanding, and he has been on the principal’s list since Grade 8. When not focused on his grades, he is very active in air cadets and recently moved into the position of Deputy Commander - one of the most senior positions in his Squadron. His other volunteer and afterschool activities are extensive and include school fundraising, membership in the Youth Orchestra and the Anchormen Chorus. Joshua also holds a part-time retail job and handles video slideshows and other technical tasks for the Salvation Army.

Volunteer of the Year: Meghan Pennell

Meghan Pennell is a 20-year-old woman whose passion for empowering youth shines

through her involvement with the Paradise Air Cadets and the 905 Viking Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. She is a dedicated trainer of young cadets, teaching classes in survival and public speaking, and enjoys planning fun activities and social events. Meghan is not only a smiling and familiar face, but a trusted and valuable team member on all fronts. She has been described as a phenomenal role model with an infectious positive attitude who goes above and beyond in her work. Assisting with the military band, Remembrance Day ceremony, Christmas Parade, Snow and Ice Festival and other notable events, Meghan is one of the most dedicated young volunteers in the Town.

Volunteer Group of the Year: The Lions Club - Paradise

The Lion’s Club of Paradise is known for numerous contributions in the

province and is a staple to the Town’s pool of community resources. The group takes their love of charity to the next level by assessing those in need on a case-by-case basis each month. With each member dedicated to the cause, the helping hands of the Lion’s Club have served food at the Gathering Place and Ronald McDonald House, send individuals out of the province for medical appointments and funded families to relocate from Ukraine to the province. They have provided groceries, Christmas presents to families in need, and even supported the first responders and firefighters during last summer’s forest fires in Central Newfoundland. The group is not only instrumental in mobilizing around local emergencies and crises but is global-minded and active in international aid. The Lion’s Club is part of Team Broken Earth and have organized a local campaign to collect and recycle eyeglasses for residents in Guatemala. Their bandwidth is far-reaching and recognized throughout the world.

Business Awards

Business Excellence (15 employees or over): Paradise Dental Care

Paradise Dental Care demonstrates a solid commitment to the health

and wellness of Paradise residents. Serving the Town for over 20 years with a well-staffed clinic, this group provides essential health services in our community and employs over 20 people. With three full-time dentists and five hygienists, Paradise Dental Care has an outstanding reputation, demonstrated in the care they provide to children, youth, adults and seniors. Last year, the clinic received a five-star review and an increased rating for their services. Paradise Dental Care donates valuable time and energy to charities such as the Janeway Children’s Foundation, the Conception Bay Minor Hockey Association and the Double A Under 18 Female Hockey Team.

Business Excellence (Under 15 employees): Get Messy NL

Get Messy NL has taken afterschool activities and child-centered development

by storm. While the business model focuses on the joy of childhood artistic expression and healthy socialization, their space is welcoming to all ages. Their unique approach to engaging children focuses on problem-solving, sensory skills, and developing healthy relationships. The company offers a spacious and innovative place to host birthday parties, special events and afterschool programming. Honoured at the Mount Pearl Paradise Chamber of Commerce in February, Get Messy NL has not only survived the pandemic but has expanded its storefront operations to include a The Candy Corner and Move by Get Messy. The staff team has raised thousands of dollars for the local breakfast program and Christmas Drive, offered free space for kids to play and create art, and places community connections at the core of their values.