The Town of Orangeville paid tribute to individuals and sports teams at the Parks & Recreation Department's annual Recognition Night, held Sept. 29 in the Orangeville Opera House.

Mayor Rob Adams presented the Senior of the Year Award to Shirley Perry, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to her community. Mrs. Perry has provided more than 50 years of service to the Canadian Cancer Society, raising funds and visiting patients.

A long-time resident of the town, Mrs. Perry developed and ran a successful business with her husband, employing many people over the years at Universal Rental.

The Youth of the Year Award was presented to Tess McDonald, 17, who has already demonstrated community involvement, leadership, excellence and caring. In the last two years, Tess has organized a fundraiser for a cancer patient, volunteered at the Orangeville summer day camps, made a film to elevate public awareness about Lake Simcoe's environmental issues, helped create a school dance team, assisted with the management of the Orangeville Minor Soccer (under 8) girls select team, and has served as president of Orangeville District Secondary School's student council and as editor of the yearbook. While doing all this she has maintained a 95 per cent average throughout her high school career.

Other Recognition Night awards went to the following 2009 team champions:

• Orangeville Under 11 Women's Northmen Field Lacrosse team for winning gold as provincial champions at the 2009 Ontario Women's U11 Lacrosse Finals;

• Orangeville Minor Northmen Novice 1 team for winning gold in the Novice 1 Provincial B Championship;

• Orangeville Minor Northmen Midget 1 team for winning gold in the Midget 1 Provincial A Championship;

• Junior A Northmen lacrosse team for winning the Minto Cup Canadian championship;

• Orangeville Novice AE Flyers team for winning the Ontario Minor Hockey Championship Novice AE Division;

• Orangeville Novice AA team for winning the Ontario Minor Hockey Championship Novice AA Division.

Individual champions recognized at the event were:

• Amber Rae, first place on vault at the Ontario Gymnastics Championships;

• Jessica Sefton, first place on vault, first place on uneven bars, first place all round at the Eastern Canadian Gymnastics Championships as a member of the Ontario Provincial Team.

Each year, the Town also announces a Barrier Free Community Award, which went to St. Mark's Anglican Church on First Avenue, in recognition of accessibility initiatives incorporated into the church's $1.1-million renovation project.

The award was accepted by the rector, Rev. Peter Scott.