Four young Yukoners recognized for outstanding community contributions

Aila Massie

Aila, 16, is a dedicated volunteer, mentor, performer and community leader who consistently gives her time and energy to supporting others. Through her work with the Yukon Theatre for Young People, she contributes as a performer, mentor, fundraiser, set builder and costume shop volunteer and is always stepping up wherever help is needed. She also volunteers with the Whitehorse Food Bank and with the Yukon Rendezvous Jr. Can Can Line.

Beyond volunteering, Aila teaches dance and choreography at the Northern Lights School of Dance, coaches and supports youth at the Polarettes Gymnastics Club and tutors students at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School. She is a freelance writer for Starfish Magazine and What's Up Yukon and also advocates for environmental and community initiatives. A high-achieving student and award-winning dancer, Aila leads with kindness, reliability and enthusiasm. She inspires those around her through both her actions and character.

Huiying Lin Zheng

Huiying, 18, demonstrates exceptional leadership, service and dedication to her community. As a Community Hospital Friendly Visitor with the Yukon Hospital Corporation, she provides companionship and emotional support to patients while mentoring fellow volunteers and strengthening the volunteer program. At Johnson Elementary School, she supports teachers, leads reading groups, assists students and helps with school administration. Huiying also serves as student council president, yearbook editor-in-chief and girls’ volleyball captain and is a three-time Watson Lake Secondary School Athlete of the Year. She represented Team Yukon at the 2025 Canada Summer Games and received the 2026 Loran Provincial/Territorial Award for leadership and community involvement.

Outside of school, she organizes fundraisers, works as a math tutor and tourism ambassador and helps at her family’s restaurant. In addition to Huiying’s commitment to the community, she always makes time to help and support her family. Through her vibrant personality, she consistently demonstrates compassion, responsibility and commitment to her rural Yukon community.

James Dalida

James, 17, is a dedicated and community-minded student who has become a valued leader in both his school and the Pelly Crossing community. Since moving from the Philippines two years ago, he has embraced every opportunity to learn, contribute and support others. James helped establish the school recycling program, garden club, cooking club and the school café. He supports and uplifts others by encouraging the development of life skills, promoting personal wellness and fostering a strong sense of environmental responsibility. Through student council, he has organized spirit weeks, fundraisers and activities that strengthen school connection and pride.

James also volunteers at community camps and participates in clean-up events. He is deeply committed to learning more about his community and the Northern Tutchone people and shows deep care and respect as he learns the Northern Tutchone language and traditions. James consistently inspires others through his leadership, positivity, reliability and willingness to help those around him.

Malcolm Murchison

Malcolm, 18, is a dedicated student, athlete, mentor and volunteer who consistently strengthens both his school and community through his quiet leadership and dependable service. At St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School, he regularly volunteers at events and can always be counted on to step in wherever help is needed. Beyond school, he regularly serves at Mountainview Church and volunteers with graduation fundraising events, the Stuff the Bus Food Drive and annual ski trail maintenance.

Malcolm also works as a lifeguard and has coached younger cross-country skiing athletes while supporting youth cyclists, naturally taking on mentorship roles that encourage and uplift others both within and beyond organized sport. An accomplished athlete, he competed in mountain biking at the 2025 Canada Summer Games and National Championships, participated in cross-country skiing at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games and is expected to compete at the 2026 Road Cycling National Championships. Alongside his athletic achievements, Malcolm excels academically and consistently demonstrates humility, kindness, responsibility and a genuine commitment to supporting others.