Sherwood Student Recipient of 2025 Youth of the Year Award
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board is thrilled to announce Sherwood Secondary School’s very own, Reign Lastiwka-Cooper as the recipient of the second Annual HamOnt Youth of the Year Award!
Awarded by the City of Hamilton and determined by peers across the city, apart of the HamOntYouth Steering Committee, this honour recognizes an exceptional young leader making a lasting impact on their community, and Lastiwka-Cooper exemplifies just that—with over 50 volunteer hours under her belt this year alone! As Co-Chair of the HamOntYouth Beach Clean Up, Lastiwka-Cooper helped lead one of their most successful initiatives to date, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to environmental advocacy and youth engagement. But her impact does not stop there.
Lastiwka-Cooper’s passion shines through her work on the HWDSB Student Senate and with Green Venture, where she volunteers to promote eco-friendly practices across Hamilton.
It is definitely amazing to hear about yet another Sherwood Student’s win—even as Reign Lastiwka-Cooper became a 2nd recipient of the HamontYouth of the Year Award!
Our students have had a great start to the school year on many levels, and this is just another testament to what they can do when fully supported by a wonderful team of professionals and community.
All I can say right now is Congratulations Reign! Go Sherwood! Go Saints!
– Angela Ayeni, Principal of Sherwood Secondary School
“Reign represents the spirit of community leadership. Her dedication to volunteerism and sustainability demonstrates the positive impact young people can have on Hamilton, and we are proud to recognize her with this well-deserved award.”
– Rachelle Ihekwoaba, Manager Community Strategies, City of Hamilton.
Lastiwka-Cooper is not only a leader—she is a changemaker whose actions inspire others to care, contribute, and lead. Please join us in celebrating this incredible achievement and in recognizing the bright future that lies ahead for this extraordinary young leader. Congratulations, Reign!
Sherwood teacher Ms.Druery and HamontYouth of the Year Recipient – Reign Lastiwka-Cooper
Updated on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.