Tracy Lawrence earns Citizen of the Year honour at CBS awards
by Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tracy Lawrence says what she values most with her volunteer work is the connection it creates in building a stronger and more caring community.
It’s that perspective that contributed to her being named Citizen of the Year at the Conception Bay South (CBS) Municipal Awards ceremony, where the community came together to celebrate the best and brightest of its volunteers, athletes and artists.
“This recognition may have my name on it, but it really reflects the many volunteers, organizations, friends, and supporters I’ve been fortunate to work with throughout the years,” she said afterward, calling the award a humbling experience and expressing gratitude for the support. “Volunteerism means a great deal to me because I know firsthand the difference support and community can provide to children and families. Growing up, I wish I had experienced more of the encouragement, opportunities, and sense of belonging that volunteerism can create. That feeling has stayed with me over the years and helped shape why giving back is so important to me today.”
Lawrence’s contributes to organizations like Kin Canada, Athletes Northeast, Canadian Blood Services, Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador and Myositisis Canada, where she is involved in both governance and patient advocacy.
Her nomination stated she is also a recipient of the King Charles the Third Coronation Medal, along with multiple honours within Kin Canada, reflecting both the depth and consistency of her contribution.
“I hope this award also shines a light on the importance of volunteerism and encourages others to get involved and help provide the kind of support, opportunities, and
sense of community that every child and family deserves,” Lawrence said.
Other 2026 award winners in the Community category were Jessica Olford (Youth Volunteer of the Year), Dallas Tilley (Senior Volunteer of the Year) and the Conception Bay South Lions Club (Community Group of the Year).
Winners in the Arts category included Rick Stentaford (Artist of the Year – Visual and Written Arts), Theatre CBS (Artists of the Year – Performing Arts) and Madison Martin (Emerging Artist).
Winners in the Sports category included Chris Mercer (Coach of the Year), Iain Hollett (Executive of the Year), Braden Evans (Senior Male Athlete of the Year), Molly Gill (Senior Female Athlete of the Year), Luca Dupasquier (Junior Male Athlete of the Year), Avery Strong (Junior Female Athlete of the Year) and the CBS Bluefins Swim Team (Team of the Year).
The awards ceremony also included five new inductions into the CBS Sports Hall of Fame with brothers Rod and Randy Hennessey inducted as both athletes and builders, and was joined by David Coates (builder), the 2000 CBS Girls Baseball Team (team) and the 1993-1996 Queen Elizabeth Regional High School Pioneers Senior Girls Volleyball Team (team).