Today, the Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Craig Pardy, Minister of Seniors, presented the 2026 Seniors of Distinction Awards. The awards were distributed at a luncheon ceremony held at the Emera Innovation Exchange in St. John’s.
Each year, the Seniors of Distinction Awards are presented to current or past residents of the province who are 50 years of age or older and who have made significant contributions to their communities. These awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals who work tirelessly to enrich the lives of everyone around them.
The award recipients are as follows:
- Kathryn Atkin, Conception Bay South
- Fred Cram, Old Perlican
- Mary Ennis, St. John’s
- Pheobe Farr, Carter’s Cove
- Amy Farrell, Marystown
- Barry Fordham, St. John’s
- Alfreda Hopkins, Old Perlican
- Mildred Lavers, Port Saunders
- Glenn Ford Ploughman, George’s Brook-Milton
- Sevtap Savas, St. John’s
- Herman Augustus Walters, St. John’s
- Malcolm “Max” Winters, Happy Valley-Goose Bay (posthumous)
In total, 33 seniors throughout the province were nominated for the awards.
Seniors are the backbone of our communities and the Provincial Government is prioritizing supporting and uplifting seniors within their communities, providing them with the supports they need to live meaningful, connected lives.
For more information on each of this year’s Seniors of Distinction award recipients, please see the backgrounder below.
Quotes
“The Seniors of Distinction Awards celebrate not only individual achievement, but the extraordinary breadth of experience, talent, and leadership that seniors bring to communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. This year’s recipients reflect the rich diversity of our province and demonstrate that the strength of our province is built on the lifelong dedication and varied experiences of its people.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“This year’s 12 Seniors of Distinction Award recipients represent the very best of our province – leaders, volunteers, mentors, and trailblazers whose dedication, wisdom, and generosity inspire us all. Their achievements remind us that community leadership knows no age, and we are proud to celebrate their lasting impact on the people and places they have served.”
Honourable Craig Pardy
Minister of Seniors
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BACKGROUNDER
Biographies for the 2026 Seniors of Distinction Award Recipients
Kathryn Atkin
Conception Bay South
For more than 40 years, Kathryn Atkin has been a driving force for stronger, more connected communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Through exceptional volunteerism, mentorship, governance, and leadership in the charitable and not-for-profit sector, she has helped shape initiatives that have improved the lives of individuals and families throughout the province.
As a founding board member of United Way of Avalon, now United Way Newfoundland and Labrador, she served as chair and continues to contribute through the Community Investment Program, helping build coordinated support systems that continue to make a lasting difference.
Kathryn also served for 22 years as chair of the Drug Abuse and Resistance Education Program of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and has been a dedicated Rotarian since 1995, contributing at the provincial, national, and international levels.
Following a lengthy career in healthcare, she spent 10 years as executive director of Shallaway Youth Choir, where she inspired and mentored young people to grow into confident leaders and engaged citizens. Her humanitarian commitment has reached beyond Canada as well, including in-country support for children in Romania through Hope and Homes for Children International.
Today, as board chair of Connections for Seniors, Kathryn continues to lead with compassion and vision, working to reduce social isolation, strengthen community connections, and improve wraparound services for older adults. Her extraordinary service has been recognized with numerous honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Mark Brown Community Builder Award from United Way, the Elizabeth Laurie Community Impact Award from the Conception Bay Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award for her unwavering dedication to both Rotary and her community.
Fred Cram
Old Perlican
Fred Cram was born in 1939 and has made exceptional contributions to Old Perlican and the surrounding region through more than six decades of community leadership and volunteer service.
A longtime educator, Fred also helped shape his community through public service. A founding member of the Old Perlican Harbour Improvement Committee, he helped advance harbour development and support the needs of local fish harvesters. He also served on the first Old Perlican Town Council and as mayor, helping lead the growth and modernization of the community through improvements in infrastructure, recreation, and public services.
Fred’s volunteer work has included service with the fire department, recreation commission, health and school boards, church organizations, harbour and heritage groups, and local history initiatives. He has also authored numerous books that preserve the stories, culture, and history of Old Perlican for future generations.
Fred is recognized as a humble, principled, and determined community builder whose work has supported residents, students, seniors, visitors, and local organizations for many years.
Mary Ennis
St. John’s
Mary Ennis has devoted decades to advancing inclusion, accessibility, human rights, and the well-being of seniors and persons with disabilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Her work as an advocate began in the early 1990s when she served as executive director of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities – Newfoundland and Labrador, and ten years as vice-chair of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities. She later became executive director of Disabled Peoples International and continued her work at the national and international level on issues of access, inclusion, seniors, and human rights.
Through her work with SeniorsNL, Mary has helped develop peer support networks for seniors and has been a long-standing member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, where she has helped raise awareness and educate communities about elder abuse, seniors’ rights, and available supports.
She continues to travel throughout the province to provide information sessions and workshops for seniors, caregivers, municipalities, 50+ clubs, and community organizations. Known for her kindness, humour, determination, and advocacy, Mary has helped strengthen understanding, inclusion, and support for seniors and vulnerable populations across the province.
Pheobe Farr
Carter’s Cove
Pheobe Farr was born in 1950 and has made significant contributions to community life on New World Island through business leadership, volunteerism, church service, youth support, and health advocacy.
A former teacher, Pheobe has also worked alongside her husband to operate Raymond Farr & Sons Ltd., a major local business that provides employment and services in the
community. She is known as a compassionate employer who has supported students, young workers, employees with disabilities, and people seeking a second chance.
Her volunteer work includes long-standing service with the United Church, where she has supported fundraising, outreach, food bank collections, benefit concerts, youth programming, and community relief efforts. Pheobe has also supported school and youth activities, community events, local service organizations, and fundraising and advocacy for diabetes research and support.
Her leadership, generosity, practical support, and willingness to help others have made her a valued and respected member of her community.
Amy Farrell
Marystown
Amy Farrell was born in 1947 and has devoted many years to supporting seniors, volunteer organizations, and community life in Marystown, the Burin Peninsula, and across the province.
She has served the Marystown Lions Golden Age 50+ Club for 19 years, including 12 years as president, where she has helped provide social, recreational, wellness, and outreach activities for older adults. Through her leadership, Amy has created welcoming spaces where seniors feel included, connected, and valued.
Her contributions also extend to the Newfoundland and Labrador 50+ Federation, where she has served in leadership roles supporting a provincial network of clubs and members.
In addition to her seniors’ leadership, Amy has contributed, through church service, nearly three decades of service with the Burin Peninsula Health Care Gift Shop, the Kinsmen Manor Seniors Board, music and choir activities, and numerous community events.
She is known for her kindness, humility, compassion, and commitment to helping others. Amy’s long-standing service reflects a deep belief in active aging, community connection, and the importance of ensuring older adults have opportunities to participate fully in community life.
Barry Fordham
St. John’s
Barry Fordham has made a province-wide contribution to food security, outdoor safety, and the preservation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s country food traditions.
A lifelong outdoorsman and community-minded volunteer, Barry used his experience as a hunting and fishing guide, firearms instructor, and outdoor safety advocate to help others safely enjoy the outdoors.
Recognizing the value of traditional foods and the needs of people relying on food banks and community kitchens, Barry worked to remove barriers preventing food banks from accepting donations of wild game. His advocacy helped lead to legislative changes that made those donations possible. Barry then founded Sharing the Harvest NL, a non-profit organization that connects hunters, foragers, berry pickers, vegetable growers, and food banks.
Through this work, thousands of pounds of moose, caribou, small game, seafood, berries, vegetables, and other foods have been distributed to food banks and community organizations, supporting food security and cultural connection across the province.
Alfreda Hopkins
Old Perlican
Alfreda Hopkins was born in 1934 and has given a lifetime of service to the community of Old Perlican.
Her volunteer contributions span more than seven decades and include over 75 years as a church organist, as well as long-standing service with the United Church Women, church governance, heritage preservation, the hospital auxiliary, the library board, and local community initiatives.
Alfreda has also supported residents in practical and personal ways, including preparing and delivering food, providing transportation, and helping neighbours and families during times of illness or need.
Her work with local heritage initiatives has helped preserve the history, genealogy, and community memory of Old Perlican for future generations.
Alfreda’s quiet leadership, dependability, generosity, and humility have earned her deep respect throughout the community. Her contributions have also been recognized through honours such as Old Perlican Citizen of the Year and other local volunteer awards.
Mildred Lavers
Port Saunders
Mildred Lavers was born in 1953 and has dedicated her life to education, Indigenous leadership, women’s advocacy, and community service throughout the Great Northern Peninsula and across Newfoundland and Labrador.
A retired educator, Mildred taught in Newfoundland and Labrador and in Indigenous communities in Labrador, Quebec, and Nunavut. A member of Qalipu First Nation, she founded the NorPen Aboriginal Women’s Circle and played a central role in establishing the NorPen Status of Women organization, creating vital supports for women and families in rural communities.
Mildred helped establish and serves as chief of the Northern Peninsula Mi’kmaq Band and as chief and president of the Newfoundland Indigenous Peoples Alliance, where she has helped provide food hampers, education supports, medical travel assistance, and other services to individuals and families in need.
Her leadership has strengthened community supports, advanced Indigenous representation, and improved access to assistance for vulnerable people across the province.
Glenn Ford Ploughman
George’s Brook-Milton
Glenn Ford Ploughman was born in 1947 and has made meaningful contributions to seniors’ social participation, community development, veterans’ recognition, heritage preservation, and cultural life in the Clarenville region.
His volunteer service began early in life and continued through and after a 20-year career with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Glenn has supported minor hockey, ringette, senior sports and municipal development including the incorporation of George’s Brook-Milton. He led the re-establishment and growth of the Clarenville and Area Age-Friendly 50+ Club, which expanded from 25 interested seniors to 135 members in just over three years.
Through this work, he has helped create opportunities for older adults to connect, participate, and remain active in their community. Glenn also provides practical support by helping transport seniors to activities and by sharing his musical talents at seniors’ events and community gatherings. His service further extends to the Clarenville Heritage Society, veterans’ memorial work, and efforts to preserve local history through the rehabilitation of the “Leah Caroline” schooner.
Glenn is recognized as a generous, dependable, and community-minded volunteer whose contributions continue to strengthen quality of life for seniors and residents throughout the region.
Sevtap Savas
St. John’s
Sevtap Savas, PhD., has made significant contributions to Newfoundland and Labrador through cancer research, public engagement, leadership, mentorship, and community advocacy.
Since joining Memorial University in 2008, she has led efforts to build stronger connections between researchers, patients, families, and the public. Sevtap founded and leads the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research, a volunteer group that brings together patient and public voices in research, policy discussions, knowledge sharing, and community outreach.
She also established the Atlantic Cancer Consortium Patient Advisory Committee and has helped make cancer information more accessible through public conferences, town halls, media interviews, podcasts, publications, and digital resources. Her work has supported people affected by cancer and promoted health literacy, equity, and inclusion.
Sevtap has mentored many students and research personnel and has received local, regional, and national recognition, including the Memorial University President’s Award for Public Engagement.
Herman Augustus Walters
St. John’s
Herman Augustus Walters was born in 1943 and has spent much of his life giving back through nearly six decades of community service, fundraising, and volunteer leadership.
His contributions include more than 50 years of service with Kiwanis, where he served in leadership roles and supported community initiatives, music festivals, youth programs, and fundraising efforts.
Herman has also been deeply involved with the Mazol Shriners, helping to raise funds and support transportation for children and families accessing specialized care. His service further extends to Masonic organizations, including Lodge Tasker, where he has supported member outreach, visits, and charitable work, including visiting and supporting individuals who are ill or isolated.
Herman’s contributions have also included support for the Canadian Cancer Society, food banks, community kitchens, and other local causes. Over the years, he has been recognized for his commitment to community service through honours from Kiwanis, the Bowl of Hygeia Award from the Pharmacy Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, Shriner of the Year Award from Mazol Shriners of Newfoundland and Labrador and long-standing recognition from fraternal and community organizations.
Malcolm “Max” Winters (1939-2015)
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Malcolm “Max” Winters was born in 1939 and, as a proud Labrador Inuk, made lasting contributions to sport, recreation, Inuit governance, food security, and community life in Labrador.
Max, who passed away in 2015, was a well-known figure in Happy Valley-Goose Bay who volunteered for many years with minorsoftball, the Labrador Winter Games, hockey, carnival activities, and community recreation.
He also served on the former Melville Hospital In-Patient Committee and in leadership roles with Inuit organizations, including the Labrador Inuit Development Corporation (now Nunatsiavut Group of Companies), the Labrador Inuit Association (now Nunatsiavut Government), and through elected service in the Nunatsiavut Assembly, contributing to Inuit governance and development.
In 2006, Max became the first chairperson of the NunaKatiget Inuit Community Corporation, where he helped establish a community freezer to provide traditional country food to seniors, elders, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable families. The freezer was later renamed the Max Winters Memorial Community Freezer in recognition of his service.
Max received numerous honours, including induction into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame.