Vernon Junior Good Citizen of the Year 2026: Ellie Cucheran

Kidston Helm Ross Lawyers LLP was honoured to participate in recognizing an exceptional young leader in our community.

Our own Dustin Griffin and Dan Hutchinson recently presented Ellie Cucheran with the North Okanagan Optimist Club’s 2026 Vernon Junior Good Citizen of the Year award. The award recognizes youth who demonstrate outstanding leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to improving the community.

Ellie, a Grade 12 student at Vernon Secondary School, was nominated independently by both a teacher and the volunteer coordinator at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Receiving two separate nominations speaks to the impact she has made across different areas of the community.

For the past two years, Ellie has volunteered at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, where she has advanced to the role of youth supervisor. She has helped organize major community initiatives, including the hospital’s Mother’s Day Gala and the local Alzheimer’s Walk. In addition, she founded Sunshine Scholars, a free after-school tutoring program operated through the Okanagan Regional Library. The program supports elementary students who need help with foundational learning and reading skills, and Ellie personally leads weekly tutoring sessions.

In announcing the award, the North Okanagan Optimist Club noted the significance of receiving two independent nominations, calling it a strong reflection of Ellie’s character and influence. Club representatives praised her initiative, leadership, and dedication to volunteer service.

As part of the award sponsorship, Kidston Helm Ross LLP made a donation in Ellie’s honour to a non-profit organization of her choosing. Supporting youth who give back to our community aligns closely with the firm’s long-standing commitment to service in Vernon and throughout the Okanagan.

After graduation, Ellie has been accepted into multiple university science programs and plans to pursue either optometry or medical school. No matter which path she chooses, she has made it clear that volunteerism will remain part of her life.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Ellie on this well-earned recognition and thank the North Okanagan Optimist Club for continuing to celebrate young leaders who make a difference in our community.