Eight outstanding individuals to be honoured with the Order of Vaughan
The Order of Vaughan is the highest civic honour the City of Vaughan may bestow on individuals who exemplify extraordinary citizenship and better the community. On Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m., Mayor Steven Del Duca will preside over the City’s 2024 Order of Vaughan investiture ceremony at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.)
The 2024 Order of Vaughan will be awarded to the following eight remarkable individuals for their pivotal role in shaping the community:
- Barry Harte – Athletics category
- Erlinda Insigne – Not-for-profit category
- Gina Balseca-Aguirre – Not-for-profit category
- Jade Crystal – Education category
- Rabbi J. Avram Rothman – Spirituality category
- Maria Tatangelo – Not-for-profit category
- Maureen Leshem – Not-for-profit category
- The Honourable Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C. – Public Service category
The Order of Vaughan was created to pay tribute to individuals who have made a meaningful impact on Vaughan’s civic life and dedicated their time and talent to the city’s ongoing success. It recognizes leaders within the following categories: arts and entertainment, media and communications, athletics, health and wellness, business, philanthropy, public service, education, science and technology, not-for-profit, equity and diversity, accessibility, environment and spirituality. To date, 63 people have been invested in the Order of Vaughan.
You can also watch this year’s ceremony live at vaughan.ca/live.
To learn more about the Order of Vaughan or this year’s ceremony, visit vaughan.ca/OrderOfVaughan.
QUOTE
“This year, we are appointing eight remarkable and dedicated community leaders to the Order of Vaughan. This prestige award is not just an accolade—it is the City’s highest distinction, reserved for those whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our community. It represents a legacy of excellence, leadership, and service that will resonate for generations to come. Our honourees come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of unique skills and perspectives. Each recipient has exemplified what it means to serve with heart and purpose in order to make our city a better place to work and live. Their collective efforts have not only addressed immediate needs but have also laid the groundwork for a resilient and thriving Vaughan. I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to this year’s incredible honourees for their commitment to our community and for helping us build a brighter tomorrow. Congratulations!”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
QUICK FACTS
- The City of Vaughan’s 2024 Order of Vaughan ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Vaughan City Hall.
- The 2024 recipients will receive an Order of Vaughan pin and certificate.
- The 2024 nomination period was open from March 19 until Sept. 6. Appointed recipients were then chosen by the Order of Vaughan Selection Committee and confirmed by Council.
- The inaugural Order of Vaughan ceremony took place in 2016 during the City’s 25th anniversary year
LEARN MORE
- City of Vaughan’s Order of Vaughan webpage