Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List

Jacqueline (Jackie) has been a tireless champion and advocate for accessibility in our community for decades, both through her support and advocacy for her son, and also by extending that to playing a key role in community advocacy and mobilizing efforts to improve the city's support. Over recent years, Jackie has been a guiding force in the efforts to improve Paratransit, hold both council and the LTC accountable for the funding and administration of paratransit, and in mobilizing advocates to be present at committee and council meetings. She is a strong voice in our community and has spent countless hours of her own time attending meetings, advocating on transit riders' behalf, and liaising with the media to amplify the message.

For these reasons and more, Jackie is named to the 2025 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the category of Accessibility.

Diane MacMillan has been nominated for the Age Friendly London Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions as a lead volunteer at the Free Income Tax Clinics. Diane has been empowering older adults and low-income Londoners by helping them access vital financial resources for over 20 years. Her dedication and expertise have made a significant impact on the financial stability and quality of life for countless community members, particularly older adults, through her leadership and volunteer work.

Diane’s commitment to service is evident in the countless success stories she has been a part of. She has used her extensive experience from 45 years as a banker to assist those who need it most. Diane has helped individuals like a cancer patient offset the costs of medical bills, and a woman increase her monthly grocery funds threefold. She also enabled a family to secure the Universal Child Care Benefit, which transformed their financial situation, allowing them to buy a vehicle, make deliveries for their small business, and achieve a more stable income and improved quality of life.

Diane’s impact extends beyond these personal victories. Her leadership at the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program ensures that low-income Londoners can access free, high-quality tax filing services across various locations, including libraries, organizations, churches, and political offices. This year alone, Diane is leading clinics at the Crouch and East London branches of the London Public Library. Her work helps people claim benefits like the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit and the Seniors' Care at Home Tax Credit, which many are unaware they qualify for.

Diane MacMillan’s tireless volunteerism and profound impact on the community embody the spirit of an Age Friendly London. Her work empowers older adults to lead financially stable and independent lives, and her efforts have helped to make London a more inclusive and supportive community for all ages. I wholeheartedly nominate Diane for this award as a testament to her outstanding service and dedication to improving the lives of others. Her unwavering commitment to the community, especially to older adults, makes her a true advocate for financial empowerment and age-friendliness.

For all these reasons and more, Diane is named to the 2025 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the Age Friendly category.

Clark received his master’s degree (1992) in piano performance at the University of Western Ontario with further training in France under renowned pianist Cecile Ousset. Clark started his career as a concert pianist performing in Europe, Mexico, the United States and Canada. He has performed for CBC radio and television and has adjudicated more than 50 music festivals across Canada.

Clark is a remarkable Londoner whose contributions as a gifted classically trained pianist, educator, community activist and founder of The Aeolian Hall in London has significantly impacted our community and beyond. Clark has recorded 14 albums of piano music, including 2 Canadian Music Centre (CMC) award nominated CDs of the piano works of the Canadian Composer Rémi Bouchard and the Suites for Two Pianos by Serge Rachmaninoff with duo partner Marion Miller to rave revues.

Clark has not only demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication to his profession but has also used his musical abilities to inspire and uplift others. His performances are a unique blend of technical skill and emotional depth earning him admiration and respect from peers and audiences alike. Clark’s passion and dedication to education is truly inspirational. He taught all levels for 39 years, participated inwriting curriculum for two National Conservatories and edited The New Millennium Piano Series for Conservatory Canada. Some of his students have had exceptional accomplishments, including acceptance to music programs in universities such as Yale and Julliard. He has done workshops for piano teachers and musicians throughout Canada and written a book “Gateway to Learning and Memory”.

Clark has received the following awards: · Special Teacher Award in 2004 from the London Branch of the Ontario Registered Music Teacher’s Association, of which he is a past President · Musical Personality of the Year in 2005 from The London Free Press. · The Western Alumni Award of Merit in 2017and induction into the Don Wright Faculty of Music Wall of Fame from Western University · Best Classical Artist in2022 from the London Forest City Music Awards · Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 from the London Forest City Music Awards.

Clark purchased The Aeolian Performing Arts Centre in 2004 with the belief that everyone should have universal access to music and the arts. In 2011, he developed and implemented El Sistema Aeolian, a free after school music program which annually offers over100 under-served youth, an opportunity to experience the joy of a rich musical education – an opportunity which they may not otherwise have. Clark has remained as Executive/Artistic Director at the Aeolian Hall and under his leadership, the organization has grown exponentially presenting and promoting multi-genre music and the arts and liaising with community groups.

Clark Bryan embodies qualities of a true leader and change maker through his unwavering commitment to music, education and community.

For all these reasons and more, Clark is named to the 2025 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the Arts category.

Claire Crooks (posthumously) was a researcher, an academic leader, a champion for youth mental health, a devoted mother and wife.

Claire was a groundbreaking clinical psychologist and researcher. She established the centre for school mental health at Western University in 2015 and co-founded the Fourth R, which targets violence such as bullying, as well as dating, peer and group violence.

Claire contributed to over 100 publications during her time at Western’s faculty of education. As well, she trained thousands of educators, nurses, mental health professionals and judges across Ontario on data-driven approaches to violence prevention and mental health, according to Western officials.

Her work earned her the WORLDiscoveries Vanguard Innovator of the Year award in 2022, and she was named to the Order of Ontario earlier this year, her nomination acknowledging that Claire “inspired a national movement to address youth mental health.”

For these reasons, Claire Crooks has been named to the 2025 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the category of Distinguished Londoner.

A lifelong Londoner, George Kerhoulas has always been a fierce advocate for the vitalization of downtown London.

He has spent 40 years serving the London business community, and is recognized by local developers, appraisers, and municipal officials as a leading authority on commercial real estate. Kerhoulas is also a committed and enthusiastic volunteer, having served on a number of local boards and commissions such as Creative Cities, Architectural Conservancy, Downtown Parking and is the past Chair of the Downtown Business Association, a member of the Mayor’s Task Force on Downtown, a Director of Covent Garden Market, past Chair of the London Public Library, past Chair of the Performing Arts Centre Board, past Chair of the London Health Sciences Foundation, and a member of Fanshawe College’s Board of Governors. He presently serves as President of the Grand Theatre board.

For his many contributions to our London community, George Kerhoulas is named to the 2025 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the category of Distinguished Londoner.

London-born Jim Chapman has enjoyed an inspiring 60-year music industry career as a working musician, agent, manager, promoter, and founder of the area's first professional recording studio. He helped guide and build the careers of many local performers and has presented a wide variety of musical concerts and events. Signed to Columbia Records in 1968, he later played with the legendary Ronnie Hawkins, toured extensively, and in the 1970'S created London's first successful radio-oriented ad agency and jingle company. He continues to perform and promote concerts today and was inducted into the London Music Hall of Fame in 2023. 

Jim served on several City Hall advisory committees, and in his decades-long media career was the first Londoner to simultaneously host daily radio and TV programs while writing regular columns for the London Free Press and Business London Magazine. 

He also created his own publishing company, releasing works by several local authors as well as nine books of his own, including the popular and definitive history of London's 1960s music scene, Battle of the Bands, and two recountings of his 1999 near death experience, 2001's best-selling Heart and Soul, and 2006's Come Back To Life, which continues to sell steadily 20 years after publication. 

With that success, he was invited to share his inspiring and uplifting story in lectures and presentations across the area and as far afield as New York, Dallas, and Seattle, and was interviewed on the ABC, CTV, TVO and Discovery television networks, and on BBC and CBC radio. 

Jim was blessed to be able to used his high media profile to aid in raising large charitable donations for Easter Seals, London Health Sciences Centre, Childreach, Jesse's Journey, The Bethany's Hope Foundation, Unity of London, and many other worthy causes over the years. 

He strongly believes he has managed to have such a productive life because of advice his father gave him when he was young: 'always remember that what you receive is never as important as what you give' 

For all these reasons and more, Jim Chapman is named to the 2025 Mayor's New Year's Honour List as a Distinguished Londoner.

In July 2024, Mike Bessegato displayed extraordinary courage during a routine visit to a grocery store in the City of London. While shopping, he witnessed a violent altercation between a 72-year-old store employee and a younger male attempting to steal items.

Fearing for the safety of the elderly employee, Mike quickly intervened. Without hesitation, he placed himself between the aggressor and the vulnerable staff member, preventing further harm to the employee. Mike managed to restrain the attacker, holding him in place while waiting for the police to arrive.

However, the situation took a dangerous turn when the assailant, unbeknownst to Mike, pulled out a concealed knife and launched a vicious attack. Mike was stabbed multiple times in his effort to protect others, suffering serious injuries, including a collapsed lung. Despite his injuries, Mike’s actions successfully safeguarded the employee from further harm, and the attacker fled the scene.

Mike’s selfless actions undoubtedly prevented a tragedy, protecting both the store employee and the public from further violence. His bravery in the face of danger is a testament to the power of ordinary citizens stepping up in extraordinary circumstances.

For his selfless act of heroism, Mike Bessegato is named to the 2025 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the category of Distinguished Londoner.

Sheldon Carter is President of Digital Extremes, a London-based digital gaming company with 500 employees. It is the largest company of its kind in southwestern Ontario, garnering dozens of awards for both its innovative games and its progressive studio culture. As the co-creator of Epic Games' multi-million unit selling Unreal franchise including Unreal and Unreal Tournament and the award-winning Warframe, among others, Digital Extremes also is annually recognized as Canada’s Top 100 Best Companies to work for.

Under Sheldon Carter’s leadership, community has remained a key pillar of Digital Extremes’ success, supporting and championing countless charitable and social equity causes.

In addition, Digital Extremes hosts TennoCon – a yearly in-person and digital convention. Most recently, TenoConn 2024 at RBC Place London welcomed over 2,000 gamers over two days for a series of panels where developers discuss their craft, giveaways, activities, and opportunities for the community to come together.

For his many contributions to the London business community, Sheldon Carter has been named to the 2025 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the category of Distinguished Londoner.

Tyler Stewart a.k.a. London Green Ranger has made significant contributions to mental health awareness and community support. In 2021, he was honored with the Forest City London Music Award Contributor Award - for his contributions to mental health awareness initiatives. His recognition continued when he was named the 2021 Champion of Mental Health by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) for his ongoing efforts to promote mental health awareness within the community. His tireless work has positively impacted many lives, making him a deserving candidate for this recognition.

As a rapper and musician, Tyler uses his platform and personal experiences to inspire others to seek support, especially within the youth community. He is an active fundraiser for Mind Your Mind and has a deep passion for ending the stigma around mental health. His Facebook page boasts over 13,000 followers, where he continues to engage his audience with uplifting messages and calls to action.

As the London Green Ranger, Tyler regularly appears at charities, fundraisers, and events throughout the region, spreading positivity, joy, and pride in the City of London. His efforts extend to visits at the Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, and the CMHA, where he shares messages of hope and support.

A devoted father of three, Tyler's personal journey includes watching his daughter battle brain cancer from the age of one. Now five and thriving, her fight has shaped Tyler’s mission to encourage others to reach out, talk about their struggles, and know that they are not alone. He shares words of strength with children battling illness and their parents, reminding them of their bravery and resilience.

Tyler’s dedication to spreading joy, raising awareness, and supporting others makes him a true bright light in the community. His work is deserving of honour and recognition.

For these reasons and more, Tyler is named to the 2025 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the category of Distinguished Londoner.

Hetham Karky migrated to Canada in 2019, since he put his foot he has been so active in prompting Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Oppression values through his work and volunteering.

Hetham seeks to understand what challenges newcomers are faced with and is determined to use its resources effectively to provide solutions. As the most multicultural country in the world, it is no surprise that many barriers exist for new Canadians. Newcomers are likely to experience culture shock and are unlikely to reach out if barriers are present; therefore, in response Hetham Established and is currently the Executive Director, of the Rights and Responsibilities Awareness Initiative, which is a community initiative based in London, Ontario aimed at enhancing legal, financial, and cultural awareness among new Canadians through public education.

RRAI was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 2020, and it received its charitable status from the Canada Revenue Agency in 2021, it is governed by a diverse Board of Directors and an Advisory Committee, a diversified committee of community facilitators representing different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. Members of the Advisory Committee play a vital role in connecting RRAI with local communities, promoting RRAI activities, and establishing connections with their community organizations. Current members of RRAI Advisory Communities are from the Francophone, Latino, Black, Indian, Asian, Middle Eastern, and LGBTIQA+ communities.

Through hard work, Hetham promoted important information by coordinating and conducting more than 45 legal, social, and financial awareness webinars attended by an estimated 1700 participants. Those sessions were interpreted into Arabic, Spanish, and Mandarin and remain available on the RRAI website and on social media platforms.

RRAI is currently working in partnership with London Police Services and Western University on a project funded by the government of Ontario that aims to reduce online hate crimes among London and Middlesex communities such by educating the community to protect them against such crimes and ensuring individuals are safe when reporting them.

He has volunteered with several boards and committees in London such as: Vice-Chair, Neighbourhood Legal Services (London & Middlesex) Inc., Member of Diversity Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Advisory Committee, Member of Board, Platt's Lane Tenant Council, Chair Council, University Heights Public School Council, Award Recipient for Get Involved London, and Member of the Board Neighbourhood Legal Services.

For all these reasons and more, Hetham is named to the 2025 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the category of Diversity and Race Relations.

Shaquille Sealy is an outstanding leader in the City of London’s environmental sector whose work embodies our city’s commitment to protect and enhance the environment. In particular, Shaquille and the people who work with him make significant contributions to tree planting and public education about trees and are thus furthering nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation in the Forest City.

Since 2021, Shaquille has been working out of the Westminster Ponds Centre with ReForest London on a variety of programs aimed at providing environmental education and opportunities for Londoners and other community organizations to engage in tree planting and stewardship. Shaquille currently acts as the Co-Executive Director of Operations & Projects at ReForest London where he oversees a program delivery team that advances the organization’s strategic priorities, while developing partnerships across sectors in London. Shaquille’s work is directly linked to ongoing successes in promoting tree planting and tree care throughout the City.

From 2021 to 2022, Shaquille acted as the coordinator of Signal Boost Initiative, a program aimed at providing low-cost and free environmental education opportunities for Londoners. As part of this Initiative that he planned, managed and administered, Shaquille also facilitated and delivered workshops, webinars, and volunteer training sessions, and developed innovative ideas for new partnerships and collaborations among participating community organizations. Shaquille now leads the Programs Team, advances strategic organizational development, and oversees the continued development of London’s first-and-only Environment & Sustainability Centre, the Westminster Ponds Centre.

Through his current and past roles, Shaquille has designed and implemented a variety of educational programming geared towards youth and adults, working in collaboration with community partners such as local schools. He also leads the development and implementation of ReForest London’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy. Shaquille’s perspective on tree planting, environmental justice and community engagement is really valuable for the City of London to consider as it protects and grows the urban forest and prioritizes neighbourhoods that are most in need of tree investments to support climate change adaptation, biodiversity and human wellbeing.

To give just a few other examples of the many things Shaquille has worked on: he is responsible for managing ReForest London’s Community Tree Nursery, as well as the operational development and community consultation of the Westminster Ponds Centre social enterprise (Westminster Ponds Centre acts as a hub for various environmental organizations in the City as well as educational programming offered by the Thames Valley District School Board). Shaquille has played an instrumental part in engaging community partners to deliver environmental education activities and programs, and take full advantage of space at the Centre, bringing people closer to an important Environmentally Significant Area. Through ReForest London, Shaquille hosts annual Westminster Ponds clean-ups in collaboration with Antler River Rally and annual Native Plant Sales with Climate Action London.

For all these reasons and more, Shaquille is named to the 2025 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the Environment category.

Maureen Spencer Golovchenko has been a long-time champion for London’s history, contributing to the awareness of the City of London's heritage assets through her work to preserve and protect Eldon House Heritage Site and Gardens.

Maureen first became involved with Eldon House during its 175th anniversary in 2008 when she was part of a collaborative committee to organize a year-long celebration of the milestone anniversary. Since then, Maureen has been a staunch and active volunteer at the museum and an eloquent advocate for heritage. She has contributed in countless ways in stabilizing Eldon House.

In 2013, Eldon House separated from its parent organization, Museum London, and was given its own governance model and city-bylaw. Maureen was part of the inaugural Board of Directors, and assisted in numerous areas of governance, organizational policy, and hugely in assisting with special projects and initiatives. During her time on the Board, she consistently showed incredible perseverance and commitment to her work at the museum, with creativity and collaboration. Some of her achievements include assisting in organizing community celebrations, including Canada Day fundraisers and New Year’s Levee, which welcomed hundreds of visitors through Eldon House, assisting in creating partnerships with other museum and heritage organizations, launching the Eldon House gift shop to allow the museum more diverse revenue streams, and expanding the museum’s staffing opportunities to allow the organization to grow.

Maureen acted as the Museum’s inaugural chair of the Board of Directors in 2013 and served for two terms in that role. She continued on the Board of Directors in the role of “past chair” before stepping back at the end of her term in November 2022. Currently, Maureen acts as the chair of the Eldon House “Strategy and Innovation” committee and continues to contribute her energies to the benefit of the museum. One of the large projects currently undertaken by Maureen and the committee is the creation of street signage which would link Eldon House and other downtown landmarks together and provide context to those interested in the history of London.

Maureen represents the spirit of Eldon House, as someone who is passionate about the history of London and focused on bringing community together in historic spaces. Her dedication to heritage preservation and education is important for the Eldon House site, and the growth of heritage awareness and tourism within our community. The staff and current Board of Directors all advocate for her to be recognized for her unfailing commitment to London’s oldest heritage gem.

For all these reasons and more, Maureen is named to the 2025 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the category of Heritage.