No fewer than 6 young Maastricht residents received a youth ribbon today. This is in thanks for their great contribution to Maastrichts society. Alderman Manon Fokke (citizen participation) presented the Maastricht youth ribbons for 2025 together with deputy youth mayor Bera Külcü.
About the Youth Ribbon
In Maastricht, many young people do good things for their friends, family, an association, a good cause, or their neighborhood. In this way, they make a positive contribution to their environment and to Maastricht as a city of connection. As a token of appreciation for these young heroes, the municipality awards the youth ribbon every year.
Their contributions can vary. For example, providing a helping hand to an elderly or sick person. Raising money for a good cause. Making senseless violence or discrimination a topic of discussion among peers. Intensive involvement in a music, sports, or cultural association. Or a special one-time achievement.
Young people between 6 and 18 years could be nominated for a youth ribbon.
Winners 2025
Lynn Onstein (13 years)
Lynn is a very involved and enthusiastic Stella Maris student who actively contributes to the community in De Heeg. Together with her mother, she regularly organizes events for the youth, always rolling up her sleeves herself.
She participated in Swim to Fight Cancer Kids and raised no less than 1,200 euros for the good cause. With full commitment, she collected deposit bottles and started her own fundraising campaign. Lynns social commitment, initiative, and enthusiasm make her a role model for others.
Demi Duijkers (9 years), Fenna Geerkens (10 years), Liliya Geerkens (8 years), Hailey van der Veur (10 years), and Jaylinn Lemmens (10 years)
These 5 students from Kindcentrum Mosasaurus – Demi, Fenna, Liliya, Hailey, and Jaylinn - voluntarily and wholeheartedly participated in Swim to Fight Cancer Kids.
With their efforts, they made a valuable contribution to fundraising for cancer research. Despite personal experiences with this disease, they showed strength, involvement, and perseverance. They are an inspiring example that age does not have to be a barrier to making a difference. Their enthusiasm was contagious and motivated classmates, family, and neighbors.
Quote from one of the students: It was very tough, but I will do it again next year. Because it is a horrible disease!
Important for Society
Alderman Manon Fokke: “It is wonderful that these young people have all contributed to making more research against cancer possible. They are already showing at a young age that supporting and helping each other is very important in our society.”
Selection Committee
From the submissions, the selection committee unanimously chose the winners. The selection committee consisted of council members Jos Boelen, John Steijns, Ria Makatita, Jo Smeets, and Petra Moonen; and from Kimberley Redmeijer (Youth Worker Trajekt), Celima Remmers (youth Trajekt), and Tibbe Breuls (former winner Youth Ribbon 2024).