Soloway JCC Annual General Meeting
and Awards Night

Lior Waldman 

Lior discovered his love of tennis at a young age and quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated and talented competitor. Throughout his junior career, he ranked among the top 30 players in Ontario, earning numerous singles and doubles titles on the Ontario Tennis Association circuit. Competing across U12, U14, and U18 divisions, he consistently reached finals and secured victories in three- and four-star provincial tournaments, establishinghimself as one of the region’s top players. 

Lior’s passion for the sport extended beyond provincial competition. He represented Canada at the 2022 Maccabiah Games in Israel, advancing to the quarterfinals before a back injury forced him to withdraw. Despite this setback, his determination never wavered. He went on to compete in multiple International Tennis Federation tournaments across Canada, further honing his skills on the national stage. 

In 2025, Lior’s hard work culminated in a standout season as a member of the University of Ottawa Varsity Tennis Team. He played a key role in both singles and doubles, helping lead the Gee-Gees to a historic silver medal finish at the Ontario University Athletics Championships—the team’s best result to date.  

What makes Lior’s journey particularly inspiring is his resilience. Much of his development took place while managing a persistent back injury, including surgery. Rather than stepping back, he adapted, committed to rehabilitation, and continued to improve with quiet determination and discipline. 

Today, Lior brings that same passion and perseverance to his role as a coach. Known for his kindness, patience, and authenticity, he connects deeply with young athletes, serving as both a mentor and role model. His story is one of dedication, resilience, and a true love for the game. 

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Maya Kelly 

Maya is a Grade 12 student at Nepean High School and a standout leader on the school’s soccer team, helping guide her squad to back-to-back Ottawa City Championships in 2023 and 2024. She also serves as captain of the St. Anthony’s Soccer Club U18 Women’s Team, a role she has held for the past two seasons. Maya’s passion for the sport began at just four years old, and by age nine she was already competing at a high level, setting the stage for her continued success. 

Her dedication, discipline, and athletic ability have earned her the prestigious Green & White Athletic Financial Award from Trent University’s Excalibur Varsity Women’s Sport program, along with an Entrance Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year, where she will study kinesiology. Beyond her high school achievements, Maya has competed at an elite level, winning the Women’s Division One title at the Ottawa Futsal Club’s Bob Rathwell Tournament in 2026, finishing as a finalist at the Umbro Top Rated Showcase Tournament in 2024, and earning a bronze medal at the Ontario Winter Games in 2024. 

What truly sets Maya apart is her exceptional leadership. She leads with integrity, accountability, and consistency, modeling a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. Maya inspires her teammates to elevate their performance while fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment. Respected by peers and coaches alike, she communicates with maturity, supports others through challenges, and leads by example both on and off the field. 

In high-pressure situations, Maya demonstrates composure and mental toughness, bringing confidence and stability to her team when it matters most. Coachable and driven, she continually seeks to improve. Maya’s character, leadership, and dedication make her an outstanding athlete and role model. 

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Past recipients of the Sharon Koffman Memorial Athletic Award:  

• 2024 Morgan Shusterman 
• 2019 Shelby Calof 
• 2018 Sloan Kudrinko 
• 2017 Samantha Cogan 
• 2016 Robbie Osterer  

Dorothy Stern

Dorothy has been a valued member of the Soloway JCC Board of Directors since 2022 and is currently serving her second term. An active and engaged member of the Centre, she can often be found participating in group fitness or art classes or simply connecting with others throughout the building. 

Dorothy previously served as Coordinator of the Bachelor of Interior Design program at Algonquin College and now works part-time as a Study Skills Coach in the Student Support Services department. With graduate degrees and work experience in both interior design and urban planning, as well as a Master of Architecture degree, she brings both expertise and enthusiasm to her work. Her insight and willingness to contribute have made her a valuable asset to the SJCC, particularly in her role on the Building Committee. 

In addition to her work on the renovations, Dorothy stepped up as a member of the RFP Committee during the search for a new food provider. She also played an important role in last year’s Strategic Planning process, helped organize a focus group for community seniors, and participated in a Jewish Engagement Working Group. 

Dorothy has long been involved in Jewish community life, contributing to organizations such as UJA, Hillel on Campus, Tamir, and others across the city. She is currently working with residents at Hillel Lodge on the “Voices from Home” project. This is a meaningful project that gives seniors the opportunity to share their stories, contribute an often forgotten voice in our community and reflect on their personal journeys. 

Originally from Saskatoon, Dorothy was raised in a community-minded family. Her father was a founder of a synagogue, President of the Saskatchewan Zionist Council, and served on the Executive of the Canadian Jewish Congress. 

A proud mother of two adult sons and grandmother of four, Dorothy considers Soloway JCC to be a second home. Through her ongoing involvement, she is committed to fostering a strong sense of community and helping others feel equally connected and welcomed.

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Past recipients of the Ben Karp Soloway JCC Volunteer Service Award: 

• 2025 Inbal Marcovitch 
• 2024 Allan Shefrin
• 2023 Sid Rosenblatt 
• 2022 Mike Aronson 
• 2020 Sabina Wasserlauf 
• 2019 Rabbi Steven Garten 
• 2018 David Spring 
• 2017 Bob Wener z”l 
• 2016 David Ross 
• 2015 Shirley Steinberg 
• 2014 Jackie Luffman-Lyman 
• 2013 Arnie Vered z”l 
• 2012 Lisa Miller 
• 2011 Bob Jardine  
• 2010 Penny Torontow