KDSS honours 125 graduates at Grade 8 graduation

The Grade 8 graduation at Kincardine District Senior School saw 125 graduates honoured with a celebration and awards presentation, Wednesday evening, June 26.

Valedictorians Hasan Afzaal (English) and Piper Johnson (French) urged the Class of 2024 to face the future with courage and resilience.

“To my classmates, congratulations! We have worked hard, overcome challenges and grown together as a group,” said Hasan. “As we step into high school, let us carry forward the lessons we have learned. Let us continue to seek knowledge from one another, and keep on trying to pursue our dreams. Success is not just about achieving goals, it’s about staying true to ourselves and making a positive impact on the people around us.”

The pair then recounted the 10 years of elementary school, with most students attending various schools in Kincardine before making the transfer to KDSS for Grades 7 and 8. Learning about Monarch butterflies in Grade 1, trying to have the best hand-writing; then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the next two years were difficult, learning on-line and then back to school wearing masks, no field trips.

Finally, by Grade 6, things had almost returned to normal, with a field trip to Camp Kintail. And by Grade 7, school began to feel normal again. Finally, Grade 8 when they thought it would be so long, but it really felt like a month.

“And here we are now; we’ve graduated from Grade 8 and are moving on to high school,” said Hasan. “Let us dream big, work hard and never lose sight of our values and integrity.”

“We do not know what will happen in the future,” said Piper, “but I can guarantee that we will create stronger bonds, build friendships, and create a bright future for everyone.”

They thanked their parents, teachers and friends for helping them along this journey.

“Together, we will continue this journey, with strength, courage and resiliency, but also with kindness empathy and inclusion. Thank you!”

Award winners were as follows:
 

• Valedictorian - sponsored by KDSS - presented to two students, one from the French stream, and one from the English stream, who demonstrate academic performance of an advanced standing, exemplify the qualities of a positive school ambassador, and are chosen through secret ballot by the graduating class – Hasan Afzaal and Piper Johnson
• Principal's award for Student Leadership (Ontario Principals' Council) – for a student who displays leadership in a number of areas, encourages others to participate, solves problems creatively and peacefully, encourages and supports others in achieving their personal goals, accepts challenges, and maintains good academic standing – Lila Vandewalle
• Kenzie Foster Memorial Award – Kenzie Foster was a former councillor, deputy reeve, reeve and warden of Bruce County. A bequest was made by his sister to Bruce Township Central Public School. The award is now shared with Port Elgin Saugeen Central. This gift is awarded to students from Bruce Township who have demonstrated excellence in either achievement or contribute positively to the school environment – Nolan Gehlson
• Reg Lundy Sportsmanship award – this memorial award goes to a student who is a good sport and able to win or lose gracefully; shows athletic talent and has been involved in some school teams; works co-operatively with teammates, and gives 100 per cent in physical education classes as well as at practices – Brooke Savage and Kian Kaminski
• Athlete of the Year – male/female – for a student who demonstrates athletic ability, performance and participation in athletics, and is a dependable team member, positive role model, and good ambassador for the school – Lucas Tout and Brette Stewart and Callie Paul
• Sportsmanship award – awarded to a student who is a member of numerous school teams and exemplifies a sense of fair play, appreciation for the rules of the game, and is supportive of others – Tyler Bauman
• Pat Lambert Citizenship award – goes to the student who consistently demonstrates respect, tolerance and empathy toward others, and is a positive ambassador for the school – Taron Hervieux
• Service Above Self award – goes to a student who demonstrates qualities of a good citizen, is helpful, respectful, caring and considerate, and is involved in activities with school, community and global focus – Rachel Ridley
• Outstanding Effort award – presented to a student who has tried the hardest to achieve the most – Trent Falconer
• CUPE Award – for a student who shows co-operation, support and respect to the school and fellow students – Ellandra Dudgeon
• Engineering Inspiration award, sponsored by the Kinetic Knights (FRC Team 781) – for the student who is proficient and passionate in the fields of math, science and technology, demonstrates kindness toward others, and displays a focus on safety for him/herself and others – Lenin Zandewyk
• Agnes Adeline Johnston Memorial award – given to a student from the Town of Kincardine or Kincardine Township who has demonstrated excellence in achievement and contributes positively to the school environment – Max Roppel
• PhotoVisions Bursary – presented to a student who has demonstrated perseverance – Tyson Fyke
• Barbara Ball Academic award – for a student who demonstrates enthusiasm for learning by participating fully in classroom activities and maintains good grades – Claire Ridley
• KDSS academic award – goes to the student who achieves high academic averages throughout the school year and exemplifies a positive learning attitude – Cadence Baumber
• Aspiring to Agriculture Award – for a student who shows interest and aptitude in agriculture – Jeffrey te vaarwerk
• Kincardine Inclusiveness and Diversity Award – for a student who promotes respect, recognition, inclusiveness and diversity among youth in the community and at school – Peyton Anderson

ACADEMIC AWARDS

• Most improved – presented to a student who shows the most improved average and exemplifies an intrinsic desire to improve – Andrew Robertson
• English award, sponsored by Dale Haldenby – Ella Reid
• Writer’s award, sponsored by the KDSS Home and School – Kai Soucy
• Math award, sponsored by Bruce Power – Adda Yang
• Science award – Lincoln Henhoeffer
• Geography award - Tynan Patterson
• History award – Jackson Goetz
• Core French award, sponsored by Canadian Parents for French – Ben White
• French Immersion award, sponsored by Canadian Parents for French – Piper Johnson
• Music award – Alex Peterson
• Visual Arts award – Hana Davis
• Drama award – Lily Coughlan
• Experiential Learning award, awarded to a student within the KDSS 7/8 Developmental Learning program for overall dedication, enthusiasm and achievement in experiential learning – Jeffrey te vaawerk