KDSS celebrates Grade 8 graduation with 113 students in Class of 2025

The Grade 8 graduation at Kincardine District Senior School (KDSS) saw 113 graduates honoured with a celebration and awards presentation, Tuesday evening, June 24.

Principal Don Burns welcomed everyone to the sixth graduation ceremony since the Grades 7 and 8 students joined KDSS in the fall of 2019.

He thanked the parents/guardians for their support, the teachers and staff for their hard work, and the graduates for their perseverance toward obtaining their Grade 8 diplomas.

“I’m proud of each and every one of you,” he said. “As you move to the secondary hallways at KDSS, remember the good times you had in the elementary wing.”

He encouraged them to get involved in clubs and sports, and enjoy the adventure.

The awards were presented, followed by the address by valedictorians Colton Bernard and Averee Hamann, and the presentation of diplomas.

Award winners are 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 – Colton Bernard and Averee Hamann
• 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 – Poppy McFarlane
• 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 – Tegan Frook
• 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 – Sam Humphrey and Brynlie Wilcox
• 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 – Scarlett Stevenson and Lane Bauman
• 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 – Colton Bernard and Levi Jolliffe
• 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 – Maddie LeBrasceur
• 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 – Dani Smith
• Outstanding Effort award – presented to a student who has tried the hardest to achieve the most – Sheldon Holt
• CUPE Award – for a student who shows co-operation, support and respect to the school and fellow students – Ewan Graham
• 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 – Lucas Brown
• 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 – Evelyn Sutton
• PhotoVisions Bursary – presented to a student who has demonstrated perseverance – Riley Ballantine
• Barbara Ball Academic award – for a student who demonstrates enthusiasm for learning by participating fully in classroom activities and maintains good grades – Asha Hamann
• KDSS academic award – goes to the student who achieves high academic averages throughout the school year and exemplifies a positive learning attitude – Abbey Rowe
• Aspiring to Agriculture Award – for a student who shows interest and aptitude in agriculture – Jordan Carney
• Kincardine Inclusiveness and Diversity Award – for a student who promotes respect, recognition, inclusiveness and diversity among youth in the community and at school – Poppy McFarlane

ACADEMIC AWARDS

• Most improved – presented to a student who shows the most improved average and exemplifies an intrinsic desire to improve – Owen White
• English award, sponsored by Dale Haldenby – Caitlin Greenwood
• Writer’s award, sponsored by the KDSS Home and School – Ravyn Wencel
• Math award, sponsored by Bruce Power – Norah Kelley
• Science award – Annabelle Dent
• Geography award – Caitlin Greenwood
• History award – Norah Kelley
• Core French award, sponsored by Canadian Parents for French – Cooper McKay
• French Immersion award, sponsored by Canadian Parents for French – Annabelle Dent
• Music award – Averee Hamann
• Visual Arts award – Mehreen Syed
• Extracurricular Drama award – Malcolm Scott
• Experiential Learning award, awarded to a student within the KDSS 7/8 Developmental Learning program for overall dedication, enthusiasm and achievement in experiential learning – Quinten Morrison-Neshkawa
• Bruce Power Science and Tech Award – Sam Humphrey