Kincardine District Secondary School Class of 2015 has done some amazing things, says valedictorian

By: Liz Dadson October 12, 2015 3637

Kincardine District Secondary School Class of 2015 has done some amazing things, says valedictorian

The Kincardine District Secondary School Class of 2015 has done some amazing things and deserves more than your average, typical valedictory address, said valedictorian Logan Wolfe, at commencement Friday night.

So, he set about recalling some of the great accomplishments of his class over the past four years.

"Just last year, our girls rugby team, headed by some of the graduates here, competed in the spring season for the first time in six years, almost making the playoffs," said Logan. "Our girls basketball team went undefeated in the regular season and for the first time ever, represented our school at OFSAA!"

The boys hockey team came home with a silver medal at CWOSSA, and the girls volleyball team qualified for CWOSSA, he said.

"Beyond the courts, rinks and fields, this pattern of excellence continues," said Logan. "Students in our grade consistently rank among the top percentiles in the school contests! Whether it's math, physics or biology, we really know our stuff."

KDSS students had excellent success in skills competitions, he noted, with graduates showing their impeccable skills in cooking and hairstyling, on a huge level.

He also outlined the successful Knight of the Arts show, demonstrating that this class is an exceptionally diverse group of graduates with immense skill, whether it’s draining threes or creating an award-winning musical about a bank.

"Even beyond school events, we have always been there to lend a hand to our community, involving ourselves with Relay for Life year-after-year, Christmas Knights, and representing our school at the local fall fairs," said Logan.

He said much of the success of his classmates is due to the excellent people who supported them along the way - parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, friends, and many more. "Thank you for all of the hours you put into making us all we can be.

"Now go forward with your life and show the world just how awesome you are! But before you do that, I felt it was only appropriate if I ended this speech with a classic Logan’s Joke of the Day - What do you call it when KDSS’s valedictorian doesn’t get a standing ovation? A One Knight Stand!

"Goodnight everybody, have a safe trip home! Happy Thanksgiving!"

Logan received a standing ovation so was not left standing alone.

The remainder of the commencement included the piping in of the graduates by Jennifer Farrell of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band, the singing of "O Canada" by Serena Rutledge of Ripley, and a welcome by Randall DeKraker, former principal at KDSS.

One highlight was the presentation of the Compass Group School Dining award to Josh Easton for overcoming personal or academic challenges on the way to graduation. Now 21, Josh was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in 2009 at the age of 15. His has been a long journey which included lengthy brain surgeries, high-dose radiation treatments, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

As Josh walked across the stage, with the aid of a walker, the crowd gave him a well-deserved standing ovation. He is now studying at Lambton College in Sarnia, in the Community Integration Co-operative Education program.

The evening featured the presentation of graduation diplomas, as well as numerous awards to the following:

D.P. Arscott student leadership scholarship, Jordyn O'Connor
Beta Sigma Phi (Epsilon/Alpha chapter) award for excellence in a co-op program, Hannah Bos
Beta Sigma Phi (Xi/Zeta/Gamma chapters) award for making a significant contribution to the school, Andrea Plagos
Bruce County Conservationists award for a student continuing his/her studies at the post-secondary level, David MacDonald
Bruce County Federation of Agriculture award for a student who is working or studying in the field of agriculture, Tim Robertson
Bruce Peninsula Art Show bursary for talented artists who display their work at the Civic Holiday Show, Charlotte Bate
Bruce Power Leadership award for a student going into a technical or business program who demonstrated leadership and contributed to the school and community, Darby Watterworth
Bruce Power award for female student entering skilled trades or technologies, Kinsey Collins
Bruce Power Future Innovator award for a student who achieves high academic results and who shows passion and promise in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, Alex Pagnan
Canadian Federation of University Women award for high academic achievement and personal determination, Kerri Rice and Andrea Hoeper
Compass Group School Dining award for a student who has overcome some personal or academic challenges on the way to graduation, Josh Easton and Aidan Calcutt
Bruce County agricultural scholarship, Lori Ogilvie
NEW - Creative Hands award, in memory of Amanda Alexander who was a KDSS graduate, awarded to a student who is going into a creative career path, Eliza Bumba
Dr. A.E.H. Couch bursaries for graduates entering medical field or biological sciences, Noah VanVeen and Delaney Evans
Davey-Linklater Funeral Home bursary for student entering funeral service or health sciences program, Tim McTiernan
Jordan Fawcett Memorial award, for a basketball player competing in his/her final year who made a significant contribution to the local basketball community - Andrea Plagos
Audrey and Lester Ferguson award for student furthering his/her studies in social sciences, Shoshana Jarvis
Grant Helm scholarship for high-ranking student who has lived in Kincardine Township, Bruce Township or Tiverton for at least 10 years, Brent McDonald
Vernon Hodgins Memorial Scholarship in Agriculture for a student who demonstrates a value for the education of future farmers who will keep agriculture viable for generations, Manuel Inauen
KC Automotive Parts scholarship for a student continuing in automotive technology, Stephen Hlinka
Kincardine Community Medical Clinic physicians group award for high-achieving students entering the medical field, Hannah Bos and Taylor Hasson
KDSS Certificates of Excellence in academics, athletic and extracurricular activities, Logan Wolfe and Alessandra Lozada
KDSS Graduating Class of 1986-87 award for a graduate who overcame challenges along the way to graduation, Jorie Elliott
KDSS Home and School Association award, Olivia Convay
KDSS participation awards, for enthusiastic participation in the KDSS development learning program - Meaghan Carter, Amy Robinson, Samantha Stevens and Keith Creighton
KDSS Students' Council Activity awards, Jordyn O'Connor, Logan Wolfe and Delaney Evans
Kincardine Dairy Queen Skilled Trades Co-op award - Logan Shewfelt
Kincardine inclusiveness and diversity award, Alessandra Lozada
Kincardine Optimists - Friends of Youth award for students entering a helping profession or who did community work with children and youth, Elsie Shewfelt
Frederick Kirby Social Responsibility scholarship for a student attending a post-secondary institution who has demonstrated an attitude of respect for the human dignity of all people and participated in groups that seek to change the world, Alex Pagnan
Alexander McKenzie award to a male student with the highest graduating average of those residing in one of the three northern townships of Huron County or three southern of Bruce, Manuel Inauen, 91-per-cent average
Don and Irene MacKenzie award for a student who has resided in Huron Township, maintained academic standing and participated in school life, Mathew Strader
MacKinnon academic awards for excellence in English, social sciences, Canadian and world studies, math and science, Eden McFarlane and Mitchell Walker
Janice Matchett Financial Services business scholarship, Eartha Phorson
Matheson-Pioneers memorial scholarship for high academic standing and furthering studies at university, Shannon Robinson
Don and Doris Milne scholarship for maintaining high academic standing while contributing to the school, the community or both, Alexandra Chapleau
Mohindra Family award of excellence in the area of science and mathematics, Chrys Bands
A.E. Nelson scholarship for high-ranking student pursing a career in teaching, Evan Brown
Northern Light Lodge No. 93 bursary, Cody Whalen
Ontario Power Generation award for a student entering a technological program at college or university, Jacob Musselman and Derrick Bernath
No. 253 Order of the Eastern Star (Bruce Chapter) award, Maddie Duncan
OSSTF District 7 award, Marley Martyn
NEW - Clint Parker Memorial award, presented to a student who preferred shop class and may have overcome obstacles on the way to graduation, Matt Woodhall
Point Clark Kinsman bursary for a student who resides in Point Clark or Huron-Kinloss and is attending a post-secondary institution, Landon Hoeper
Leslie D. Ray scholarships for the top four graduates proceeding to university, Hannah Bos (94.7%), Alessandra Lozada (94%), Mitchell Walker (93.8%) and Chrys Bands (93%).
Retired Teachers of Ontario Community award, for a student who contributes to his/her school and community - Stephen Ritter
Ripley Legion Ladies' Auxiliary award for a student continuing his/her education and has resided in Huron Township or Ripley, Delaney Dundas
Ripley Shipping Association award for a student entering post-secondary education related to agriculture, Manuel Inauen
Rotary Business award, Jordan Jarvis and Tyson Rutledge
Sauble Lodge #227 IOOF Tara Bursary for students from a Grade 12 program who have demonstrated academic commitment and are pursuing a post-secondary education, Brad Liddle and Nicole McLeod
NEW - Snobelen Farms award, for a student either working or studying in the field of agriculture, Cole Lamont
South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Kincardine, Auxiliary bursary for student pursing program allied to the medical field, Rachael Whitney
Michelle Taylor Memorial award for a student who exemplifies Mrs. Taylor's love of diverse people, passion for improving the world both locally and globally, and humble behind-the-scenes contributions, Eliza Bumba, Lauren Eby, Alessandra Lozada and Lori Ogilvie
Valedictorian award – Logan Wolfe
West Wawanosh Agricultural award, Landon Hoeper
Gardiner Pioneer Scholarship for a student graduating with the highest average in his/her final year of high school, Hannah Bos
Governor General's Academic medal for the student with the highest average in his/her graduating year, Hannah Bos