June 27, 2026
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The Grade 8 graduation at Kincardine District Senior School (KDSS) saw 125 graduates honoured with a celebration and awards presentation, Tuesday evening.
Principal Don Burns welcomed everyone to the graduation ceremony and said the staff at KDSS is privileged to see these students graduate twice - once from Grade 8 and again from Grade 12.
"Each of you has incredible potential," he said. "Dream big, work hard and be kind. Look ahead to that new KDSS building - you are part of that future.
"When you go into Grade 9 in the fall, have the confidence to do great things. Take pride in your school and your community.
Trustee Jan Johnstone, on behalf of the Bluewater District School Board, congratulated the graduates and said they demonstrate what it means to be brave and kind.
"You'll be staying at KDSS in the fall but you'll be returning as leaders and taking on new challenges," she said. "Best wishes to you all."
The awards were presented, followed by the address by valedictorians Grant Crawford and Ayza Noor, 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 – Grant Crawford and Ayza Noor
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 – Grant Crawford
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 – Andrew Page
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 – Ronin MacIntosh and Kendal Pollock
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 – Paige Andjelic and Grant Crawford
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 – Brianna Ferguson
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 – Brooke Roppel
Outstanding Effort award – presented to a student who has tried the hardest to achieve the most – Taylor Taverner
CUPE Award – for a student who shows co-operation, support and respect to the school and fellow students – Nathan Mann
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 – Gauri Tokekar
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 – Taylin Taverner
PhotoVisions Perseverance Bursary – presented to a student who has demonstrated perseverance – Anneke Varga
Barbara Ball Academic award – for a student who demonstrates enthusiasm for learning by participating fully in classroom activities and maintains good grades – Ayza Noor
KDSS academic award – goes to the student who achieves high academic averages throughout the school year and exemplifies a positive learning attitude – Hunter McPherson
Aspiring to Agriculture Award – for a student who shows interest and aptitude in agriculture – Monica 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 – Maggie Anderson
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Most improved – presented to a student who shows the most improved average and exemplifies an intrinsic desire to improve – Levi Cooper
English award, sponsored by Dale Haldenby – Mikayla Hyre
Writer’s award, sponsored by the KDSS Home and School – Evie Wright
Math award, sponsored by Bruce Power – Easton Owens
Science award – Stella Gowan
Geography award – Andrew Humphrey
History award – Ryo Winchester
Core French award, sponsored by Canadian Parents for French – Leah Soucy
French Immersion award, sponsored by Canadian Parents for French – Kabe Wright
Music award – Cameron Klassen
Visual Arts award – Aliya Showalter
Drama award – Myla Aitchison
Experiential Learning award, awarded to a student within the KDSS 7/8 Developmental Learning program for overall dedication, enthusiasm and achievement in experiential learning – Colton McKinley
Bruce Power Science and Tech Award – Kabe Wright
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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