Science, mathematics, public speaking, athletics, skilled trades, and the environment are among the areas in which Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) demonstrated excellence provincially and nationally this past school year.
Students and staff who received awards in school- and board-related provincial and national competitions held in 2024-2025 were recognized at the June 17 Regular Meeting of the Board for their outstanding achievements.
Here is this year’s list of recipients:
Junior Challenge Award – Aerospace – Gold Medal
Jack Lang, Sullivan Community School
Junior Excellence Award – Silver Medal
Jack Lang, Sullivan Community School
Canadian Association of Communicators in Education (CACE)
BRAVO! Awards Program – Coup de Coeur
Learning Services – Student Success and Communications Staff, BWDSB Education Centre
The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC)
Pascal Contest (Grade 9) – Certificate of Distinction
Peter Nemeth, Owen Sound District Secondary School
Cayley Contest (Grade 10) – Certificate of Distinction
Alice Benson, Owen Sound District Secondary School
Finn Lauzon, Owen Sound District Secondary School
Travis Vanderkooy, Owen Sound District Secondary School
Fermat Contest (Grade 11) – Certificate of Distinction
Jack Middlebro’, Owen Sound District Secondary School
Concours d’art oratoire (French provincial public speaking contest)
Second Place: Esha Gill, Kincardine District Senior School
Third Place: Kestrel Clarence, Georgian Bay Community School
The Critical Thinking Consortium (TC²)
Awards of Excellence – The Certificate of Achievement in Critical Thinking Award (Class ACT)
Superintendents of Education Wendy Louwerse, Keith Lefebvre, and Lauren Penner Lipsett, BWDSB Education Centre
EcoSchools Canada
Gold Status: John Diefenbaker Senior School
Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) Track and Field Championship
Junior Female Discus Throw – Silver Medal
Adalee Turland, Kincardine District Senior School
Junior Female Shot Put – Silver Medal
Adalee Turland, Kincardine District Senior School
Senior Male High Jump – Silver Medal
Aidan MacGregor, John Diefenbaker Senior School
Senior Female 800 Metre Run – Bronze Medal
Ava Moric, John Diefenbaker Senior School
Royal Canadian Legion Youth Program and Remembrance Contests
Public Speaking Contest, Junior Division – First Place
Mabel Cameron, Bruce Peninsula District School
Skills Ontario Competition
Hairstyling – Bronze Medal
Gloria Libicz, Owen Sound District Secondary School
2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships
Soccer – Silver Medal: Grey Highlands Secondary School
Bocce Ball – Bronze Medal: Walkerton District Community School
“Congratulations to our students and staff members whose award-winning accomplishments in a range of subject areas have brought incredible pride to Bluewater on the provincial and national stages,” said Lori Wilder, Director of Education. “These individuals have excelled by virtue of their hard work, talent, and commitment, and the support of dedicated coaches, teachers, families, and others. It is important to also acknowledge every other individual in our schools and work sites who stepped up to compete in the many competitions held locally, regionally, provincially, and beyond. We have plenty of reasons to celebrate and stand proud as the school year draws to a close.”
