57th COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES Wednesday, June 29, 2016 Director of Ceremonies

Jennifer Horne

Diplomas and Awards

Debbie Gordon Wendy McCourt

Commencement Co-ordinator

Wendy McCourt

Welcome

Sharon Halladay Principal

Greetings from Upper Canada District School Board

Susan Richards Trustee

Greetings from Leeds-Grenville MPP

Steve Clark

J.C. McLeod Excellence in Teaching Award

Isabel McLeod, Wendy McCourt 2015 Recipient

COMMUNITY AWARDS Students were required to submit an Awards Application to be considered for community awards. Graduating students are only eligible for community awards in their final year at RDHS.

CARTER BASTEN MEMORIAL AWARDS are presented in memory of the late Carter Basten, a former Rideau student. These are awarded to two deserving students, one who has excelled in Rideau’s Construction Technology Program and one who has excelled in Rideau’s Transportation Technology Program. Both of these classes were Carter’s favourites. He loved and excelled in both. Presenter: Basten Family

BEST BUDDIES AWARD is given to a graduating student who has demonstrated compassion, dedication and loyal friendship as well as being an active member of our chapter. Best Buddies is a national organization that provides meaningful friendships for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Presenter: Heather Brown

BROWN’S FINE FOODS AWARD is awarded to a deserving graduate who has enthusiasm for learning, contributes positively to school life, is involved in a leadership role in a variety of school activities and maintains a respectable grade average. Presenter: Rose Hyland

CHARACTER ALWAYS AWARD is presented to the students who persistently demonstrate and promote a strong sense of caring and respect for all. Presenter: Susan Richards

CO-OPERATOR’S INSURANCE AWARD is awarded to a deserving graduate in recognition of outstanding care and commitment to the community. Presenter: Brigitte Lesage-Tye

EASTERN STAR AWARD—LEEDS CHAPTER is awarded to a deserving graduate who is proceeding on to post-secondary education. Presenter: Hazel Wykes

ELGIN LIONESS AWARD is awarded to a deserving graduate in recognition of his/her involvement in community or family service. Presenter: Hank Buethe

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AWARD is presented to a deserving international student. Presenter: Sharon Whittaker

KINGSTON COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION AWARD is awarded to a graduating student, who over the course of his or her years at Rideau, has made a contribution to the school and the student body through quiet leadership, co-operation and example. Presenter: Tamara Carlson

LEEDS TRANSIT AWARD is awarded to a deserving graduate who is continuing his/her education at the post-secondary level in engineering, technology or technician programs. Presenter: Jeremy Carty

LEEDS-GRENVILLE COUNTY STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL BURSARY is presented annually to Leeds-Grenville County students who are going on to post-secondary education in the field of environmental studies, forestry, wildlife biology or geography. Presenter: Thomas Olvet

LIFETOUCH PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD is awarded to a deserving graduate and is intended to encourage studies at the post-secondary level. Presenter: Marianne Kenney

SEAN McNAMEE MEMORIAL AWARD is presented in memory of the late Sean McNamee, a former Rideau student. It is awarded to a deserving graduate who has participated in the co-operative education program and has demonstrated a positive attitude and spirit of co-operation towards classmates, teachers and employers. The enthusiasm of the recipient will have helped to create an enjoyable and productive work environment. Presenter: Thompson Family

MICHAEL O’MEARA AWARD FOR PERSEVERANCE is presented to a deserving graduate, who during his/her time at Rideau District High School continually sought out assistance and constantly worked hard to achieve his/her goal in academics. Presenter: Michael O’Meara

O.S.S.T.F. AWARD OF MERIT is presented to a deserving graduate and is intended to encourage further studies in education at the post-secondary level or in an apprenticeship program and/or have a proven record of involvement/leadership in the school and in the community, showing leadership and interest in community, labour/ union or other social issues. Presenter: David Firlotte

PROVINCIAL PAVING AWARD is presented to students in good standing who have participated in athletics and have shown leadership skills within the school. Presenter: Tricia Laming

RIDEAU LAKES HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AWARD is presented to a student who has excelled in the area of horticulture, agriculture, environmental studies or marine biology. Presenter: John Carley

RIDEAU REUNION ALUMNI BURSARIES were created through alumni contributions at the time of the 25th and 50th reunions. These bursaries recognize academic performance and/or financial need. Presenter: William Morris

RIDEAU RECOGNITION STAFF AWARD (in memory of Mark Timpany) is staff funded and acknowledges Mark’s dedication to teaching and extra-curricular activities at Rideau. The recipient must have good academic standing, have shown significant involvement in school activities, have promoted a co-operative spirit between students and staff and be continuing his/her education at the postsecondary level. Presenter: Thomas Olvet B & B ROTHWELL MUSIC BURSARY is presented in memory of the late Benjamin and Rebecca Rothwell. The award is given to a student who has participated extensively in the music program throughout his/her years at Rideau and is pursuing a career in music. No recipient for 2015-2016

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA STUDENT GEM AWARD is awarded on behalf of the staff at RBC Portland. This award is given to a graduating student who has been accepted into a business-related field. The student must have a grade point average of at least 80% and have a solid extra-curricular background. Presenter: Marianne Kenney

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION AWARD—BRANCH 207, DELTA is intended to recognize the volunteer efforts of a graduate within the local community. Presenter: Pat Phillips

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION AWARD—BRANCH 231, RIDEAU LAKES consists of two bursaries. The first is awarded to a deserving graduate in recognition of his/her achievement in the school and/or community in the area of communications and who is going on to further his/her education in communications. The second bursary is awarded to a deserving graduate in recognition of his/her achievement in the school and/or community in the social services area and who is going on to further his/her education in social services. Presenter: Roy Sampson

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION AWARD—BRANCH 491, SEELEY’S BAY is awarded to a deserving graduate who is going directly to work and whose secondary school program was primarily focused upon entry into the world of work. Presenter: Martin Hankes-Drielsma and Kay Webster

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION—BRANCH 504, LYNDHURST is intended to assist a deserving graduate further his/her studies at the post-secondary level. The recipient must have a relative who represented Canada in a theatre of war. Presenter: Al Thom

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION—BRANCH 542, WESTPORT is intended to recognize the volunteer efforts of a graduate within their local community. Presenter: Dave Wickenden

ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP is awarded on the basis of academic achievement, special achievements and citizenship to a deserving graduate who is continuing his/her education at St. Lawrence College. Presenter: Tyler Truesdell

WALTER SCOTLAND MEMORIAL BURSARY is awarded in memory of the late Walter Scotland, a prominent Elgin area businessman. This bursary is intended to assist a deserving graduate with his/her studies at the post-secondary level in the field of business. Presenter: Cathy Niblock

SEELEY’S BAY LIONS DOUG CLARK MEMORIAL AWARD is presented in memory of Doug Clark, the founding president of the Seeley’s Bay Lions Club. There are two separate awards presented on a rotating basis. 1. ar chitectur al design and dr afting—awarded to a deserving graduate who is pursuing his/her education in a technology-related field at a recognized post-secondary institution and 2. Co-operative Education— awarded to a deserving graduate based on his/her achievement in co-operative education. For 2016 awarded to a deserving graduate who is pursuing his/her education in a technology-related field at a recognized post-secondary institution. Presenter: Don Bracken

SHARON STEDMAN MEMORIAL BURSARY is presented to a graduate to further his/her education in Nursing or Health Services. Presenter: Jim Stedman

A & R SIMMONS MEMORIAL AWARD is awarded through the generosity of the Simmons Family of Portland. This award is intended to assist a graduate who is furthering his/her education in a health-care related field. Presenter: Bernard MacLean

SIMPSON MASONIC LODGE AWARDS is awarded to the students demonstrating the highest overall proficiency in the following senior technological studies courses: Communications, Co-operative Education, Transportation and Woodworking. Presenter: Peter Clarke

SIMPSON MASONIC LODGE MYERS’ SCHOLARSHIPS is presented in memory of John Myers of Portland for his many years of involvement with the Simpson Masonic Lodge. It is awarded to three students: first, to a deser ving gr aduate who has achieved a high aver age on his/her best twelve senior cr edits and is proceeding on to a community college the following year; second, to a deserving graduate who has achieved a high average on his /her best six advanced credits and is proceeding to a university the following year; and third, to a deserving graduate who is planning to pursue additional studies and/or training in agriculture. Presenter: Bernard MacLean

SKILLED TRADES BURSARY is awarded to students, each continuing his/her studies in a trade-related field. Presenter:: Jeremy Carty

DR. LYNN STEWART SCHOLARSHIP is presented to a graduate who has overcome a challenge during their high school years and has been accepted into a post-secondary program. This scholarship is given on a rotational basis with either one or two student recipient(s). Presenter: Lynn Stewart

STUDENT SUCCESS INITIATIVE AWARDS recognize the success of students who have completed employment preparation classes and will be entering the work force. Presenter: Brent Brown

TACKABERRY CONSTRUCTION AWARD OF EXCELLENCE is awarded by the Management and Staff of G. Tackaberry & Sons Construction Ltd. This award recognizes the efforts of a deserving student who is entering a trade-related occupation. Presenter: Paul Rodgers

WILLIAM THAKE MEMORIAL BURSARY is presented to a graduate who has shown leadership qualities and been involved in the community and/or school and must be proceeding on to a post-secondary institution. Presenter: Ron Holman

TOWNSHIP OF RIDEAU LAKES BURSARY is presented to a township resident who has actively participated in the school’s extra-curricular program and has attained a grade average that will ensure success in his/her career in a trade or business related occupation. This year’s bursary is awarded in memory of Lucille Bresee and Lyla DeVreeze, long time residents and community volunteers. Presenters: Linda Carr and Claire Gunnewiek UNITED CHURCH OF ELGIN AWARD is awarded to a deserving graduate who is proceeding on to Theological or Bible College. Related career must be of the Christian Faith. Presenter: Carl Leggett WTC COMMUNICATIONS AWARD recognizes the outstanding effort and achievement of a deserving graduate who is proceeding on to secondary education in the field of communications or engineering. Presenter: Kelly Blair

VALEDICTORIAN Lukas Young

PRESENTATION TO VALEDICTORIAN Brent Brown

Please note that award winner names will be available on the school’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RideauDHSPosts.

We are very fortunate to have so many community members and organizations that support our RDHS graduates! Included in each award envelope is the contact information for the award sponsor. Our expectation is that each award recipient will send a thank you note to his/her award sponsor. In the spirit of Character Always, we are hopeful that those who have benefited through the generosity of their sponsors will continue the spirit by “paying forward” to others throughout their lifetime.

PRESENTATION OF ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL DIPLOMAS *Ontario Scholars (80% or above in six of their grade 12 credits) ***These students are receiving an Ontario Secondary School Certificate **** Students receive a Red Seal Diploma for completing the Specialist High School Majors Program Group I— Kelly Blair, Jeremy Carty Adrain, Austin P. Anson, Michael J. W.**** Barr, Cameron R. *Best, Daniel R.

*Blair, Kara I. *Bresee, J. Taylor Burns, Jesse T.****

Burns, Kendra I. Burtch, Zachary B.

Group II — Tamara Carlson, Thomas Olvet *Canning, Robyn A. Carbino, Dylan G.**** Caron, Reid B. Cartwright, Alexandrea S.

Carty, Aleisha D. Colford, Joshua J. Cooper, Megan G.

Culligan, Seriena M. Day, Mahlina A. Dennie, Joshua D.

Group III— Katie Day, Dave Firlotte Deyo, Michael C. Doornbos, Samantha L. *Elliott, Braeden M. Fletcher, Michael N.

Freeman, Jacqueline L. Garner, Auston T. Geng, Felix

*Gray, Robyn C. Gray, Landon J. Halladay, Brooke C.

Group IV— Kathryn Nantel, Chris Hartley Jeroy, Allan M. Kirkham, Jordan J. Knapp, Colin W. Lisqum, Cole D.****

MacCormack, Lauren P. *MacDonald, Summer R. MacKay, Travis D.

*Mallette, Mykaela J. McConnell, James A.

Group V— Christy McCreary, Greg Horne *McManus, Alyssa B. *Miller, Brittney B.**** *Montgomery, Hannah E. R. Morgan, Nicholas W.

Moss, Chad N. Nairn, Wyatt D. Nontell, Kayla M. C.

Pauzé, Shawna L. Phillips, Dalton D. Poitras, Jesse D.

Group VI— William Morris, Tyler Truesdell Ray, Jeffrey W. *Rothwell, Rebecca N. *Seed, Ethan W. Sly, Andrew W.

Smid, Joseph J. *** Smith, Richard E. Strickland, Bria S.

*Strickland, Dalton R. Sweetland, Ryan C. S. Talbot-Cadue, Blythe A.

Group VII— Lisa Rice, Chris Sleeth *Toth, Kaelin M. Truelove, Braden D. Turner, Brianna N. Vogt, Mischa D.

*Wang, Haoqing Wickenden, Sydney L.**** *Wilson, Paige N.

Wing, Brooke S. Wright, Carson L. *Young, Lukas M.

FIFTH YEAR STUDENTS These students received their Ontario Secondary School Diplomas in June 2015 **Ontario Scholar Certificates were received in June 2015

Antill, Hunter J. Bongers, Ian M. **Bracken, Kieran A. **Halladay, Taylor L. *Hatcher,Tristen J.****

**Popma, Daniel P. Roantree, Scott M. *Steacy, Justin T. **Walter, Evan E.

EXTENDED FRENCH CERTIFICATES Presented by Katie Day Blair, Kara Cartwright, Andrea Colford, Josh Doornbos, Samantha Freeman, Jackie Halladay, Brooke MacDonald, Summer Mallette, Mykaela

McManus, Alyssa Montgomery, Hannah Pauzé, Shawna Steacy, Justin Toth, Kaelin Turner, Brianna Wilson, Paige Young, Lukas

AWARDS EARNED FOR OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC PROFICIENCY ELGIN LIONS CLUB AWARD is awarded to the female graduate who has achieved the highest overall average on her best ten senior division credits at the university level. Presenter: Hank Buethe

DELTA FAIR AWARD is presented to the female graduate who has achieved the highest average on her best twelve senior division credits at the college level. Presenter: Tricia Laming

RIDEAU ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is awarded to the male graduate who has achieved the highest overall average on his best ten senior division credits at the university level. Presenter: Chris Sleeth

WESTPORT LIONS CLUB AWARD is presented to the male graduate who has achieved the highest overall average on his best twelve senior division credits at the college level. Presenter: David Blair

GOVERNOR GENERAL’S AWARD is presented on behalf of the Governor General of Canada. The medal is awarded to the Ontario Scholar who achieves the highest academic average on all Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses which directly results in the obtaining of a secondary school diploma. Presenter: Brent Brown

LEADERSHIP AWARDS RON DOBSON & MARK TIMPANY LEADERSHIP AWARD is awarded to students who exemplify compassion and respect for all students, staff and their communities. Presenter: Ron Dobson

HONOURABLE JOHN R. MATHESON LEADERSHIP AWARD is awarded to the male graduate who has shown the most leadership throughout his years at Rideau. Presenter: Chris Sleeth

RIDEAU LADY LION AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP is presented to the female graduate who has shown the most leadership throughout her years at Rideau. Presenter: Wendy McCourt

STUDENTS’ COUNCIL RECOGNITION AWARDS are awarded to the two students who have made exemplary contributions to the activities of the current Students’ Council. Presenters: Christy McCreary, Lisa Rice

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AWARD is presented on behalf of Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor. The award recognizes exemplary community contribution or outstanding achievement through volunteer activity. Presenter: Steve Clark

ONTARIO PRINCIPALS’ COUNCIL AWARD is awarded to a graduating student who has displayed exemplary leadership qualities in a variety of school activities, contributed positively to school life and maintained an honours standing. Presenter: Sharon Halladay

PRINCIPAL’S TROPHY is presented to the student who qualifies for three senior letters during his/her years at Rideau. The award recognizes outstanding academic achievement and outstanding involvement in extracurricular athletics and activities in school. Presenter: Sharon Halladay

CLOSING REMARKS Brent Brown You are invited to a reception in the cafeteria following the ceremony.

CERTIFICATES OF MERIT The following graduates will receive Certificates of Merit for academic achievement:

THE ARTS ADA4M – Daniel Best AVI4M – Daniel Best & Brittney Miller

CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION COOP – Tristen Hatcher GPP3O – Paige Wilson

ENGLISH ENG4C – Brianna Turner ENG4U – Paige Wilson OLC4O – Jordan Kirkham

FRENCH FEF4UF – Kara Blair

CANADIAN & SOCIAL STUDIES CLU3M – Robyn Gray IDC4U – Evan Walter

MATHEMATICS MAP4C – Joshua Dennie MBF3C – Cole Lisqum MDM4U – Hannah Montgomery MEL4E – Richard Smith MHF4U – Kara Blair & Lukas Young

PHYSICAL EDUCATION PAF3O – Daniel Best PAF4O – Mykaela Mallette PPL4O – Brooke Wing

SCIENCE SBI4U – Kara Blair, Robyn Gray, Luke Young SCH4C – Taylor Halladay SCH4U – Kara Blair SPH4U – Kara Blair

TECHNICAL STUDIES TCJ4E – Dalton Strickland TGJ4M – Daniel Best TTJ4C – Jordan Kirkham TWJ4E – Dalton Strickland

OMEGA AWARD awarded to students who have earned double point value—over 1800 points for Athletics. Kara Blair

Mykaela Mallette

AWARDS OF MERIT are awarded to students who have earned two senior letters. Robyn Gray Mykaela Mallette

Lucas Young Justin Steacy

SENIOR ACADEMIC LETTERS are awarded to students who have received eleven of fourteen senior credits with a mark of 80% or above. Daniel Best Kara Blair Taylor Bresee Robyn Canning Robyn Gray Mykaela Mallette Alyssa McManus Brittney Miller

Hannah Montgomery Rebecca Rothwell Dalton Strickland Kaelin Toth Paige Wilson Lukas Young Justin Steacy

SENIOR ACTIVITY LETTERS are awarded to students who have earned 600 activity points. Kara Blair Taylor Bresee Lucas Young

Kieran Bracken Taylor Halladay

SENIOR ATHLETIC LETTERS are awarded to students who have earned 900 athletic points. Kara Blair Taylor Bresee Jesse Burns Kendra Burns Reid Caron Joshua Colford Robyn Gray

Mykaela Mallette Ethan Seed Braden Truelove Taylor Halladay Scott Roantree Justin Steacy

The History of the Rideau Crest Our crest has two colours, green and gold, which identify Rideau District High School. In the top section of the crest, there is a curtain, which represents the meaning of the French word “Rideau”, the name of our school district. The Latin word for curtain is “Aulaeum”, which was the name chosen for the yearbook.

The four emblazed stars symbolize each of the original four schools which make up the district: Elgin, Lyndhurst, Seeley’s Bay and Westport. At the top left, a lamp signifies learning and on the right, the wreath of laurel can be found, which is a time-honoured symbol of achievement. During early Olympic games in Greece, men participated in many forms of competition including arts and sports, not to win awards of money, but to win honour and glory for their country. The only material award for their great accomplishments was the laurel wreath. A lion, which represents kingly virtues, strength of body, greatness, character, generosity and courage, can be found in the lower section of the crest. The base scroll contains the Latin words, “V incit Omnia V eritas” which in English mean “Truth Conquers All” or more literally, “ Truth Prevails”.

The Rideau Crest was designed in 1961 by Isabel McLeod, wife of the first Principal of Rideau, J. Colin McLeod.

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES OF 2016

FACULTY (2015-2016) Sharon Halladay, Principal Brent Brown, Vice-Principal Blair, Kelly Burns, Jeff Carlson, Tamara Carty, Jeremy Cole, Melissa Day, Katharine Decou, Norm Firlotte, Dave Fournier, Andrea Hartley, Chris

Horne, Greg Horne, Jennifer Lloyd, Grace McCourt, Wendy McCreary, Christy Nantel, Kathryn Rice, Lisa Schachow, Leanne Sleeth, Chris Swann, Richard

CAFETERIA

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS

Curtis, Debbie Hyland, Rose (Manager)

Clair, Shannon Crowe, Shelly Hutchison, Susan Lake, Freida Morris, William Sharpe, Tammy

STUDENT SUPPORT PARTNER Buder, Lisa O’Brien, Michael

FINANCIAL ASSISTANT

CUSTODIAL STAFF

Kuzych, Maria

Kenney, Gary (Head Custodian) Day, Fred Klein-Gunnewiek, Marianne

LEARNING COMMONS INFORMATIONIST Whittaker, Sharon

OFFICE STAFF Gordon, Debbie (Administrator) Kenney, Marianne Miller, Marcia

THE UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES Armer, Jeremy Carkner, Caroll Cram, Donald Garrow, Peter MacPherson, Wendy MacPherson, William

McAllister, John McDonald, David McMillan, Jeff Richards, Susan Swan, Lisa

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Stephen Sliwa

SUPERINTENDENT Susan Edwards

RIDEAU DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ COUNCIL MEMBERS 2015-2016 Blair, Kara Bresee, Taylor Bronsema, Shailyn French, Claire McCullough, Julia Montgomery, Hannah Thornycroft, Tessa Walter, Evan Watson, Bridgette Young, Luke

2016-2017 Banks, Hailee Bracken, Liam Bronsema, Shailyn Carlson, Evan Chapman, Logan French, Claire Ferguson, Sarah Hunt, Adam