Last week, Upper Grand District School Board students from John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute and Norwell District Secondary School headed to Gravenhurst, Ontario, for the NTS Regional Festival.
On April 15, 2026, students from John F. Ross CVI presented their production, Here’s What You Missed. On April 16, Norwell DSS presented their production, darklight.
On Saturday, April 18, students and staff learned the results from the competition.
The cast of Here’s What you Missed, was awarded an Award of Excellence for Directing (Directors Grace M., and Quincy K.). The cast was also awarded the Autumn Smith Adjudicator’s Award for the Collective Creative Ensemble.
John F. Ross CVI was also one of two schools to be awarded Outstanding Production.
At Norwell DSS student Blair C., was awarded the Award of Excellence for Sound Design. Additionally, darklight was awarded an Award of Merit for the Anxiety Ensemble and the Depression Ensemble.
According to Norwell DSS teacher Dillon Bernier, "I could not be more proud of my students for this incredible accomplishment. Coming from a northern school where opportunities in the Arts can sometimes feel limited; their dedication, creativity, and resilience have truly set them apart. This is only our second year attending the NTS festival, and our first time making it to Regionals, and to see them achieve at this level speaks volumes about their talent and commitment. These students have poured their hearts into this production, and they absolutely deserve the highest recognition possible."
As a result of these awards, the John F. Ross CVI cast of Here’s What you Missed will be heading to the Provincial competition of NTS DramaFest in Toronto, Ontario, at the end of May, where they will participate in four days of workshops, performances, and celebrations.
According to John F. Ross CVI teachers Meaghan Lugsdin and Jennifer Hutchinson, we “could not be prouder of this group of students.”
Congratulations to all UGDSB students and staff involved in the regional competition and to John F. Ross CVI who will be heading to the Provincial competition.
