Commencement Award Descriptions & Criteria
Thank you to our community for acknowledging and supporting our Graduates with donations and awards! The following list are the awards, donors and the award synopsis.
THE TOWN OF ORANGEVILLE ARTS & CULTURE AWARD
Presented to a graduating student who has made a significant contribution to the community’s arts & culture sector during their secondary school education.
Donor: Town of Orangeville
HORTICULTURE SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP
This award will rotate between three area schools and is awarded to a resident of Dufferin County. Successful student must be enrolled in a Post Secondary Environmental program to include Horticulture and/or Agriculture. They will have some life experience with horticulture and/or agriculture. The recipient of the award will make an oral presentation to the Orangeville & District Horticulture Society either in person or by video.
Donor: Orangeville and District Horticultural Society
“MONDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES”
Awarded to deserving students continuing their education in any film-related area, including media production.
Donor: Monday Night at the Movies
DUFFERIN MEDIA PRODUCTION AWARD
Awarded to a deserving student continuing in film, digital media or graphic design.
Donor: Dufferin Media
JOAN WAECHTER MUSIC AWARD
Awarded to a student who has been involved in numerous ensembles and has shown dedication, musical leadership,
creativity and a high level of proficiency on their instrument(s). This student is planning to continue music at the
post secondary level.
Donor: Joan Waechter
THE PETER MCMULLIN MEMORIAL AWARD
Awarded to a graduating student who has consistently taken senior music classes and/or is a dedicated member of an extracurricular ensemble.
Donor: Family & Friends of Peter McMullin
TERI MCDONALD MEMORIAL AWARD
Presented to a deserving student with aspirations of entering a post-secondary program in Fine Arts.
Donor: Family & Friends of Teri McDonald
KEMI PALMER AWARD
In honour of her children Mishka & Hollie Palmer
Awarded to a deserving student continuing their studies at the university level. Award winner will have an opportunity to apply for up to 4 additional years of funding.
Donor: Kemi Palmer, Barrister & Solicitor
CELEBRATE YOUR AWESOME AWARD
Awarded to an awesome member of the ODSS community.
JAMES B. DODS MEMORIAL BUSINESS AWARD
Presented to the top student who has enrolled in business at a university or college.
Donor: Orangeville Rotary Club
ZEHRS BUSINESS AWARD
Presented to a top student who has completed at least two senior business/computer courses and who has demonstrated great enthusiasm and skill with a focus on business.
Donor: Zehrs, Orangeville
ROYAL LEPAGE RCR REALTY GEOGRAPHY AWARD
Presented to a top graduating student who has completed at least two senior geography courses and who displayed a high degree of dedication, participation and enthusiasm.
Donor: Royal Lepage Realty
LORD DUFFERIN CHAPTER OF IODE HISTORY AWARD
Awarded to the student who has demonstrated a positive attitude and aptitude towards history.
Donor: Lord Dufferin Chapter of IODE
LORD DUFFERIN CHAPTER OF IODE ENGLISH AWARD
Awarded to a deserving student with high academic standing.
Donor: Lord Dufferin Chapter of IODE
VERD YATES HISTORY PRIZE
Awarded to a student who has demonstrated a strong interest and put forth an exceptional effort in history.
Donor: Mike Parke
BORIS T. PARKINSON AWARD
Presented to a graduating student proceeding in studies with a focus on criminology/law.
Donor: Orangeville Rotary Club
THE WRITER’S CRAFT AWARD
In recognition of a student’s creative growth, excellence in writing, professionalism and willingness to work with others.
Donor: Booklore—Nancy Frater
CANADIAN FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN
LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD
Awarded to an outstanding female graduate in Language Arts proceeding to post secondary education.
Donor: Canadian Federation of University Women
THE ANDREW CARTWRIGHT MEMORIAL AWARD
Awarded to the student who has shown a high degree of proficiency in all aspects of English with a strong emphasis on creative writing.
BILL PHILLIPS MEMORIAL AWARD
Presented to a student who has persevered in academic studies and who has made a significant contribution outside the classroom environment.
GILLIAN SHUTE BARRISTER & SOLICITOR MEMORIAL LAW PRIZE
Awarded to a graduate in Dufferin County who attains the highest mark in a law course for the current year.
Donor: Dufferin County Law Association
OYAP STUDENT RECOGNITION AWARD
Awarded to a student who has excelled at their co-operative education placement and is pursuing a career in the Skilled Trades. This student has demonstrated a positive attitude and work ethic and has shown a serious commitment to their apprenticeship goal.
DECLAN CRANLEY MEMORIAL AWARD
Awarded to a student who has demonstrated perseverance, resiliency and a positive attitude who is pursuing post-secondary studies in history or political science.
Donor: Buffy Duke
WIGHTMAN FAMILY BURSARY
Awarded to a student pursuing a post-secondary education in the field of information/communications technology, engineering technology, telecommunications, environmental studies, sustainability or related field. This student demonstrates social and community involvement, volunteerism, is community-minded, exemplary, strong leader with their peer group and environmentally conscious with a focus on sustainability.
Donor: Wightman Telecom
BARBARA ROLIFF MEMORIAL AWARD
Awarded to the student who is committed to the practice of wellness; the health of the environment and the wellbeing of themselves and others through acts of compassion and empathy.
DR. C.I. SCOTT MEMORIAL PRIZE
Awarded to the student who serves as a role model to the graduating class. They are an ally and use their voice to work toward true equality and inclusivity in the school.
R.B. LACKEY MEMORIAL AWARD
Presented to two students who have performed outstanding public service in the Town of Orangeville.
Donor: Town of Orangeville
CANADIAN FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN AWARD
Presented to the overall outstanding female graduate proceeding to post secondary education.
Donor: Canadian Federation of University Women
OPTIMIST CLUB AWARD
Presented to a deserving student who exemplifies leadership and community involvement.
Donor: Optimist Club of Orangeville
THE AUSTIN PENDLEBURY MEMORIAL AWARD
Criteria being developed for this new award
Donor: Kristina McNabb
ROBBIE MCLENNAN DRAGONFLY AWARD
(In memory of Robbie McLennan)
Presented to a deserving, graduating student who is attending a post-secondary institution.
Donor: Kathy Bradley
OPSEU LOCAL #227 STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Presented to a deserving student who has demonstrated academic achievement and improvement in their willingness and skill in working with peers/others. This student will be enrolled in a post-secondary education institution.
Donor: OPSEU LOCAL #227
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Awarded to the student with an outstanding amount of volunteer hours.
Donor: Retired Teachers of Ontario, District #10
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO NATIONAL BOOK AWARD
Awarded to a student who demonstrates superior academic performance, original and creative thought, and exceptional achievement in a broad context. This student excels in academic pursuits, demonstrates enthusiasm for intellectual exploration and has a strong involvement in the lives of the schools and communities.
CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION FUTURE FUND SCHOLARSHIP
This award is in recognition of the student’s ability to overcome challenges while pursuing their educational goals.
Donor: Children’s Foundation of Guelph & Wellington
JT MACKENZIE MEMORIAL AWARD
Presented to a student with community spirit who made a personal contribution to the school and the community at large.
ORANGEVILLE CHALLENGERS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Presented to a deserving student who has made a substantial contribution to the community and who is continuing post-secondary studies.
ELIZABETH MCPHEDRAN SCHOLARSHIP
Awarded to a deserving graduate who will continue studies at the post-secondary level and demonstrated exemplary conduct within the school and the community.
THE JOHN HAMILTON SCHOLARSHIP
Presented to a deserving student who has demonstrated a positive attitude and consistent academic achievement throughout his/her high school career.
ONTARIO PRINCIPAL’S COUNCIL AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP
Awarded to a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and has demonstrated a balance between academics and contributions to school life.
THE PRINCIPAL’S AWARD IN HONOUR OF DARRYL KIRKLAND
Awarded to a graduate who is an outstanding leader, mentor and advocate for fellow students. This student embodies
Mr. Kirkland’s kind and caring spirit, demonstrates the qualities of a leader, and shows enthusiasm for O.D.S.S.
SCHULICH LEADER NOMINEE
Awarded to a student demonstrating excellence in the STEM fields; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
DOCUMENT IMAGING PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Presented to an independent thinker, who has entrepreneurial spirit and ambition combined with ethics, that sets examples to others.
Donor: Document Imaging
VERA ROGERS AWARD
Presented to a deserving student continuing his/her Education at Georgian College.
O.D.S.S. STUDENT SENATE SCHOLARSHIP
Awarded to a graduating student who has made a significant contribution to the organization of Student Senate activities over the course of his/her high school career.
THE GOVERNOR GENERAL’S ACADEMIC MEDAL
Awarded to the graduating student who obtained the highest aggregate average based on criteria established by the Chancellory of Honours, Government House.
MARTIN AGNEW AWARD
Awarded to a graduate proceeding to post secondary studies who has demonstrated a commitment to helping others, has enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity.
TRIUMPHANT SPIRIT STUDENT AWARD
Presented to a student committed to completing their post-secondary education who has shown perseverance while
making positive contributions to O.D.S.S. and/or the community.
Donor: Synergy Work Solutions
SUSANNA LANGMAN AWARD
Awarded to a top student who has shown outstanding leadership.
THE BRETT SNELL MEMORIAL AWARD
Awarded in honour of Brett Snell to graduating ODSS athletes for their contribution to school athletics. These students consistently
demonstrated leadership, a strong work ethic and team spirit.
Donor: The Snell Family
GRADE TWELVE COLLEGE MATHEMATICS AWARDS
To a top student in Grade 12 technical mathematics.
Donor: Bryan’s Fuel
DAVID MORAN MEMORIAL AWARD
For excellence in mathematics.
EUCLID MATH CONTEST
Our school’s champion and medal winner.
JACK DIBERARDINO AWARD
Awarded to a high achieving graduate who is pursuing science in their post secondary studies.
Donor: Orangeville Optometric Centre
THE MAURICE H. CLINE AWARD
To a top student entering a science program in university
Donor: Orangeville Rotary Club
MURRAY YOUNG NATURAL SCIENCE AWARD
To a student continuing his/her education in an area related to the practical use of our environment.
5TH AVENUE DENTAL AWARD
Awarded to a deserving student entering the medical service field.
Donor: Dr. Robert vanGalen
THE DOCTORS OF THE DUFFERIN COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY AWARD
Awarded to a graduating student continuing into post secondary education in a health related field.
Donors: Dr. Cino & Dr. Cormier
MIKE ROGERS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
To a graduating student continuing his/her education in science at Western University.
R.J. BURNSIDE & ASSOCIATES AWARD
To a deserving student continuing their post-secondary education in the engineering field at the college or university level.
Donor: R.J. Burnside & Associates
THE BRUCE MATHESON AWARD
To a top student entering an agricultural, forestry or environmental program at university or college.
Donor: Orangeville Rotary Club
SPECIALIST HIGH SKILLS MAJOR AWARD
To the top students in the Specialist High Skills Major Program.
THE WILLIAM PARKE AWARD
To an exceptional student who has shown great progress.
Donor: Mr. Mike Parke
JASON GOLDBERG MEMORIAL AWARD
To a student who has overcome challenges and persevered to graduation. As well, this student demonstrates a commitment
to continuing their chosen career through an apprenticeship or college program.
Donor: The Goldberg Family
ORANGEVILLE LIONS CLUB SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT BURSARY
Presented to a deserving student who has been successful at school.
Donor: Orangeville Lions Club
IAN MUNROE MEMORIAL AWARD
Awarded to a well rounded graduate who inspires others. This grad brings out the best in others and has a positive attitude
while striving to make things better.
Donor: R. DeBrouwer Mechanical
THE ADRIAN DEBROUWER MEMORIAL AWARD
To a graduating student with a good work ethic and attendance. One who tries hard, is self driven, motivated and a great problem
solver. This student takes a leadership role and continues to move forward in life and puts forth effort in the things they do.
Donor: R. DeBrouwer Mechanical
THE JONATHAN MACINTOSH MEMORIAL AWARD
To a student who is dedicated to technical studies and is committed to the field of their interest.
Donor: Orangeville Fire Department Volunteer Association
THE RALPH BUS MEMORIAL AWARD
Presented to a top student going on to a technician’s training course.
Donor: Technicor – John Voight
GEORGE DAVENPORT MEMORIAL AWARD
Awarded to a congenial and co-operative technical student who is attending post-secondary education.
Donor: Cecile Davenport
LAUER MACHINE & MANUFACTURING SCHOLARSHIP
To a student who excelled in the machine shop and plans to pursue a related career.
Donor: Aaron & Anne Pilatzke
RICK THURGOOD MEMORIAL AWARD
Awarded to a deserving graduating student who has excelled in technical studies.
DENNIS WEISHAR MEMORIAL AWARD
Presented in memory of former O.D.S.S. tech teacher, Dennis Weishar. Awarded to a hard working student who has a passion for machining in technological studies,
and who strives for personal best in their work.
Donor: AC Custom Reno
VALEDICTORIAN AWARD IN MEMORY OF KATHY HUNT
In memory of Kathy Hunt, a long-time ODSS employee. As chosen by his/her peers.
Donor: Gary & Mallory Hunt
SUSAN MILSON STUDENT SUCCESS MEMORIAL AWARD
Recipient will be attending college or entering the workforce. They embody the spirit of Susan Milson, in that he/she is kind, compassionate and dedicated to his/her schoolwork.