Photos: St. Peter's and Holy Cross Secondary School Unite For Terry Fox Rally Fundraiser For Cancer Research

Roughly over 1,800 students and faculty from St. Peter’s Secondary School (SPSS) and Holy Cross Secondary School (HCSS) came together to walk for the Terry Fox Rally to raise money for cancer research on Thursday morning.

Neave Alderson leads the charge for St. Peter's Secondary School in a joint effort with Holy Cross Secondary School for the Terry Fox Rally. All photos by David Tuan Bui

Both institutions walked in a circuit, starting from St. Peter’s on Medical Drive before convening at the school’s football field.

“To see the love and the effort here to support such a cause in Terry Fox, I know that cancer has affected each of our lives so to be here today and to have the energy, it's such a beautiful feeling,” said Natalie Bittner, HCSS principal.

HCSS aimed to raise $15,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. Their most significant fundraising method was selling dress-down tickets to allow students to dress casually rather than in their uniforms for a week. The school did face painting and nail decorations and sold Terry Fox apparel to help with the fundraiser.

SPSS had a more ambitious goal of $70,000. Students registered with the Terry Fox website to raise money independently. They also had dress-down days and ran community events to raise funds.

“Last year, we finished third overall in Canada for raising the most,” said Shannon Brady, SPSS principal. “Last year, we raised $60,000 so we’re bumping it up to $70,000 this year.”

All proceeds from the snack and concession stands —sold by both schools on-site — went towards the schools’s respective fundraiser totals.

The two schools also held their annual football game against each other, with both the junior and senior teams playing, following the walk in the afternoon. The game is known as the ‘Catholic Bowl’ or ‘Holy Bowl.’ since it is the city’s only two Catholic high schools. It started in 2003 when Holy Cross began its inaugural football program.

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Fleming Student Administrative Council Seeking Sponsors To Aid Student Food Insecurity

Fleming Student Administrative Council (SAC) is seeking sponsors for their monthly ‘Lunch Grab&Go’ initiative to help combat student food insecurity.

Photo courtesy of Fleming SAC.

The program provides free lunches for Fleming students especially to those who struggle to afford food daily according to a Fleming SAC representative.

“Times are tough right now and every little bit helps,” according to a Fleming SAC statement. “Help feed Fleming students so they can focus on school and no\tw where their next meal is going to come from.”

Sponsors will have their logo on display to SAC’s marketing to create brand awareness for the event in exchange for sponsorship.

Potential sponsors can e-mail info@flemincsac.ca for more information.

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Trent University Honours Faculty In First-Ever Celebration of Excellence in Humanities and Social Sciences Awards

Trent University hosted its first-ever Celebration of Excellence in Humanities and Social Sciences awards ceremony by bringing together department chairs and distinguished donors to celebrate exceptional faculty and students.  

Award winners from the inaugural Humanities and Social Sciences Award Ceremony gather together on the Symons Campus. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“The Humanities and Social Sciences are the heart of any university, leading the way in challenging the way we think, especially in challenging times, by inspiring students and alumni to think critically and creatively about how we can better understand and improve the world around us," said Dr. Mark Skinner, Trent dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. “This awards ceremony symbolizes not only a celebration of our students' remarkable achievements but also the enduring culture of academic excellence that thrives within Trent’s Humanities and Social Sciences departments. We are honoured to recognize the dedication of our students and to showcase the profound impact of our outstanding faculty.” 

A full list of the awards and recipients follows: 

• Alexander Nielsen (Lady Eaton College), Anthropology Faculty Prize — Awarded to a student with the highest overall standing in the introductory course in Anthropology from the previous year, provided they continue as an Anthropology or Archaeology major and earn the top mark in any of our first-year Anthropology courses. 

• Isla Gole ‘18 (Catharine Parr Traill College), Andrew Wernick Essay Prize — Awarded to a Cultural Studies major or joint-major for the best essay of a critical or theoretical nature related to the subject areas of the Cultural Studies program, submitted to a juried competition held by the department. 

• Samantha Paolucci, Department of English Literature Scholarship — Awarded annually to the highest achieving student entering the fourth quarter of the Honours program in English Literature. 

• Mady Rodrigues-Raby (Lady Eaton College), W.L. Morton Essay Prize in History — Named after the distinguished Canadian historian, an early member of the Trent History Department, and the first principal of Champlain College, this prize is awarded to the third-year student writing the best essay. 

• Sasha Jones ‘19 (Peter Gzowski College), Alan Wilson Prize — Named in honour of the founder of the Trent History Department and the Canadian Studies Program, this prize is awarded to the Honours student achieving the highest record in the fourth year. 

• Avery Shortland (Peter Gzowski College), International Development Studies (IDST) Fundraising Trust Award — Awarded annually to the student with the highest standing in the first year of IDST. 

• Lucas Skolseg (Champlain College), The Mary's Fund Scholarship — Awarded annually to an outstanding student entering the final year of the Honours program in Philosophy. Established in honour of Mary Margaret (Stewart) Beattie and Mary Marjorie (Murphy) Beattie. 

• Lindsey Russell ’19 (Champlain College), Outstanding Graduating Sociology Student Award — Awarded annually to a top graduating student at each campus. Sponsored by the Canadian Sociological Association.  

• Jack Carey (Peter Gzowski College), Carolyn Sarah Thomson Scholarship — Awarded annually in recognition of the Canadian Studies student with the highest average entering their second year at Trent. 

• Jasmine Boisvert ‘19 (Catharine Parr Traill College), Swiss Embassy Award/Prix de l'ambassade de Suisse au Canada — Awarded to the graduating student with the highest overall average in recognition of credits acquired in the study of the French language. 

• Alex Bruneau (Lady Eaton College), George S. Henry — Awarded annually to the student that achieves the highest combined grade average in the two introductory courses, POST 1011H and POST 1002H. 

• Carly Walker (Lady Eaton College), ROMA Humanities and Social Sciences Award — Established by the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), this award is granted annually to an exceptional student enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program in the Humanities and Social Sciences. 

• Sophie Medeiros (Lady Eaton College), ROMA Humanities and Social Sciences Award — Established by the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), this award is granted annually to an exceptional student enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program in the Humanities and Social Sciences. 

• Dean Howley ’06 (Peter Gzowski College), School of Business, Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence — Awarded to exceptional faculty member who has made a profound impact on student success through teaching and mentorship.  

• Dr. Antonio Cazorla-Sánchez, Trent History Department — Recognized for recent election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. 

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Fleming College Organizing Week-Long Events To Recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Fleming College has organized a week’s worth of events and activities to honour the day on their campuses beginning on Monday.

A children’s shoe collection will be on display at Sutherland, Frost and Haliburton Campuses from Monday through Friday, recognizing, remembering, and honouring Indigenous Children who were lost to Residential Schools.

Nish Tees, a local Indigenous business, will be selling orange shirts throughout the week at scheduled times. All proceeds will be donated to the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

A full schedule of events can be found below:

Sutherland Campus:
Orange shirts will be on sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Shirts are $20 each for students, $25 for the rest of the Fleming community.

Monday, Sept. 25:
Welcome and Drum Opening: Main Foyer, 10 – 11 a.m.
Orange Shirt Beading: Main Foyer, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 26:
Reading of “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt”: Main Foyer, 10 – 11 a.m.
Screening of “The Secret Path”: Whetung Theatre, B3 100, 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 27:
Orange Rock Painting: Steele Centre Patio, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 28:
Reading of “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt”: Main Foyer, 1 – 2 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29:
Rock Painting and Orange Shirt Beading: Main Foyer, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Frost Campus

Thursday, Sept. 28 and Friday, Sept. 29:
Reading of “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt”: ISS Lounge 180A, 12 – 12:30 p.m.
Orange Rock Painting: ISS Lounge 180A, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Haliburton Campus
Wednesday, Sept. 27:
Orange Shirt Sales and Orange Rock Painting: The Great Hall, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

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John Connolly Appointed to Serve In Trustee Role for City of Peterborough

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has selected John Connolly as a new trustee to fill a vacancy on the board.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

Connolly filled the vacancy following a special public Board meeting held on Tuesday at the Board office where six candidates were heard from.

Connolly holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Geography (Environmental Management and Urban Planning) from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and a Master’s Certificate in Public Sector Management from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (now Ontario Tech University).

He has served more than 16 years in senior management roles providing professional leadership and expertise in community building, housing, land use planning and economic development for all levels of government and the private sector. He has extensive leadership experience serving on executive boards in the Peterborough area including the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society, the Peterborough Utilities and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Connolly is currently Executive Director, Planning, Building and Economic Development for the Township of Cavan Monaghan. He and his wife have lived in the Peterborough area for more than 25 years and raised their family of three children, all of whom were educated in PVNC Catholic schools. 

“In all aspects of my life, I believe that I not only have an obligation but a personal responsibility to contribute to my community through public service. I have done this through my chosen career path as well as through my volunteerism and family commitments,” said Connolly. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in the role of trustee and help PVNC Catholic succeed in its mission to accompany students and to educate students in faith-filled, loving, safe, inclusive schools.”

The Board began advertising for interested trustee candidates in mid-July following the resignation of Peterborough trustee Mike Ayotte. 

“We heard presentations from six strong and passionate candidates and we were impressed by the quality of candidates who put their names forward to serve Catholic Education in this jurisdiction,” Kevin MacKenzie, board chairman said. “We are happy to welcome John and I know we will all benefit from his experience and passion for service at the Board table.”

Connolly begins his role effective immediately.

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Trent University Announces Decanal Awards For Teaching and Mentorship

Trent University has announced is recipients for its 2023 Decanal Awards for Teaching Excellence and Outstanding Graduate Mentorship to recognize its exceptional faculty members who have made a profound impact on student success in various academic fields on Monday.

The awards (now in its second year) honour Trent University faculty members, spanning the Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Education, Trent University Durham GTA, School of Nursing and the School of Graduate Studies. 

“Trent’s annual Decanal Awards celebrate excellence in teaching and graduate mentorship across the University,” said Dr. Kristy Buccieri, Trent Teaching and Learning acting associate dean. “This year’s recipients have been nominated by students, for the passion, innovation, and dedication they bring to their discipline,”

Recipients of the 2022-2023 Decanal Awards:

Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in Education: Dr. Kelly Young, School of Education 

Professor Young is recognized for her consistent development of highly effective teaching strategies and her demonstration of exemplary pedagogical skills. Nominators cited her transformative teaching style, characterized by its supportive and uplifting nature, which fosters exploration and active learning within the classroom. 

Trent Durham GTA Award for Teaching Excellence: Dr. Brenda Smith-Chant, Psychology  

Professor Smith-Chant is celebrated for her ability to offer positive and constructive feedback, her innovative approach to creating learning materials, and her aptitude for elevating student participation and engagement. 

Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in Nursing: Kinza Malik, Trent/Fleming School of Nursing (TFSON) 

Instructor Malik is renowned for her thorough assessments, adept use of concept maps, and an overarching pedagogical approach that not only inspires but also greatly facilitates student learning. She excels in devising innovative and imaginative approaches to course design, particularly in the realm of instruction and assessments. 

Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in the Humanities and Social Sciences: Dean Howley, Trent School of Business 

Professor Howley is recognized for his commitment to nurturing student learning, his enthusiasm for teaching, and his remarkable capacity to captivate and motivate students, inspiring them to establish meaningful connections between course content and real-world scenarios. Through the inclusion of pragmatic and engaging assignments, Prof. Howley empowers students to embark on journeys of self-discovery as aspiring entrepreneurs and prospective business proprietors. 

Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in the Sciences: Dr. Wesley Burr, Mathematics 

Nominations for Professor Burr spoke to how he makes himself available to students and supports their academic growth. Prof. Burr’s innovative teaching methods and supportive pedagogical approach, alongside his mastery-based learning and availability to students, ensure that all students putting in the work to succeed can understand course concepts and do well. 

School of Graduate Studies Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentorship for New Mentors: Dr. Kateryna Keefer, Psychology 

Graduate students highlighted Professor Keefer’s dedication to sharing her passion for supporting student learning, nurturing critical thinking, and guiding students to become proficient scholars. The nominations also celebrated her generous commitment of time and expertise as a mentor, along with her encouragement for students to further explore and enhance their own abilities. She is recognized as a supervisor who seamlessly integrates theory and practical application. 

School of Graduate Studies Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentorship for Senior Mentors: Dr. David M. K. Sheinin, History 

Professor Sheinin is acknowledged for his distinctive mentorship style, characterized by genuine support for students, enabling them to develop self-assurance in their abilities and pursue academic endeavours both within and outside of Trent University. He is widely regarded as an outstanding mentor who inspires self-discovery and self-confidence, empowering those he mentors to embark on their professional journeys with newfound independence. 

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'Fleming Phoenix' Unveiled As New Mascot For Fleming College

During a celebration at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus, the Fleming Phoenix was unveiled ‘Fleming Phoenix’ as the new athletics brand and mascot.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The mascot represents the best of the Fleming College community as a mythical creature embodying the concepts of transformation and rebirth according to a press release.

Fleming continues to explain that it embodies Fleming students’ rise to new levels of success each day; Obstacles are an opportunity to transform into the best version of themselves. It is a symbol to Fleming’s dedication to continuous improvement according to the college.

The Phoenix replaces the now-retired Fleming Knight that served the school for over 50 years.

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Fleming College Launching New Hairstyling Program For January

Students can get into the beauty industry through Fleming College as they are launching a new Hairstyling Program this January, announced on Monday afternoon.

The program was designed by Peterborough’s Harmony Hair Salon owner Chris Asta. This new program will teach hairstyling theory and extensive hands-on training according to a press release.

The program is offered in a compressed format of three semesters with a wide variety of courses. Students can learn all aspects of the hairstyling business from hair care basics to running a salon. They will also learn hair-cutting, styling and colouring techniques for everyone. Retail and business side of the hair care industry are also taught in the program.

By the end of the program, students will have developed a full portfolio of their work to complement their resumes according to Fleming. A hair fashion show takes place at the end of the third semester.

Applicants can visit online for more information on how to enroll.

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Trent University Honours Past Graduates With Alumni Awards

Trent University has distributed its 2023/24 Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA) awards to outstanding alumni to acknowledge the impact alumni make in their community, professions or with the University.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

 “Congratulations to all of the award winners who chose to study at Trent University because of their desire to create momentous change in the world and have gone on to lead that change in their professional careers and community with vision, commitment, and creativity,” said Sherry Booth, associate vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement. “The work they do is important, and we are honoured to recognize their remarkable achievements.”  

A full list of 2023/24 winners is as follows: 

Distinguished Alumni Award 

Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet ’74 (Catharine Parr Traill College), former MP for Hochelga in Montreal who served as NDP whip and housing critic; Dr. Keith Stewart ’86 (Peter Robinson College), senior energy strategist for Greenpeace Canada; and Dr. Gesa Weyhenmeyer ’90 (Peter Robinson College), professor at Uppsala University in Sweden, are recipients of 2023/24 Distinguished Alumni Award. This is the TUAA’s top award that recognizes demonstrated leadership, community involvement and notoriety in their sectors of work.  

Spirit of Trent Award 

Henry GB Clarke '70 (Catharine Parr Traill College), a former City of Peterborough councillor and deputy mayor who supported hundreds of residents experiencing homelessness; and Alice Olsen Williams '69 (Otonabee College), a renowned Indigenous artist-activist who has supported many Indigenous causes are co-recipients of the Spirit of Trent Award, recognizing their commitment to making a difference in the world by demonstrating values and lessons learned at Trent. 

Young Leader Award 

The Young Leader Award, recognizing young alumni who have shown outstanding leadership throughout their first 10 years of alumni status, has been awarded to Jacob Dockstator ’10 (Peter Gzowski College), who has boldly, creatively, and collaboratively promoted economic development for Indigenous communities across northern Ontario. 

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Four Exemplary Student-Athletes Receive $2,000 Bursary From Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame

Four student-athletes were recipients of the annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Bursary Award at a presentation ceremony at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Wednesday night.

(Left to right) Pat Bronson, PDSHoF chair; Delaney Hancock, 18; Parker Miller, 18; Alexis Thompson Jenkins, 18; Erik Unger, 17 and Linda de Jeu, PDSHoF Second Vice Chair. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Delaney Hancock, Parker Miller, Alexis Thompson Jenkins and Erik Unger were all high-school student recipients that took home $2,000 apiece from the bursary.

It has been given annually to four recipients since 1996 (with 2020 having six). This year’s winners will have their headshots commemorated in the Hall of Fame and will have their names etched into the history of the awards’ beneficiaries.

Delaney Hancock, 18. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Hancock, 18, is an honours student and a graduate of St. Peter Secondary School. She is attending St. Thomas University in Fredericton, N.B. in the fall for their Bachelor of Arts Program.

She plays sports such as field hockey, soccer, badminton, ice hockey and track and field for the St. Peter’s Saints. Hancock was also a member of the varsity running club, winning several MVP awards.

Hancock is active in the sports world not just as an athlete. She is an official for minor soccer, a hockey timekeeper, a lacrosse timekeeper and a fitness leader for the Ice Kats training camp. In high school, she was a LINK leader and a peer tutor in a special needs physical-education class and a member of the Athletics council.

She has played hockey for the PGHA Ice Kats, coccer with the Oshawa Kicks, Ice Hockey for the Central York Panthers U18 AA team and has been a member of the Kawartha Lakes Lightning running Club. 

Outside of sports, Hancock volunteered for Kawartha Food Share as a food sorter, was an instructor at Girls with Game Basketball camp, a Peterborough City soccer camp instructor, baked for Humane Society Fundraiser on National Cupcake Day and helped at the Saints Classic Tournament.

Parker Miller, 18. Photo by David Tuan bui.

Miller is an honours student and a graduate of Adam Scott Collegiate. In the fall, he plans to attend McMaster University in Hamilton to study business. 

During high school, the 18-year-old played volleyball, basketball, soccer and ultimate frisbee. He served as captain of the soccer and basketball teams. In ultimate, he was awarded the gold medal game MVP honours during back-to-back OFSAA championships in the past two seasons. Miller also was the 2023 Nationals gold medal game MVP. 

He captained his school basketball team to an OFSAA Bronze medal earlier this year. His team also was awarded the OFSAA Sportsmanship Award.

In the community, he has played basketball with the Time 2 Hoop program as captain. Miller also played rugby in the Pagans program and ultimate. 

His leadership skills continued by coaching basketball and soccer at local summer camps, coaching and organizing a grade six youth basketball house-league team, officiating basketball, scoring and timing at basketball games, tournaments and camps. He helped with training sessions for Peterborough youth basketball and Time 2 Hoop program. Miller was a camp counsellor at the Raiders summer basketball camp and a Level 1 CISA ski instructor.

Alexis ‘Lexi’ Thompson Jenkins, 18. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Jenkins is an honours student and graduate of the Crestwood Edge program at Crestwood Secondary School. In the fall, she will be attending the University of Oregon on a lacrosse scholarship while studying human physiology.

At Crestwood, she participated on the basketball, volleyball, wrestling, lacrosse, Nordic Ski and rugby teams. Individually, she did track and field and cross country. She was a captain of her teams in lacrosse, basketball and rugby. She earned numerous Kawartha and COSSA individual championships as well as being named MVP in basketball and wrestling.  

At the year-end athletic banquets, Jenkins was awarded the Larry Pearson Award, the Sportsmanship Award and the Dysart Award three years in a row. To cap off her Crestwood athletic tenure, she was named ‘Student of the Year’ which recognizes leadership, character and athletics. 

The 18-year-old was a member of the Kawartha Lacrosse Club, was on Team Ontario’s box lacrosse team, Peterborough Power basketball player, a Kawartha Nordic Ski Club member and part of the Peterborough Legion Pacer track and field club.

A leader both on and off the field, Jenkins displayed leadership skills by coaching and officiating rugby for elementary school athletes, volunteering at the Pagans Minis program, coaching house league lacrosse and officiating youth soccer.

She volunteered at Kawartha Food Share program as a porch pirate, Champlain animal hospital and was an ‘amigos’ for Crestwood’s lunchtime support program for the LLS students.

Erik Unger, 17. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Unger also was an honours student and graduate of Adam Scott. He is headed south this fall to attend the University of Massachusetts – Amherst to study mechanical engineering and compete on the track and cross-country teams.

In addition to those sports, the 17-year-old also is into Nordic skiing. Known for his performance at high-level events, Unger has won almost every Kawartha, COSSA and OFSAA event he has competed in. He has 4 gold medals, 2 silver medals and a fourth-place finish in his OFSAA career.

He is a Paul Burke Honour Athlete, earned his senior and junior athletic letters and numerous MVP awards in all three sports. 

Unger has four All Ontario Awards from Athletics Ontario and was named one of the top 10 athletes in the city by the Peterborough Examiner last year. He also was a 2022 Running Lane USA All-American Selection and he has received the Member of Parliament Award after his U18 National Cross Country Championship win in 2022.

Unger has raced and skied on every competitive level, including internationally with several championships.

He has volunteered with Skate Canada as a youth instructor, with Peterborough recreational power skating, cross country and a relay for life participant. 

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