'Deeply moved': Record number of local Indigenous Grade 8 grads earn prestigious award

Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) and Neech-ke-Wehn Homes are celebrating Algoma’s Grade 8 graduates with the Carolyn Harrington Award, which acknowledges the excellence of Indigenous students who are graduating elementary school and beginning their journey to high school.

This year, a record 38 students were nominated.

This award began in the 1980s when the late Carolyn Harrington was a community worker at the Sault Ste. Marie Indigenous Friendship Centre. She was one of the founders of Neech-ke-Wehn Homes and served as its president. The award was previously named the Neech-ke-Wehn Grade 8 Award, but in 2023 was named in honour of Harrington. 

“We are deeply moved by the record-breaking 38 nominations for the Carolyn Harrington Award this year. Named in honour of our dear friend Carolyn, this award celebrates the excellence and improvement of Indigenous students in our community,” says Thömas Kakapshe, executive director of Neech-ke-Wehn and Shkabewis at OAHS. “Carolyn would be incredibly proud to see so many students recognized for their hard work and dedication. This tradition continues to inspire and support future generations.”

Nominated by school faculty members, awards of Best Student and Most Improved Student were gifted with a $100 bursary. The Best Student title was given to a graduate who received high marks and greatest all-around participation in school activities, and Most Improved Student to a graduate whose grades and activity participation improved the most.

AWARD WINNERS

Anna McCrea Public School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Carter Boissoneau-Syrette – Most Improved Student

Ben R. McMullin Public School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Austin Abernot – Most Improved Student

Central Algoma Intermediate School (Desbarats)
Tyson Simon – Best Student
Kayden Lapish – Most Improved Student

East View Public School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Brayden Pine – Best Student
Tyson Tangie – Most Improved Student

F.H. Clergue French Immersion Public School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Jaxon Belair – Best Student
Myka Eshkibok-Paquin – Most Improved Student

Grand View Public School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Avery Gauthier – Best Student
Alexa Mallette – Most Improved Student

Greenwood Public School (Sault Ste. Marie)
J.J. Swanson – Most Improved Student

H.M. Robbins Public School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Rayden Motari – Best Student
Ryder MacIntyre – Most Improved Student

Holy Cross Catholic School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Ella Barry – Most Improved Student

Holy Family Catholic School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Randy Lundrigan – Most Improved Student

Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School (Hornepayne)
Kenzie Moulton – Best Student

Mountain View Public School (Goulais River)
Avery Ogrins – Best Student
Jack Storms – Most Improved Student

Northern Heights Public School (Goulais River)
Tianna Couturier – Best Student
Keelin Richards – Most Improved Student

Pinewood Public School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Olivia Orozco – Best Student
Delina Saccarotti – Most Improved Student

Queen Elizabeth Public School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Noah Burch – Best Student
Joey Jancke – Most Improved Student

River View Public School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Ariona Aelick – Most Improved Student

St. Basil Catholic Elementary School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Kienen Robertson – Best Student
Aurora Nolan Russell – Best Student
Ella Malinowski – Best Student
Malakai Cripps – Most Improved Student
Dason Chapais – Most Improved Student
Gavin Boyer – Most Improved Student

St. Paul Catholic Elementary School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Journey Tegosh – Best Student
Mariah Fraser – Most Improved Student

Superior Heights Intermediate School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Dexter Thiffault-Lewis – Best Student
Everett Vresk – Most Improved Student

Tarentorus Public School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Ethan Paquin – Most Improved Student

White Pines Intermediate School (Sault Ste. Marie)
Tessa Vanderheyden – Best Student
Ceana Churchill – Most Improved Student