{"id":84598,"date":"2026-07-11T08:57:51","date_gmt":"2026-07-11T12:57:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/?p=84598"},"modified":"2026-07-11T08:57:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T12:57:51","slug":"celebrating-a-new-record-number-of-indigenous-grade-8-grads-with-carolyn-harrington-award","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/11\/celebrating-a-new-record-number-of-indigenous-grade-8-grads-with-carolyn-harrington-award\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating a New Record Number of Indigenous Grade 8 Grads with Carolyn Harrington Award"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"moz-text-html\" lang=\"x-western\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-11-at-08.48.57.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-84599 \" src=\"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-11-at-08.48.57-407x600.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-11-at-08.48.57-407x600.png 407w, https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-11-at-08.48.57-204x300.png 204w, https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-11-at-08.48.57.png 456w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>With summer just beginning and school ending, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) is happy to celebrate Algoma\u2019s Grade 8 graduates\u00a0with the\u00a0\u201cCarolyn Harrington Award,\u201d\u00a0which\u00a0acknowledges\u00a0the excellence of Indigenous students who are beginning their journey to high school.\u00a0This year, we received 39\u00a0nominations from 20 schools across the Algoma region.<\/p>\n<p>Nominated by school faculty members, the awards\u00a0of\u00a0\u2018Best Student\u2019 and \u2018Most Improved Student\u2019\u00a0were\u00a0awarded with a monetary bursary.\u00a0The\u00a0\u2018Best Student\u2019 title was given to a graduate who received high marks and the greatest\u00a0all-around participation in school activities, and \u201cMost Improved Student\u201d to a graduate\u00a0whose\u00a0grades\u00a0and\u00a0activity participation improved the most\u00a0throughout the year.<\/p>\n<p>Named in honour of the late Carolyn Harrington, this award was founded by a woman whose leadership, compassion, and commitment to her community continue to inspire others. As a founder and first President of Neech-ke-Wehn Homes, Carolyn dedicated her life to creating opportunities and strengthening Indigenous communities. By receiving this award, each student becomes part of a tradition that has recognized the achievements and potential of Indigenous students for more than four decades.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are deeply moved by\u00a0another year of\u00a0record-breaking nominations, with 39\u00a0students\u00a0receiving\u00a0the Carolyn Harrington Award this year,\u201d says Justin Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of OAHS. \u201cThis award not only celebrates the excellence, but also demonstrates the resilience\u00a0of Indigenous students in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur dear friend Carolyn today would be beaming with pride to see these students celebrated\u2014not just for their achievements today, but for the strength, hope, and leadership they carry into the future,\u201d says Th\u00f6mas Kakapshe,\u00a0former\u00a0Executive Director of\u00a0Neech-ke-Wehn and\u00a0Shkabewis\u00a0at OAHS.\u00a0\u201cShe believed deeply in the power of Indigenous youth to shape communities and inspire meaningful change through their life journey.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>OAHS would like to thank\u00a0all\u00a0the schools that nominated students with such glowing and\u00a0heartfelt nominations, illustrating the incredible work Indigenous youth are accomplishing across the Algoma region.<\/p>\n<p>Congratulations go out to the following Algoma students\u00a0for\u00a0receiving this award:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Wawa:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">St. Augustine French Immersion<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Jocelyn Jordan-Bjornaa \u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Payton Pelletier \u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Sir James Dunn Public School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Bryson Sims \u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Goulais River:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Mountain View Public School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Mackinlee La Crosse\u00a0\u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Tanner Cinq Mars\u00a0\u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Espanola<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><u>Sacred Heart Catholic School<\/u><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Blake Rothwell &amp; Jackson Lalonde \u2013 Best Students<\/li>\n<li>Anna-Lea Piche &amp; Hayden Stewart \u2013 Most Improved Students<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Sault Ste. Marie:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"moz-text-html\" lang=\"x-western\">\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Anna McCrea Public School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Lyra Gaudrault\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Best\u00a0Student<\/li>\n<li>Addison Miskiw \u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">F.H. Clergue French Immersion Public School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Revan Evans-Sales\u00a0\u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Grand View Public School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Khloe Morgan \u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Lexi Graveline\u00a0\u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Grace Morrow \u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Nova Sewell-Hourtovenko\u00a0\u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Holy Family Catholic School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ryder Petingalo \u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Juan Landriault\u00a0\u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Korah Intermediate School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Dewey Hazzard\u00a0\u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Rikki Harper\u00a0\u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Northern Heights Public School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Sophia Wasyliniuk\u00a0\u2013 Best Student\u00a0&amp; Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Elementary School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Grayson Beauchamp\u00a0\u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Nina Flamand\u00a0\u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Pinewood Public School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Paige Seabrook\u00a0\u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Brianna Tegosh \u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Queen Elizabeth Public School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Elaina Rowlinson\u00a0\u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Leland Powley\u00a0\u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">River View Public School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Saleea Chester \u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Tristan Desjardins\u00a0\u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">St. Basil Catholic Elementary School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Jayden Migwans\u00a0\u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Phoenix Belleau-Pine\u00a0\u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">St. Paul Catholic Elementary School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Mya Sewell\u00a0\u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Deston Agawa\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Most Improved\u00a0Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Superior Heights Intermediate School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Callie Binda \u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Sophia Daynes \u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Tarentorus Public School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Genna Barbeau\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Best\u00a0Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">White Pines Intermediate School<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Neila Souliere \u2013 Best Student<\/li>\n<li>Daanis Belleau\u00a0\u2013 Most Improved Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Congratulations to all the Grade 8 graduates, and we wish them the best of luck as they enter secondary school this fall!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>Founded in 1994, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services provides safe and affordable housing to urban and rural First Nation, Inuit, and M\u00e9tis people in Ontario. Our vision is to lead the design, development, and delivery of a sustainable and culture-based continuum of housing. We are governed by representatives from three Indigenous organizations in Ontario \u2013 the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, Ontario Native Women\u2019s Association, and the M\u00e9tis Nation of Ontario. Learn more at ontarioaboriginalhousing.ca.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com\/wf\/open?upn=u001.wS4B3CFtUpGhUg4VvafO3Tzt7zlDVQAvRv6PZjdFMNkAJIRS0UwQHX2YldxWbL5tymROcqXuX16J8laSaiLGLPhWrAGhp5idVYKKRXagCA-2FXtowUvfTGGK7KjZLdAm-2FTo-2BbKP5oKso4kVpPcVBNIdZl-2Fs1-2F8ndhpDps2n-2F60HiAl8-2FGj-2Bp5pvgbRcvsfJZIGJsFsbms-2BGv1IeGaETx0in7kBV0PU3MDp7yMpWzfBvolST900TtHdodov8UxBnEffbG4gNozp0J6FoY-2BKbwVC9Cyrn4UfHORP2sxRJgly7gQ1LamiLkxiSX15VQDBBnyrrsLMJ3VUT5qZuxdNXp9fbxL7b-2Bwkm-2BirHN0Fs0f-2BhFHQhMoi9VCVuei3uAX6R1XMOcOfEcflfXcKW107xuEo-2FQ-3D-3D\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" \/><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With summer just beginning and school ending, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) is happy to celebrate Algoma\u2019s Grade 8 graduates\u00a0with the\u00a0\u201cCarolyn Harrington Award,\u201d\u00a0which\u00a0acknowledges\u00a0the excellence of Indigenous students who are beginning their journey to high school.\u00a0This year, we received 39\u00a0nominations from 20 schools across the Algoma region. Nominated by school faculty members, the awards\u00a0of\u00a0\u2018Best Student\u2019 and &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-84598","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-education"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-07-18 10:48:16","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84598","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84598"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84598\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84600,"href":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84598\/revisions\/84600"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84598"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84598"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84598"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}