Hats off to PECI Class of 2025: ‘Make a difference every day’

The Class of 2025 was congratulated Thursday night with cheers, hoots, hollars, cowbells and an air horn celebrating achievements of 119 students at graduation ceremonies held in the Picton arena. Of those, 48 were named Ontario Scholars having earned a grade of 80 per cent or higher in six Grade 12 courses.

“Today is a day of celebration, reflection and anticipation,” said principal Kim Myderwyk. “There were long nights studying, early mornings, deadlines, disappointments and victories… Tonight marks more than just the end of your high school career. It’s a bridge from what happened to what will be.  You’re about to enter a world that is waiting for your voice, your ideas, and your impact. Don’t wait to be ready to make a difference. You have the ability to make a difference every day.”

She reminded the graduates that their ideas matter. Their kindness matters and their integrity matters.

“Today, as we celebrate your achievements and accomplishments, it’s also important to express our gratitude to those who are supporting you throughout your journey – families, teachers and friends who have been pillars of strength to you.

Those pillars applauded heartily as many students were honoured with their diplomas, certificates and awards.

Maggie Rice receives the Governor General’s Academic Medal from principal Kim Myderwyk.

Maggie Rice received the top honours as recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal for highest academic standing overall, in both grades 11 and 12.

She also received the Highline Produce Limited Award for having the highest average in six Grade 12 university entrance level courses, and the Thomas Kinney Memorial Scholarship for a graduate with high standing proceeding to an Ontario university.
Rice shared in the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Health Science Scholarship and in the Prince Edward Masonic Lodge No. 18 Award honouring students pursuing a career in the building trades, sciences or emergency services.
Rice also received the Hiles Carter Award for highest grade in biology and the Dr. Joan F. Bronskill Memorial Award, awarded to a female with the highest standing in Grade 12 biology course and is proceeding to studies in the life sciences field in the fall.

Evan Bowman receives the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award from principal Kim Myderwyk.

Evan Bowman received the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award for exemplary volunteer involvement within the community. Bowman was also the recipient of several awards including the Vernon McCaw Memorial Scholarship for a high-ranking graduate proceeding to an arts program; the Burns & Garrett Bursary for a graduate pursuing further education or a career in the performing arts; the McCabe Scholarship for having the highest average proceeding to the University of Toronto and the Drummond Bequest for a student attending Victoria College at U of T.
Bowman also received the PECI Data Management Achievement Award for excellence in the Grade 12 data management course.
He shared the Salt of the Earth Award for students who have undertaken major responsibilities in extracurricular activities and carried them out with exceptional devotion to duty and enterprise with four others.

Sophie Eskins receives a business award from Brent Timm.

Sophie Eskins was also named by the Students’ Council to be a recipient of the Salt of the Earth Award. She was also the recipient of the Virginia Cowan Memorial Bursary for a graduating female pursuing post-secondary education, who has participated widely in school life, sports and community; the Lesley Westervelt Memorial Bursary for a deserving female student pursuing a career in nursing or a related field, who has been actively involved in athletics and the Helen M. Hubbs M.A. Memorial Award for a deserving student proceeding to post-secondary studies.
Eskins also received the Mary Purkis Carter Award for having the highest mark in English and the Wilkinson and Company Award for excellence in business and accounting courses. In that vein, she also received the Jeff Goddard Memorial Award for International Business sponsored by Kingfisher Financial.

The Students’ Council Salt of the Earth Awards were presented to Declan Vincent, Kendra Swackhammer, Sophie Eskins, Rowan Colby and Evan Bowman – honouring students who have undertaken major responsibilities in extracurricular activities and carried them out with exceptional devotion to duty and enterprise.

Awards to Kendra Swackhammer were heralded by air horn – the first time with a shout of glee of announcing her as being the last of seven to graduate.

She shared the Salt of the Earth Award and also received a bilingual studies certificate for attaining seven credits in French. She shared the Rotary Club Volunteer Award for students who exemplify good citizenship and the Clare McFaul Memorial Award for community leadership and excellence in the PECI Entrepreneurship program. She received the Pretsell Davies Thompson Benton Law Award for the highest mark in Canadian and International Law and the Ira and Eleanor Sharpe Memorial Award for exemplary determination and perseverance proceeding to post secondary studies.

Will Theakston received the OSSTF Student Recognition Award for a graduating student who excels in citizenship, academics, and extra-curricular activities. He also received the Heidelberg Materials Ltd. Engineering Award for a graduate entering an engineering program.

Abby Stock received the Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Foundation Award for a deserving student and the Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Foundation – Maureen Finnegan Award for a graduating student who has made outstanding contributions to the community. Stock also received the Barbara Kennedy Kinette Memorial Bursary for a student pursuing nursing or midwifery.

The Stark Family Fund Awards for graduates active in both the school and community, were presented to Amy Iamundo, Bella Butler, Dustin Kutchaw, Reese Rowbotham and Ruby Warr-Hunter.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board Awards honoring students proceeding to post secondary education, were presented to  Madeline Calvert, Mila DeSousa, Cadel Evans, Anna Harris and Colin Bondy.

The Prince Edward Masonic Lodge No. 18 Award for graduates pursuing a career in building trades, sciences or emergency services, were presented to Maggie Rice, Courtney Cowan and Elizabeth Bailas.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Health Science Annual Scholarship, for graduates pursuing health sciences studies, were presented to Declan Vincent, Maggie Rice, Rowan Colby and Macey Campbell, .

Rowan Colby receives the Ontario Principals’ Council Award for Student Leadership from Principal Kim Myderwyk

This year’s valedictorian, Rowan Colby, received the Ontario Principals’ Council Award for Student Leadership. He also shared the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Health Science Annual

Scholarship for students proceeding to post-secondary studies in health sciences and the Ryan Hennessy County Scholarship, in memory, for deserving graduates showing honesty, determination and loyalty, who participated in school athletics, and demonstrated respect and kindness to staff. He was also a Salt of the Earth Award recipient.

Rowan Colby, valedictorian

Colby, in his address, spoke of being fortunate to have grown up in Prince Edward County.

“In a world that seems increasingly full of conflict and suffering, this wonderful location has helped mold us into what we are today as we stand here at the precipice of one of our most significant transitions in life. It is inevitable that we will look back at these good times and miss the second family that was ever so familiar. Today and forever, let us not be sad that this step is over. Rather, let us find joy that it happened.”

He spoke to the quote that “It takes a village to raise a child” noting “Our graduation today is the conclusion to the time, energy and good faith that our community has invested in our upbringing” and gave several examples including community of family, neighbours, and business people, who supported interests in sports, art, drama, music and education.

“In the days and years to come, carry the memory of our beautiful County and the selfless community that raised us. As you work towards your dreams – do so with discipline. As you move forward in life – act with kindness and the world will be kind to you. No matter where we end up, we will always have shared this first chapter together. Carry on your shoulders the pride of what you have become, and what you are going to become. Congratulations class of 2025, may you have all the luck in the world.”