Norwell District Secondary School celebrates class of 2026
PALMERSTON – The Norwell District Secondary School commencement ceremony for the graduating class of 2026 was held at the school on June 12.
Graduates were celebrated and recognized for their hard work, dedication and achievements, and awards were presented throughout the evening.
Valedictorian Elsie Spencer addressed the audience with humour and wit as she reflected on the past four years at Norwell, officials say.
Her speech highlighted memorable moments and milestones that shaped the graduating class’ high school career, they add. Spencer concluded by wishing her classmates success in their future endeavors, encouraging them to continue capturing life’s special moments and commemorated the occasion by taking a photo of the graduating class.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the community for its continued support of our graduates, as well as to the individuals and organizations that generously provide monetary awards and scholarships to graduating students each year,” state Norwell staff in a media release.
PHOTO 1: The Tyler Lopers Memorial Scholarship was presented by Allan Lopers to Caitlin Rogerson and Trent Zemmelink who have been involved in varsity sports, have shown leadership and have contributed to the well-being of the school, officials say. “Tyler’s legacy lives on in this scholarship, which is based on the criteria of who he was as a young man,” officials state. Rogerson was also the recipient of the Dr. Ian Grafton Community Leadership Award and the Carry-On Women’s Institute Scholarship. Zemmelink also received the Harriston Tim Hortons Scholarship. PHOTO 2: The Minto Arts Council Scholarship was created to recognize the significant efforts and accomplishments of a student who is active in the arts both at Norwell and in the community. Eleanor Butt presented the award to this year’s recipient Elsie Bentley, who also received the Minto Pride Scholarship presented by Caitlin Hall and Jon McMurray. It goes to a student attending a post-secondary program who has shown a passion for equity and social justice and demonstrated leadership in this area. PHOTO 3: The Germania Mutual Insurance Scholarship was presented by principal Adam Rowden to Kyler Will. This award is given to a student who has succeeded academically in business courses, and is pursuing a post-secondary program. PHOTO 4: Quiana Sargeant receives the Principal’s Award for Student Leadership for her leadership qualities, and her dedication and involvement throughout her high school career. Sargeant was also presented the Branch 296 Harriston Legion Poppy Fund Scholarship and the Theatre Norwell Award. PHOTO 5: Brenda Pfeffer presented the Huron Perth Women’s Institute Scholarship to Elsie Spencer, which is given to a student who has shown leadership and community involvement. Spencer also received the Theatre Norwell Award, the Norwell Faculty Prize, Norwell School Council Scholarship, Clifford Rotary Club Bursary, Norwell Ambassador Award sponsored by Edge Mutual Insurance, the Edge Mutual Valedictorian Award, Todd Hesselink Memorial Scholarship and the Derril Hoover Memorial Bursary. PHOTO 6: Vaishnavi Bridgemohan has earned the Principal’s Award for Academic Achievement presented by principal Adam Rowden in recognition of her strong scholastic achievement. PHOTO 7: Calla McLaughlin received the Joan Heimbecker Memorial Award, which will be presented by Ian Strachan. It is given in memory of a former student, Joan Heimbecker, to an exceptional student who is enrolled in a physical education or related program at university. Calla also received the Jeff Davie Memorial Scholarship, the E.C. Gray Appreciation Scholarship, the Norwell Faculty Prize, the Optimist Club Town of Minto Bursary, the Palmerston & District Hospital Auxiliary Bursary, the Minto Youth Action Council Bursary and the Drayton Kinsmen Bursary. Submitted photos
