The top student-athletes in Chatham-Kent will be honoured tonight as the annual Dr. Jack Parry Awards are handed out.
The honours recognize the academic and athletic achievements of two graduating students. In all, 18 students have been nominated this year with at least one from each of the 10 high schools in the municipality.
Dr. Jack Parry was a well-known Chatham anaesthetist who excelled in athletics, medicine, serving his country, and caring for his family and community. He was awarded the award for Canadian outstanding male track athlete in 1948 as part of the Olympic Team. He was named MVP of the University of Western football club, a member of the London Majors baseball team, scouted by the Cleveland Indians, and played half back for the 1942 Grey Cup champion RCAF Hurricanes. Dr. Parry was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Bravery beyond the call of duty as a pilot in WWII.
The Dr. Jack Parry Awards were first handed out in Chatham-Kent in 1994, recognizing a balanced high degree of athletic ability, scholastic excellence, and contributions outside the classroom to the school and community.
The two winners, one male and one female, will walk away with a $1000 scholarship, sponsored by the Parry family.
The ceremony gets underway at 7 o’clock in the UCC Theatre.
2024 Nominees:
Blenheim District High School
Samantha Stewart
Chatham Christian School
Braden Luth
Megan Devries
Chatham-Kent Secondary School
Justin Ewald
Hudson DeNure
Ecole Secondaire de Pain Court
Everitt Ellis
Mikella Caron
John McGregor Secondary School
Julian Haddock
Avery Krouse
Lambton Kent Composite School
Wes Jackson
Brittany Pegg
Ridgetown District High School
Mackenzie Anderson
Tilbury District High School
Tyler Parkhouse
Madison Cook
Ursuline College Chatham
Jack Grochmal
Sierra Lapos
Wallaceburg District Secondary School
Nash Graelis
Luaren DePooter
