Heidi Romanishen, middle, a Boilermaker at Bruce Power, attended the graduation ceremony at St. Mary's High School, in Owen Sound, on June 28, to present the Bruce Power commencement awards. Recipients were Nicholas Hodkinson, winner of the Future Innovator Award, and Tessa McMillen, winner of the Female Skilled Trades and Technology Award.

On June 27 and 28, students at five area high schools celebrated their graduation from secondary school.  This year, Bruce Power joined in the celebrations by presented two new commencement awards.

The Bruce Power Future Innovator Award recognized students that have achieved high academic results, demonstrated a passion for and shown promise in the areas of science, technology, engineering or math, and are going on to study in these areas of specialty at the post-secondary level. Winners received $1,000, a leather portfolio and an award certificate from Bruce Power for their accomplishments.

The Female in Skilled Trades and Technology Award was given to the most deserving female student taking courses in a design and tech program, and is pursuing a career in the skilled trades or engineering. Recipients worked diligently in the classroom and participated in school and community activities. Winners received $500 and a plaque.

Awards were presented at Bruce Peninsula DS in Lion’s Head, Peninsula Shores DS in Wiarton, Sacred Heart HS in Walkerton, St. Anne’s CSS in Clinton and St. Mary’s HS in Owen Sound.

An additional 12 schools in the region will host commencement ceremonies in the fall, when the remainder of the Bruce Power award winners will be announced.

Karen Grubb, winner of the Female Skilled Trades & Technology Award, second middle left, and Chris Gagnon, winner of the Future Innovator Award, middle right, stand with Walkerton's Sacred Heart High School Principal Murray Kuntz, left, and Vice Principal Laurie Fischer, right.

Winners for the awards were selected in coordination with teachers and the schools’ awards committees, and support and rationale was provided for each recipient. Bruce Power congratulates the following winners:

Bruce Power Future Innovators
Rebekah Wilkens – Bruce Peninsula District School
Stephen Laforest – Peninsula Shores District School
Chris Gagnon – Sacred Heart High School
Janelle taRaa – St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School
Nicholas Hodkinson – St. Mary’s High School

Bruce Power Female Skilled Trades & Technology
Karlee Kelly – Bruce Peninsula District School
Katrina Cameron - Peninsula Shores District School
Karen Grubb - Sacred Heart High School
Tessa McMillen - St. Mary’s High School