Dual-Sport Standout and Record-Setting Soccer Player Named Trent University Athletes of the Year

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Women’s lacrosse and volleyball standout Natalie Fournier and men’s soccer student athlete John Moncada have been named Trent University’s 2025 to 2026 Female and Male Athletes of the Year, with other student athletes also receiving recognitions at the 57th Annual Trent Athletics Awards Banquet.

(from left to right): Nathan McFadden, Natalie Fournier and John Moncada. phioto courtesy of trent university.

“The Athlete of the Year award recognizes Excalibur student athletes who have made an exceptional impact on their teams through performance, leadership and consistency throughout the season,” said Nathan McFadden, director of Athletics and Recreation. “Natalie and John are outstanding examples of what it means to compete and excel at the highest level, while representing Trent with passion and pride. Natalie's ability to shine in two sports while setting program records speaks to her work ethic, competitiveness and commitment, and John’s first season with the men’s soccer program was nothing short of remarkable in helping lead them to their best season ever. Both student-athletes have left a lasting impact on their teams and on Trent Athletics.” 

Natalie Fournier (from Georgetown, ON) is a dominant dual-sport athlete, competing with women’s volleyball and lacrosse. On the court, she recorded 126 kills, 95 digs, 17 aces and 151 points this season, finishing her career as the program’s all-time leader in both kills (542) and points (646). On the field, Fournier (Gzowski College) continued to excel as a midfielder, helping lead the Excalibur to OUA women’s lacrosse gold while earning OUA All-Star honours. She recorded 31 goals and 9 assists for 40 points in just 11 games, averaging 3.64 points per game. 

John Moncada (from Scarborough, ON), a first-year Business Administration student (Lady Eaton College) with the men’s soccer team, delivered a remarkable first season with the Excalibur. He led both the OUA and U SPORTS in goals with 14, while also tying for the national lead in points with 15. His performance earned him OUA East MVP and U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian honours, while his 14 goals set a new record for the most goals in a single season in Excalibur men’s soccer history. His scoring prowess helped lead the men’s soccer team to their best season in program history. 

The Athletics Awards Banquet brought together student athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, family members and supporters to celebrate a year defined by perseverance, competitive success and strong academic performance.  

“Our student-athletes continue to raise the bar in every sense,” said McFadden. “They compete with integrity, support one another as teammates and represent Trent with pride in the classroom and in the community. The Excalibur spirit is about more than wins and losses. It’s about resilience, leadership, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Tonight was an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable individuals who embody those values every day.” 

In addition to Athlete of the Year, awards were presented across all varsity programs, highlighting individual excellence, leadership and contributions to team culture, culminating in the presentation of the prestigious Arthur Cup to one graduating female and one graduating male student athlete. 

The Arthur Cup recognizes one male and one female athlete who have made exceptional contributions to varsity athletics through ability, sportsmanship, participation, and leadership during their time at Trent. The 2025 to 2026 recipients are Kieran Gerow and Aly Saydam. 

Kieran Gerow (from Brighton, ON) has been a defining leader for the Trent Excalibur women’s lacrosse program throughout her entire career with the Excalibur. A consistent presence and role model for her teammates, Gerow (Traill College) has helped shape the culture of the program through her leadership, commitment and sportsmanship. On the field, she established herself as one of the top goalies in the OUA, earning Excalibur Female Athlete of the Year and OUA Most Valuable Defensive Player honours in 2023 to 2024, followed by Team MVP recognition the next season. This season, Gerow helped lead the Excalibur to an OUA Championship and was named OUA Goalie of the Year. Beyond competition, Gerow is involved in the local sport and volunteer community. She coaches youth lacrosse with Lady Blue Knights Lacrosse across multiple age groups, contributes to Team Ontario as a lacrosse evaluator and regularly supports local sport through roles such as umpiring in a slow-pitch league and scorekeeping hockey games. She also volunteers with several community initiatives, including the Peterborough Petes Teddy Bear Toss in support of the Salvation Army, Porch Pirate and Polar Plunge fundraisers for Kawartha Food Share, and other local outreach efforts. Her dedication to both sport and service has made a meaningful impact on the Excalibur community and the broader Peterborough region.

A cornerstone of the Trent Excalibur men’s volleyball program, Aly Saydam (from Ottawa, ON) leaves behind a legacy defined not only by record-breaking performance, but by leadership, commitment, and community involvement. Saydam (Gzowski College) served as a key member of the team’s leadership group throughout his career, mentoring younger athletes and setting the standard through his work ethic in both the classroom and the gym. Off the court, he played an active role in the broader Trent community through the 1EX Leadership Council, the Kinesiology Society, and Campus Recreation, while helping grow the popularity of Trent volleyball through his positive presence and engagement with fans. On the court, the fourth year setter led the Excalibur through one of the most successful periods in program history, helping the team achieve its best record and start ever, while becoming Trent’s all-time leader in assists and digs and surpassing 1,000 career assists. A three-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian, Saydam exemplifies the balance of excellence in athletics, academics and leadership that defines the Arthur Cup. 

The recipients of the 2025 to 2026 Rookie of the Year award are Kymora Chung (women’s soccer) and William Jewell (men’s curling). 

Chung (from Markham, ON), an Honours Science student in the Trent Education Stream, made an immediate impact as goalie for the Excalibur women’s soccer team during her first season. Appearing in 10 games with nine starts, Chung (Gzowski College) posted a .759 save percentage ranking ninth in the OUA and recorded 54 saves, the third-highest total in the league. Her fearlessness, composure, and consistency quickly established her as a key part of the team’s defence. 

Jewell (from Acton, ON) stepped into the role of skip for the Trent men’s curling team in his rookie season and quickly proved himself among the province’s best. One of only two rookie skips at the 16-team OUA Championship, Jewell’s calm leadership and confident shot-making stood out throughout the competition, earning the Conservation Biology student Male OUA Rookie of the Year honours. 

The Gary Wolff Leadership award was presented to Isabelle Pellerine (women’s volleyball) and Aidan Hartley (rowing), in recognition of their courage, determination, and leadership in sport. 

A true leader throughout her five-year career with women’s volleyball, Pellerine (from Halifax, NS) a Kinesiology student, is the program’s all-time assists leader, served as team captain for four seasons and played a central role in shaping the culture of the program. Known for her competitiveness, fearless play and leading by example, she helped establish high standards of accountability and commitment while mentoring younger student-athletes and welcoming recruits to the team. Beyond competition, Pellerine (Gzowski College) is deeply involved in the volleyball community. She contributes to recruiting camps, works closely with Peterborough Thunder through clinics and training sessions, and helps organize events such as the team’s annual high school tournament and community initiatives like food drives and fundraisers. Through her leadership on and off the court, she has made a lasting impact on both the program and the broader volleyball community. 

Hartley (from Ajax, ON) has been a key component of the Trent University Rowing Club throughout his five years with the program. A varsity student-athlete for four seasons, he served on the club’s executive team before stepping into the role of president, where he led the strategic, operational, and financial management of the student-run organization while representing athletes within the broader university community. Hartley has played a key role in organizing major events, such as Head of the Trent and the Rowing Alumni Social, while also spearheading fundraising initiatives, including ‘Movember’ campaigns and rowing marathons. Known for his positivity, dedication and ability to bring people together, Hartley (Traill College) has been a unifying presence within the team, helping guide more than 50 athletes while maintaining strong academic standing in his Psychology program. 

The Community Betterment award is given to individuals who have given back to their community whilst also achieving success in sport and academics. The 2025-26 recipients of the Community Betterment Award are Megan Tapanja (women’s fencing) and Dylan Billes (rowing). 

Tapanja (from Hamilton, ON) is a dedicated leader within both the fencing and Trent campus communities. She has served as Women’s Sabre Captain since 2023 while also taking on leadership roles with the Biology Undergraduate Society and the Biology Department Communications Committee. Beyond Trent, she volunteers with local initiatives such as the North Star Industries Kids Triathlon and the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. Through community outreach initiatives with Trent Fencing and her work as a French tutor, Tapanja (Gzowski College) consistently uses her skills to support and connect with others. 

Billes (from Barrie, ON) has been a key leader within the Trent University Rowing Club throughout his varsity career. Serving as the club’s treasurer for the past three years, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the team’s financial position and supporting equipment upgrades that benefit future student-athletes. The fifth-year Business Administration student-athlete (Gzowski College) has also volunteered extensively within the rowing community, coaching high school athletes, helping run a para-rowing program with the Peterborough Rowing Club and supporting major events such as Head of the Trent. His commitment to both sport and community has had a lasting impact on rowing at Trent and in Peterborough. 

Visit trentexcalibur.ca for the complete list of award recipients. 

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PHOTOS: Trent Central Student Association Rallies Against Ontario Government OSAP Cuts

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Local post-secondary students gathered outside MPP Dave Smith’s office Wednesday morning in protest of financial aid cuts to come with the recent restructuring of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

“The Trent Central Student Association is deeply concerned about the recent restructuring of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) that will take effect starting in the 2026/27 academic year,” said the TCSA in a statement. “These changes substantially reduce the proportion of financial aid provided as grants to post-secondary students, and significantly increase the amount offered as loans. Under the new structure, grants will make up only 25 per cent of total financial aid, while loans will account for 75 per cent. This marks a major shift from the previous system, in which students could receive up to 85 per cent of their aid as grants and only 15 per cent as loans.”

For more on the TCSA’s statement, click the link.

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Fleming College’s Inaugural Phoenix Cup Tips Off February 4

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The inaugural Fleming College Phoenix Cup is coming to the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre Feb. 4, promising an afternoon of local high school and college basketball excitement.

photo courtesy of fleming college.

The community is invited to come out to the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Drive, Peterborough) and be a part of the celebration of local basketball talent featuring junior and senior high school games.

The event wraps up with a game between the Fleming Phoenix varsity men’s basketball team and the Durham Lords at 8 p.m.

Event schedule:

  • 3:30 p.m. – High School Junior Boys: Crestwood vs. Holy Cross

  • 5 p.m. – High School Senior Boys: Crestwood vs. Holy Cross

  • 8 p.m. – College Varsity: Fleming Phoenix vs. Durham Lords

Adding to the day is a unique family connection as Fleming Phoenix player Owen Wisman will be cheering on two relatives playing in the earlier games; his younger brother Oscar Wisman, who plays for Crestwood, and his cousin Ryan Malloy, who is on the Holy Cross team. The two will go head-to-head during the Phoenix Cup before Owen takes the court later with the Phoenix.

The inaugural Phoenix Cup is “designed to bring the community together through sport while highlighting the depth of talent across local high school and varsity programs,” said Fleming in a press release. “This inaugural event launches what Fleming plans to become an annual event in partnership with local high schools, with future events to include male and female competitions across multiple sports.”

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Fleming College Opens Winter 2026 Registration for Two Life-Saving and Workplace Safety Certifications

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Registration is now open for Fleming College’s Winter 2026 First Aid/CPR and Mask-Fit Testing certification courses, announced Tuesday.

file photo.

The First Aid/CPR and Mask-Fit Testing certification courses are geared towards healthcare, trades, manufacturing, environmental and education sectors, and those interested in personal preparedness and community safety.

The first training dates available for both courses start as early as Jan. 19.

Standard First Aid with CPR Level C (Course Code: HLTH104)

  • This certification course covers life-saving techniques for all age groups in emergency situations. Training combines self-paced, online learning with an interactive in-class session led by a Red Cross Certified Instructor.

Mask-Fit Testing (Course Code: HLTH292)

  • This in-person course ensures participants can properly select, wear, and maintain respirators to protect themselves against airborne hazards and meet workplace safety compliance standards. Participants will undergo a Mask Fit test to determine personal equipment needs.

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Trent University Celebrates 2025 Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship Recipient

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Trent University recognized student Lily Walker, recipient of the 2025 Leadership Scholarship at Friday’s Board of Governors meeting.

Cathy Bruce, Trent President (left) and Doug Kirk, Board Chair (middle) congratulate Lily Walker (right), recipient of Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The London native was accepted to Trent with the University’s top entrance scholarship: full first-year tuition for students entering with an average above 95 per cent. Walker’s leadership and community involvement earned them the Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship, valued at $7,500 each year of their four-year degree.

Before enrolling at Trent, Walker organized clothing and food drives, offered literacy support for children and encouraged youth participation in blood donation campaigns.

They shared that receiving the Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship was the ultimate factor that fundamentally changed their future, making it possible to attend Trent to pursue a degree in Conservation Biology.

“This scholarship meant going to my dream university when my parents, grandparents and everyone before them were unable to attend university at all,” said Walker. “It has left a mark on my family that truly cannot be replicated.”

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Peterborough County Hosting First Municipal Job Fair For Students On Feb. 13

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Peterborough County is hosting its first-ever municipal job fair for post-secondary students from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Healthy Planet Arena on Feb. 13.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

“For post-secondary students seeking meaningful and impactful careers, municipal government offers a diverse range of exciting opportunities,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “I encourage you to attend our upcoming job fair to explore the wide range of available summer student positions. By working for a municipality, students will discover fulfilling career paths after graduation and contribute their skills and talents to building strong and vibrant communities.”

The job fair brings together representatives from four local municipalities, such as Peterborough County, the City of Peterborough, Selwyn Township and the Municipality of Trent Lakes, to showcase municipal work's opportunities.

Students have an opportunity to speak directly with hiring managers about various summer positions and learn why municipal work is a valuable and fulfilling career choice.

This event offers attendees:

  • Information on available summer job opportunities.

  • Insight into the benefits of municipal employment, such as skill- building, resume development, and contributing to the community.

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Electric City Culture Council Name Recipient of Bierk Art Bursary

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The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) has awarded the 2024 Bierk Art Bursary for Post-Secondary Studies in Visual Arts, Media Arts, Architecture and Design to Victoria Nunez.

Bierk Art Bursary 2024 recipient Victoria Nunez. The Bierk Art Bursary Program was established to recognize arts champion and supporter Liz Bierk, and to honour the contributions she and her husband, painter David Bierk, made to the arts in Peterborough. Photo courtesy of the Electric City Culture Council.

Nunez is graduating from Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School and will pursue a Bachelor of Interior Design at Humber College in the fall.

This $1,000 bursary is awarded to graduating Peterborough-area high school art students whose work demonstrates great promise (artistic merit) and who are committed to pursuing further studies at the post-secondary level in the visual arts, media arts, architecture, or design. 

“Victoria Nunez impressed the Selection Committee (distinguished artists and teachers, Cyd Hosker and Spencer Harrison) with her clearly demonstrated interest in examining design and the interior spacial elements of architecture,” said Su Ditta, EC3 executive director. “She will clearly benefit from all the possibilities the Humber program offers and we wish her every success.”

Nunez will be recognized and the bursary will be officially presented at the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts at the Canadian Canoe Museum on Oct. 10.

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PVNCCDSB Recognizes and Honours Student Leadership

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As part of Catholic Education Week, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) honoured 36 students with a Catholic Student Leadership Award during a ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough on Wednesday.

(Back from left) Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan, Peterborough Trustee Loretta Durst, Leigha Cheng (St. Patrick CES), Lyla Mahoney (St. John CES), Andrew Iammancini (St. Peter CSS), Blake Ferguson (St. Paul CES) and Superintendent Jeannie Armstrong.

(Front from left) Aabish Ali (Holy Cross CSS), Sophie Lemoire (Immaculate Conception CES, Joy Davis (Monsignor O’Donoghue CES), Gracie-May Hermer (St. Alphonsus CES), Alivia Friesen (St. Anne CES) and Sonny Gillis (St. Catherine CES). Photo courtesy of PVNCCDBS.

One student was selected from each elementary and secondary school and winners were presented with a special medallion. Award recipients were nominated by principals, teachers and, in some cases, fellow students.

PVNCCDSB says that each student demonstrated outstanding qualities in Catholic leadership, family commitment, involvement in school affairs, involvement in community activities and dedication to a difficult situation or task.

“In celebrating our student leaders during Catholic Education Week, we are reminded of the vibrant role faith plays not only in education but in shaping individuals who are committed to making a difference in their communities,” said Kevin MacKenzie, board chairperson. “These students, recognized for their exemplary leadership and dedication, illustrate the profound impact of our Catholic values in action. Their achievements reflect a dedication to service, community, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of faith to inspire positive change. It is with immense pride that we honour their contributions and look forward to the continued influence they will have on their schools and beyond.” 

The following is a complete list of students who were recognized:

  • Elliott Banville, St. Michael CES, Cobourg

  • Brett Mather, St. Teresa CES, Peterborough

  • Gracelynn Gilbank, St. Dominic CES, Lindsay

  • Mya Benson, St. Joseph CES, Cobourg

  • Sophie Surerus, St. Paul CES, Lakefield

  • Alexis Sultan-Khan, St. Joseph CES, Bowmanville

  • Joy Davis, Monsignor O’Donoghue CES, Peterborough

  • Benjamin Humphries, St. Elizabeth CES, Bownmanville

  • Gracie-May Hermer, St. Alphonsus CES, Peterborough

  • Chloe Williamson, St. Joseph CES, Douro

  • Abigayle Jennings, St. Luke CES, Downeyville

  • Leigha Cheng, St. Patrick CES, Peterborough

  • George MacDonald, St. John Paul II CES, Lindsay

  • Faith Mullin, St. Mary CES, Grafton

  • Tyler Young, St. Martin CES, Ennismore

  • Lilyan Stewart, Notre Dame CES, Cobourg

  • Sophia Jilesen, St. Anthony CES, Port Hope

  • Blake Ferguson, St. Paul CES, Peterborough

  • Ivan Black, St. Mary CES, Lindsay

  • Stella Maria Nekkers, Good Shepherd CES, Courtice

  • Lyla Mahoney, St. John CES, Peterborough

  • Sophie Lemoire, Immaculate Conception CES, Peterborough

  • Alivia Friesen, St. Anne CES, Peterborough

  • Mason Doucette, St. Mother Teresa CES, Courtice

  • Tyson Chisholm, Holy Family CES, Bowmanville

  • Jolene Payne, St. Paul CES, Norwood

  • Jazmine Pereira, Monsignor Leo Cleary CES, Courtice

  • Madyson Shea, St. Francis of Assisi CES, Newcastle

  • Sonny Gillis, St. Catherine CES, Peterborough

  • Raegan Larcombe, St. Mary CES, Campbellford

  • Aabish Ali, Holy Cross CSS, Peterborough

  • Samantha Tungcol, St. Stephen CSS, Bowmanville

  • Reagan Lusted, St. Thomas Aquinas CSS, Lindsay

  • Andrew Iammancini, St. Peter CSS, Peterborough

  • Elijah Deryaw, St. Mary CSS, Cobourg

  • Isabella Ciancone, Holy Trinity CSS, Courtice

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David Tuan Bui


Innovation Cluster Launches Program to Aid Student Entrepreneurs From Post-Secondary Institutions

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The Innovation Cluster has launched the 2024 Slingshot Program to help accelerate student entrepreneurs from Trent University and Fleming College to enter the front lines of the startup world, announced on Monday morning.

pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

The program offers a seven-week course culminating in a pitch competition on July 4th. The winner will be awarded a $3,000 prize to aid their entrepreneurship. Applications are open until April 21.

The program offers a pioneering curriculum led by industry leaders, covering:

  • Entrepreneurship Essentials: A deep dive into the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, equipping students with critical concepts and principles.

  • Business Idea Development: Techniques to refine and market-validate business ideas.

  • Business Model Analysis: Instruction on utilizing the Business Model Canvas for strategic venture development.

  • Market Research and Marketing Plans: Training in conducting effective market research and crafting compelling marketing strategies.

  • Pitching Skills and Competition: Opportunities to hone pitching skills and compete for a $3,000 prize.

Slingshot is open to university and college students or a graduate within the past six months.

Applications must meet the following criteria to apply:

  • Must be in the region of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes

  • Must have a passion for entrepreneurship

  • Must be beyond ideation (MVP ideal)

  • Must have a business in innovation and technology (Social Innovation accepted)

An information session is scheduled for Wednesday at noon at the Innovation Cluster. It offers further insights into the program and its benefits. 

Potential applications are asked to RSVP for their information session.

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Holy Cross Secondary School Brings Literature to Life With Production of 'Shakespeare In Love The Play' For Three Shows

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The students of Holy Cross Secondary School in grades 9 to 12 are putting on the production of 'Shakespeare In Love The Play' for three dates on Feb. 28, 29 and March 1.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

The play is based on the screenplay by Marc Norman, and Tom Stoppard was adapted for theatre by Lee Hall.

It is being produced by Holy Cross teacher Serena McKenna as it is her 24th production.

“There are a number of staff members and students involved behind the scenes which speaks to the supportive relationships that exist at Holy Cross,” she said. “Shakespeare said a good heart never changes and I see this in the staff and students here. We can always count on each other.”

Ella Doris is taking the female lead in playing the role of Viola DeLesseps.

 “Having been involved in the previous productions at Holy Cross, I am very excited to see how this show is evolving and being involved in a performance of this size is an overwhelmingly tremendous experience,” she explained. “I am looking forward to opening night and feel proud and grateful of the work that has been put in by the cast and crew.  This has been a great experience to have in my Senior year.”

Only one Grade 9 student has an acting role in the production as this play is Xy Pascual's first-ever time taking the stage.

“Being the only Grade 9 in this play is a bit stressful but thankfully I have formed a new relationship with my castmates and I have been made more comfortable in stepping out of my comfort zone,” she said “I am already excited to be involved in the next Holy Cross Production.”

The play is open for the public to watch for all three dates with ticket prices at $20 for adults and $15 for students at the door.

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