TASSS Student Named Recipient of H.O.P.E. Bursary 2026 Steve Montador Bursary

Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) student Clare Hutchinson has been named the recipient of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) and Helping Others Participate Equally’s (HOPE) 2026 Steve Montador Bursary, announced on Tuesday.

(From left to right) Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director; Kristine McCracken, TASSS Coach and teacher; Clare Hutchinson, TASSS student and Mike Keating of H.O.P.E. Photo courtesy of Susan Owen and GPHSF.

The H.O.P.E. Bursary, in honour of Steve Montador, was established to support students transitioning from high school to college/university who suffer the long-term effects of a sports-related concussion and require a reduced academic course load due to injury.

Over the past three years, Hutchinson has suffered concussions while playing several sports. This includes wrestling, hockey and rugby. These concussions have effectively ended her ability to play contact sports. She continues to be physically active, playing several non-contact sports and coaching Rugby.

“Through it all, she has demonstrated a strong work ethic, resiliency and leadership, both on and off the field,” said Kristing McCraken, TASSS coach and teacher. “She is resilient and adaptable; if she couldn’t be on the field, she would support in another way. That’s Clare, a true leader that supports her team in whatever capacity she can.”

Hutchinson plans to attend Georgian College to become a Paramedic in the fall.

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