Lakefield Literary Festival's Young Writers Contest Names Record Number Of Winners

Seven winners for the Lakefield Literary Festival’s Young Writers Contest have been announced including, for the first time ever, a three way tie for the senior fiction category.

Winners in front of St Peter Secondary. Photo by Angela O’Grady

This year saw 92 entries to the contest from local schools throughout the Peterborough region.

2022 Young Writers Winners: 

• Junior Fiction: Kellan MacKenzie, Grade 10, SPSS 

• Junior Non-fiction: Madeleine Hill, Grade 10, SPSS 

• Junior Poetry: Kellan MacKenzie, Grade 10, SPSS 

• Senior Fiction: Clementine MacLeod, Grade 11, Adam Scott. Justin Ehlert, Grade 12, PACE. Hailey Cavanagh, Grade 11, SPSS. 

• Senior Non-fiction: Toula Pappas, Grade 11, SPSS 

• Senior Poetry: Abigail Auger, Grade 12, SPSS

Each of the winners will receive $200.00, a commemorative plaque, and publication in the Festival’s ebook.

Justin Ehlert, who attends PACE, was one of three winners in the Senior Fiction category.

Ehlert calls his piece ‘meta-fiction’.

“There was two layers,” he said. “One was me talking about my thought process as I was writing the story and then the story itself was about a man who recently lost his father.”

He says his story started with the setting, a lake, then he built a character around that and went from there.

“Truthfully I’m more of a reader than a writer,” he said. “I started this piece as an assignment and my teacher encouraged me to finish it and to submit it.”

Elhert says winning this contest may encourage him to write more in the future, though he doesn’t plan on making a career out of it.

Keeping writing as a hobby was a common theme among winners.

Abigail Auger, a grade 12 student at St Peter says she worries if she made a career of writing she would begin to see it as a chore.

Her poem which was inspired by the television series Gossip Girl won her first place in the Senior Poetry category.

She plans to attend Trent University to study Forensics.

Contest Co-Organizer and retired teacher Andrew Milner says he looks forward to reading entries every year.

“They’re such mature writers, it’s fascinating to see what they come up with every year,” he said.

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Photos: Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run Lit Up The Track At St Peter Secondary School

Students at St. Peter’s Secondary School welcomed students from Crestwood and Holy Cross to their Special Olympic Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) on Wednesday.

LETR is the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising organization for Special Olympics globally.

“The Peterborough Police Service has been a strong supporter of the torch run for many years now, and over the years have raised 100’s of thousands of dollars,” said Inspector Neil Collins with the Peterborough Police. “The Peterborough Police Service is happy to champion all our athletes and encourage acceptance and inclusion for all.”

Wednesday’s event saw students participating in standing long jump, shotput, 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m races.

They ended the events with the athletes oath ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt.’

Following events and speeches, students, teachers and law enforcement carried the torch around St. Peter’s track.

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JA Northern and Eastern Ontario Recognizes Community Members At Hall Of Fame Event

JA Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) celebrated and recognized local students, a teacher, and a volunteer for their outstanding efforts and contributions, last week.

Photo courtesy of JA-NEO

JA-NEO offers financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness education to students across Northern and Eastern Ontario.

The awards were presented at the annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame event held at the Loomex Group Hangar at the Peterborough Airport.

This year’s special recognitions included:

• Student of the Year - Kayla Scroggins

• Outstanding Contribution to Education - Sarah Taylor

• Lifetime Volunteer Recognition Award - Tania-Joy Bartlett

“We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s awards winners and recognize how their dedication, involvement, and achievements help to inspire others to become involved in JA,” said John McNutt, President and CEO, JA-NEO. “I want to congratulate each of the award winners on their success, and we look forward to your continued success.”

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Local Dance Champion Has Fundraiser Set Up To Perform at Disneyland

It is an opportunity of a lifetime for 17-year-old Rhiannon King as her family set up a GoFundMe to send her to Disneyland in Anaheim, Ca. to dance with the Lightning Elite Disney Performance Team.

Melissa King (left), Rhiannon King (middle) and Jason King (right) gazing at Rhiannon’s first-place medals and scholarship certificates after winning the senior solos at Star Beat Dance Champions in Niagara Falls. Melissa is a paraplegic and Jason is blind. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

King received the opportunity after she placed first at the Star Beat Dance Champions in Niagara Falls in the senior solo division on the May 12-15 weekend. The win also earned her a $1,000 scholarship toward the trip to California.

"I was so shocked," said King. "I was crying, I started jumping up and down and my teammates were really happy for me too.”

The GoFundMe is requesting $7,000 which pays for the flight, insurance, dance equipment and food. It was set up on May 15 shortly after King had received the opportunity.

The seven-day trip allows King the chance to meet with top industry professionals and work with dancers around the world according to the King family.

"It's her foot in the door," said Jason King, Rhiannon's father. "For many dancers, they don't those opportunities and the fact that this opportunity has come virtually at the end of her novice career per se, it's a dream come true for everyone."

Rhiannon has been dancing since she was three and danced competitively roughly when she was six. She has danced in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, musical theatre, tap and more throughout her life.

She has aspirations to attend York University for dance. Rhiannon wants to make dance her career by performing in her mid-20s and eventually opening a dance studio.

"I'm really proud of her for what she's accomplished and I know she'll succeed with whatever she decides to do,” said Melissa King, Rhiannon’s mother. “She has a natural talent for dancing I noticed that (in) the first year."

To donate to Rhiannon’s GoFundMe, click here.

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PVNC Presents Students With Annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards

As part of Catholic Education Week, which runs May 1 to 6, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC) honoured 38 students with a Catholic Student Leadership Award during a ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough on Wednesday.

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. Each demonstrated outstanding qualities in Catholic leadership, family commitment, involvement in school affairs, involvement in community activities and dedication to a difficult situation or task.

“These award winners are true role models who embody the goals of our Catholic Graduate Expectations,” said Braden Leal, Chairperson of the Board. “Catholic Education Week affords us a perfect time to pay tribute to the student leaders in our schools and reflect on the importance of faith in our lives, and the role it plays in Catholic education.”

A full list of recipients is below:

Faith Griffiths, St. Mary CES, Lindsay

Niamh Walsh, STA Virtual Elementary School

James Gouin, STA Virtual Secondary School

Jayden Hopkins, St. John CES, Peterborough

Ruby Briand, Holy Cross CSS, Peterborough

William White, St. Peter CSS, Peterborough

Quinten Fowler, St. Paul CES, Peterborough

Makenzie Nichols, Holy Trinity CSS, Courtice

Chase Hudson, St. Stephen CSS, Bowmanville

Lola Bittner, St. Catherine CES, Peterborough

Avery Pick, St. Patrick CES, Peterborough

Michel Gagné, St. Michael CES, Cobourg

Liam Cook, Immaculate Conception CES, Peterborough

Anna Golobic, St. Francis of Assisi CES, Newcastle

Alena Vuong, Holy Family CES, Bowmanville

Elizabeth Payne, St. Joseph CES, Bowmanville

Katie Payne, St. Paul CES, Norwood

Matteo Crimi, Notre Dame CES, Cobourg

Cheyenne Hudson, St. Elizabeth CES, Bownmanville

Rees Tewsley, St. Anne CES, Peterborough

Keira deLaPlante, St. Joseph CES, Douro

Emma MacDonald, Monsignor Leo Cleary CES, Courtice

Chloe McMahon, Monsignor O’Donoghue CES, Peterborough

Sydney MacLellan, St. Paul CES, Lakefield

Janey King, St. Mary CES, Campbellford

Eva Winn, St. Luke CES, Downeyville

Hunter Young, St. Teresa CES, Peterborough

Connor James, St. Mother Teresa CES, Courtice

Emma Smith, St. Mary CES, Grafton

Daniel Zito, Good Shepherd CES, Courtice

Jessica Harris, St. Mary CSS, Cobourg

Alisha Byrne, St. Thomas Aquinas CSS, Lindsay

Addison Gerelus, St. Martin CES, Ennismore

Madison Mohr, St. John Paul II CES, Lindsay

Raina Willson, St. Dominic CES, Lindsay

Ayaji Antolin, St. Joseph CES, Cobourg

Donny Drake, St. Anthony CES, Port Hope

Josiah McMahon, St. Alphonsus CES

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YES Shelter Receives $50,000 From Rotary Clubs Towards Two Housing Units

The Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) can help their two new housing units after receiving $50,000 from Peterborough Rotary Club and Kawartha Rotary in a cheque presentation outside the shelter on Wednesday afternoon.

(from left to right) Atul Swarup, Peterborough Rotary volunteer; Marie Press, Peterborough rotary director of service; Aimee Le Lagadéc, YES executive director; Melissa Free, YES transitional housing manager; Brian O’Toole, Kawartha Rotary Club director and Carl Brown, Kawartha Rotary Club director of service. YES has been providing emergency shelter and transitional supports to youth and families in Peterborough City and County since 2000. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The two new housing units are part of YES’ RISE Youth Housing Program. The money will build the units, as well as renovate an existing 12-plex building to allow for the additional capacity. This funding is a part of Rotary’s Centennial Celebrations, helping the community in their 100th year.

The funding is part of a $100,000 pledge with Peterborough Rotary Club committing $75,000 and $25,000 from Kawartha Rotary.

“Many of our members feel very strongly about housing in Peterborough,” said Wayne Harding, Rotary Club of Peterborough president.

“This is a natural fit.” Carl Brown, Kawartha Rotary Club President stated “We are proud of our community involvement with this project and pleased to work with the Peterborough Club to make this important project happen”

“Right now, the homelessness rate in Peterborough is far too high and housing has not become more available or affordable through the pandemic,” said Aimee Le Lagadéc, YES executive director. “We also know that transitional housing is typically required for young people and families exiting homelessness.”

The project will begin this spring and will be completed by the summer of 2023.

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March Declared "Easter Seals Month" In Celebration Of Peterborough Telethon's 50th Anniversary

Ahead of the 50th Peterborough Easter Seals Telethon, March has been declared “Easter Seals Month” in a virtual media conference held on Thursday morning.

Kevin Collins, Easter Seals president and CEO on the virtual meeting telling his experiences of having cerebral palsy and using a walker to navigate. Screenshot.

The declaration was made by Coun. and deputy mayor Kemi Akapo shortly after the meeting had opened.

The Telethon will be broadcasted on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. on YourTV and Global News but the campaign is currently seeking donations with a goal of $80,000.

They can be made online, phoning in on the Telethon or by emailing Coralie Jacobs, Easter Seals manager of development at cjacobs@easterseals.org.

The raised funds from the telethon provide financial assistance for communication devices, mobility equipment and summer camp opportunities for youth with physical disabilities.

Easter Seals will virtually announce their goal on Thursday and check in with past ambassadors and local notables.

Guests include Akapo; Kevin Collins, Easter Seals president and CEO; Stu Harrison; Graham Hart; Mike Melnik; Teresa Kazsuba; Catherine Hanrahan and Caley Bedore.

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Local Country Star's Sixth Annual Charity Golf Tournament For Youth Mental Health a Go

Country star Tebey is back with his sixth annual Tebey Golf Classic in support of youth mental health announced on Tuesday.

Last year’s event was on June 24 at the Black Diamond Golf Club. Photo courtesy of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

Over $125,000 has been raised over the past five years towards youth mental health that includes: 

• Covid-19 Response Drop In Centre - YES Youth Emergency Shelter for Youth and Families

• YES Homelessness Prevention Program partnership with Peterborough Youth *Services and YES Year one and Year two Funding

• 211 Awareness Campaign – Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter

• Ongoing education for Mental Health Clinicians of the Peterborough Family Health Team to support free patient mindfulness programming

Funds raised through the event will go towards Youth Mental Health programming through Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter For Youth and Families.

“It’s going to be great to be back this year raising money for Peterborough Youth Services and the YES Shelter,” said Tebey. “They have provided so much support to those struggling and have had a huge impact on the lives of youth and families in the Peterborough area.”

The tournament is scheduled for June 2 at Wildfire Golf & Country Club with a shotgun tee-off at 1 p.m. An outdoor acoustic performance will happen at 7 p.m.

Foursome tickets are available on Eventbrite for $1,000 where a $200 tax receipt will be provided to each group. The tournament includes a meet-and-greet with Tebey, acoustic performance from him and special guests (to be announced), activities, contests, meals, prizes and professional photos of your group.

“All of us at PYS (Peterborough Youth Services) are so grateful to the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation and Tebey for their joint fundraising efforts to improve youth mental health, said Heather Holland, PYS executive director. “Community donations are integral to expanding our reach and impact as an agency and every dollar will be directed to reducing wait times and providing more timely access to service.”

“What we are seeing at the tail end of the pandemic is young people and families left with fewer community supports and available housing options more than ever,” Aimeé Le Lagadec, YES Shelter executive director. “Participating in the Tebey Golf Classic is an incredible and fun way to help YES continue helping young people and families in Peterborough out of homelessness."

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Easter Seals Hits Two Milestones For Upcoming Telethon

On their 100th anniversary, the 50th Easter Seals Telethon kicks off its fundraising campaign to provide support for children and youth with physical disabilities beginning Thursday.

Easter Seals Telethon hosts from 2019. Photo courtesy of Easter Seals Peterborough.

The Telethon will be broadcasted on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. on YourTV and Global News but the campaign is currently seeking donations.

Easter Seals will virtually announce their goal on Thursday and check in with past ambassadors and local notables. Guests include Deputy Mayor Kemi Akapo; Kevin Collins, Easter Seals CEO; Stu Harrison; Graham Hart; Mike Melnik; Teresa Kazsuba; Catherine Hanrahan and Caley Bedore.

The raised funds provide financial assistance for mobility equipment, communication devices and summer camp opportunities for youth with physical disabilities.

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Petes Open Applications For Next Generation Game

The Peterborough Petes are providing ten young fans the opportunity to join the Petes hockey operations and entertainment staff at the Petes upcoming Family Day Game on Feb. 21 against the Barrie Colts.

Callan “Coach Cal” Perks went viral in his pre-game speech during the Next Gen Game in late November last year. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes are looking for a top-notch squad of kids between the ages of 5-12 years old to shadow the following roles on the Monday kid-centric matinee. The following positions are available to be filled:

• General Manager

• Head Coach

• Assistant Coach

• Associate Coach

• Public Address Announcer

• In-Game Host

• Two Scouts

• TV Broadcast

• Radio Broadcast

Kids can apply for the various positions by completing the Petes Next Gen application online form.

For the position of Head Coach, Assistant Coach or Associate Coach kids are asked to send in a video of a pre-game speech that they would deliver to the Petes ahead of a big game. The video must remain under two minutes and be filmed landscape (horizontal).

For the position of Public Address or In-Game Host, children are asked to upload a video that includes them reading the following script: "Here is the starting line up for your Peterborough Petes presented by Chemong Home Building Centre! Starting in goal Tye Austin, on defence Donovan McCoy and Artem Guryev, at forward: Joe Carroll, and Tucker Robertson, and J.R. Avon! And here are the remainder of your Peterborough Petes."

For the position of General Manager or Scout, young Petes fans are asked to complete the Next Gen scouting report for any current Peterborough Petes player.

New to the Next Gen staff is the opportunity to call the game with Scott Arnold and Pete Dalliday of the YourTV broadcast booth or Stew Kernan and Katrina Squazzin of Freq 90.5. Those who wish to call the Next Gen game are asked to send in a video that includes what three questions they would ask a Peterborough Pete during a rink-side interview in the second intermission.

The application to become a member of the Next Gen squad is due Feb. 17 at 11:59 p.m. All parents or guardians of the Next Gen applicants will be contacted Feb. 18.

Those selected to be a part of the Petes Next Gen squad will have the opportunity to receive a behind the scenes tour of the Memorial Centre ahead of puck drop on Sunday afternoon, catch on-ice warm up from the Petes bench, enjoy a meal in the media/scout room and meet members of the Petes hockey operations staff.

Off the ice, families can enjoy kid-friendly entertainment throughout the lobbies including a meet and greet with mascots, a scavenger hunt around the PMC, and throwback videos and photos of their favourite Petes from their minor hockey years.

The Next Gen game will take place Feb. 21 against the Barrie Colts, in the Petes first home game of the new year where 50 per cent capacity is permitted.

For information on season tickets, private suites, or groups contact Mike Kosciesza at mkosciesza@gopetesgo.com.

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