The two awards honour male and female secondary student-athletes from the Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton areas, respectively, who are outstanding in their athletic and academic achievements, as well as participate in extra-curricular activities.

The following is a list of the four award recipients and a description of their accomplishments: 

Anthony Atkinson, John McGregor Secondary School – Anthony has earned accolades throughout his high school career, including earning Most Valuable Player or Coaches Choice Awards in three sports – volleyball, basketball and track and field - every year. He has also received Junior and Senior Athlete of the Year awards. As a McGregor scholar and valedictorian for the Class of 2017, Anthony has been a leader both on the field and in the classroom. Anthony will be attending the University of Windsor to study Kinesiology. He was recruited to be part of the Lancer Track & Field team where he will continue throwing shot put, discus, and hammer.

Brooke MacKinnon, Chatham Kent Secondary School – Brooke is a student of many talents, participating on the school golf, soccer, volleyball and badminton teams. Throughout her high school career, she has competed at OFSAA each year for golf and twice for soccer. A leader amongst her peers, she has mentored other athletes and served as the assistant coach for the junior girls' basketball team. In the classroom, Brooke has achieved high academic standing over four years. Brooke will be studying at the University of Hartford to play NCAA Division 1 golf. 

Luke Daichendt, Northern Collegiate Institute and Vocational School – A talented basketball player, Luke has lead his teammates to LSSAA/LKSSAA Championships and SWOSSAA finals each year of his high school career. While also participating in club basketball during the off-season, Luke started on the U17 club team that captured gold at the All Ontario Championships. A student with high academic standing over four years, he is in line to be named to the Principal’s Honour Society and an Ontario Scholar. Luke will be attending Western University to study Medical Sciences.

Marissa Mueller, Lambton Central Collegiate and Vocational Institute – Marissa has proven to be a Phenom in multiple sports – winning accolades in track and field, volleyball, beach volleyball, badminton and tennis. She is a gold medalist in both javelin (OFSAA and Canadian Youth National Track and Field) and beach volleyball (Ontario Beach Volleyball). She was also selected to train with Volleyball Canada Centre of Excellence (indoor volleyball) and Team Ontario (beach volleyball). She has also received the OVA Volleyball Award of Excellence and was named Athletics Ontario Female Youth Thrower of the Year 2016. She has received the LCCVI Principal Roll of Distinction and LCCVI Proficiency Award for the highest standing in the grade for the past three years. Marissa will be studying in the Biomedical Engineering, Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Honours Program at The University of Iowa, as well as competing as a member of the Division I - Big 10 School's Track and Field program.

“Congratulations to the four recipients of the Dr. Jack Parry and Stefanko Awards,” said Director Jim Costello. “These student-athletes demonstrate strong leadership skills and a commitment to their communities, which serves as inspiration to their teammates, peers and the school community. We wish them the very best as they move forward and continue to strive to meet their academic and athletic goals.”

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For additional information please contact:

Jane Bryce, Chair of the Lambton Kent District School Board, 519-899-2619

Jim Costello, Director of Education, Lambton Kent District School Board, 519-336-1500, Ext 31297

For reference information contact:

Heather Hughes, Public Relations Officer, 519-336-1500, Ext. 31262

June 20, 2017

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