Hundreds of people packed the Simcoe County District School Board Education Centre Tuesday night for the Evening of Excellence.

The event, presented by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation, the Ontario Principals’ Council and the SCDSB, honoured secondary school and adult learning centre students for their achievements.

Mary Anne Wilson, SCDSB chairperson, said the event is a highlight of education week, April 28 to May 2.

“It gives us an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students while focusing on the innovative and effective work being done by teachers, staff, parents, volunteers, community members and all of our partners.”

The Excellence in Education Community Award, given someone in the community who benefits students, was also handed out.

This year’s award went to Mark Cruden, a McDonald’s franchisee for Midland and Elmvale, for employing a number of students and making sure their school work comes first.

The Excellence in Education Distinguished Teacher Award was awarded to Kelly Breedon-Elliott from Midland Secondary School. Breedon-Elliott, a physical education teacher, was recognized for her dedication to her students and her many accomplishments.

Excellence in Education Student Award Winners
Banting Memorial High School – Krystal Carleton, Jillian Eisener, Matthew Egan, Jeff McQuarrie.

Barrie Central Collegiate Institute – Elizabeth Hoskin, Victoria Myddleton, Margot Northcott, Paula Switzer.

Barrie North Collegiate – Mark Winfield, Sarah Hoedlmoser, Megan Sioui, Mackenzie Melin.

Bear Creek Secondary School – Theo Aust, Holly McHale, Melissa Weale, Donovan Winch.

Bradford District High School – Madeleine Craig, Janie Kuzmyk, Amelia Quantrill.

Collingwood Collegiate Institute – Ashlee Kennedy, Lesley MacQueen, Allison Mills, Jarrett Woodhouse.

Eastview Secondary School – Amy Farahbakhsh, Jasmine Farahbakhsh, Chris Grant

Elmvale District High School – Jeffrey Collins, Hannah Kugba-Nyande, Craig Speers.

Innisdale Secondary School – Laura Broley, Dylan Hoare, Stephanie Yee.

The Learning Centres – Alliston: Alana Shepherdson, Barrie: Chantelle Carriere, Bradford: Danielle Strong, Collingwood: Brenda Boudrias, Midland: Jenna Robitaille, Orillia: Diana Boer, Penetanguishene: Robert Wilson.

Midland Secondary School – Sarah Dewey, Jeremy Gardiner, Jessica Holm, Derek Scheffel.

Nantyr Shores Secondary School – Kaitlyn Blair, Brandon deKrieger, Cameron Hurd, Amber Schank.

Orillia District Collegiate and Vocational Institute – Evan Bell, Laura MacFadyen, Julianne Tersigni.

Park Street Collegiate Institute – Carly BareFoot, Dane Edwards, Laura Moon.

Penetanguishene Secondary School – Heather Clayton, Gavin McLaughlin, Cady Moyer.

Stayner Collegiate Institute – Lindsay Aubry, Melissa Ferguson, Laura Mariciak.

Twin Lakes Secondary School – Vanessa Bond, Kelsey Knight, Sarah Lloyd, Harikrishnan Nandakumar.