Graduation Awards Descriptions

Graduation Awards

Below are the awards that will be presented to graduating students at the June ceremony.

Character Matters!

Presented to students who best exemplify the Board’s ten character attributes:

Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Perseverance, Integrity, Responsibility, Empathy, Initiative, Courage and Optimism

Community Contribution Award

Awarded for exceptional contributions to community improvement

D. Foley Award for Activism

Presented to student leaders for their commitment in building awareness of social and human rights causes throughout theirs at Thornhill S.S.

Derwin Foley was a former History Teacher at Thornhill Secondary School

Gay Straight Alliance “Rainbow” Award

Presented to a student who has made an outstanding effort to support and celebrate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Tansgender and Queer community

Governor General’s Medal

Awarded for academic excellence at the high school level

Jack Webber Scholarship

Awarded to a Business Studies Student who has been on the honour roll for the last three years and who has made significant contributions to school life.

James Graham Award

Presented to a student who has been accepted into theatre studies or communication arts at an accredited Canadian university or college.

James Graham was a former Drama Teacher at Thornhill Secondary School

Kertland Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a Thornhill resident who has contributed significantly to school life, has shown excellent personal development throughout high school, and modelled good citizenship and a willingness to help and serve others

This scholarship is affiliated with the Lions Club of Thornhill

Lawrence Brinder Memorial Award for Accounting

Presented to the student with the highest mark in Grade 12 Accounting

Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award

For exemplary community contribution through volunteer activity.

Marilyn Short Excellence Award

Presented for outstanding musicianship and consistent contribution to musical activities, ensemble participation, and academic excellence.

Marilyn Short was a former Music Teacher at Thornhill Secondary School

Markham District Energy Sustainability Bursary

Presented to a student who demonstrates a passion for and commitment to the environment in their volunteer time.

Principal’s Award

Conferred for exemplary leadership in the student’s graduating year.

Ruth Hansford Award

Presented to a female student for outstanding service to school athletics

School Council Graduation Awards

Presented for exceptional volunteer and citizenship records at school

Specialist High Skills Major

Awarded for excellence in academic achievement, outstanding employability skills and insight into the economic sector of Health and Wellness or Sports

Stephen Luther Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to students who will be studying in a university in the fall of their graduation year. They will have high scholastic achievement and have made significant contribution to life at Thornhill S.S.

Stephen Luther was a former English Teacher at TSS

Student Trustee Award for Character

Presented to a student who exemplifies the character values of the York Region District School Board and is a role model to his or her peers

Thornhill Secondary School 50th Anniversary Award

Given to students who have participated in extra-curricular activities at school, have taken on leadership responsibilities, and have been model citizens.

Thornhill Secondary School OSSTF Branch Award

Presented for community involvement and social awareness

Tiger Recognition Scholarship

Awarded to students who actively contributed to the spirit of the school.

TSS Alumni Association “Next Step” Bursary

Presented to an all-around student will be attending a post-secondary institution in the fall of their graduating year.

University of Toronto National Book Award

Presented to a graduating student for superior performance, original and creative thought and exceptional achievement in a broad context

York Region District School Board Director’s Achievement Award

Presented for educational excellence