Since 2011, RTOERO District 36 Peterborough has presented Merit Awards to deserving high school graduating students.  The program began with Crestwood Secondary School and now includes all our local high schools and   PACE (Peterborough Alternative and Continuing Education) at PCVS.   The award recognizes a student who is positive, helpful, demonstrates good citizenship and has made the school a better place by treating others with respect and dignity.  It is meant for a student who has not received multiple graduating awards. 

Since 2021, the executive decided to increase the amount of the cheque to $200.00 which is given to the recipient.  Their name is engraved on the RTOERO District 36 Merit Award plaque that remains in the school display case.

Usually a member of the District 36 executive has attended the graduation ceremony to personally present the Award.  During Covid 19 lockdowns and closures, we were unable to attend the graduations for 2020 or 2021 or 2022.  This year we again had presenters at all of the graduations.  RTOERO District 36 Peterborough executive and members wish all the graduates the best in their futures.  We hope the adversity and uncertainty they have experienced during their high school years will make them more resilient and stronger.

We have received thank you notes and letters of appreciation for our continued involvement in education through these Merit Awards from the schools and the students.  Some comments from these letters:  a wonderful surprise and honour; made my graduation even more special; a lifelong memory;  grateful for your generosity; reassuring to know that you recognize student’s accomplishments and assist those aspiring to continue their education.  Some plan on entering life sciences or education programs at university.  Others plan on using their skills and talents to volunteer within the community while continuing their education in the arts, writing or photography.

Submitted by Audrey Moore

2023 Merit Award Recipients