Three Chatham-Kent (CK) high school student-athletes have been awarded the Dr. Jack Parry Award.
The awards recognize the top graduating high school athletes in the municipality who also excel academically and contribute to their schools and community. The winners receive a $1,000 post-secondary scholarship, which is provided by the Parry family.
Among the winners is Noah Brinkman from John McGregor Secondary School in Chatham.
"I worked really hard over all my high school years to get to this point, and it's kind of just like a recognition of what I've done. I mean, seeing the other athletes and the other nominees and the people who won the award, to be in that conversation is pretty amazing," said Brinkman.
According to the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB), through his high school career, Brinkman served as a captain of ten different teams, while accruing over 750 hours of volunteer service.
Brinkman told CK News Today that this year alone he has participated in golf, cross-country, volleyball, basketball, hockey, soccer, track and field, and badminton.
"There's lots of great athletes at my school and I mean it's pretty cool to be the one that was recognized for it, but I wouldn't be here without all my teammates and the people from my school," Brinkman continued. "So, it's not just an award for me. It belongs to them as much as it does to me."
In the future, Brinkman hopes to stay involved in athletics. He is set to attend Redeemer University for an honours bachelor of science in Kinesiology.
The other two winners include Sophia Metcalfe of Lambton Kent Composite School, and Ian Costello of Chatham-Kent Secondary School.
Metcalfe is a multi-sport athlete. She has been recognized with a Female Rookie of the Year award in Grade 9 and has since received multiple MVP and Coaches Choice awards.
"Sophia represents the very essence of the Jack Parry Award, an elite athlete who leads with integrity, inspires others, and excels in every facet of school life," said the LKDSB.
Metcalfe has also been awarded the Beth Wilson Student Leadership Award and has earned Silver, Gold, and ultimately Wall of Fame distinction.
Costello is best known for his participation in track and field, but also made his mark in volleyball and basketball.
According to the LKDSB, Costello broke a 45-year-old school record in discus during his Grade 11 year. He has been awarded Junior Athlete of the Year, MVP, and Coaches Choice honours.
"Off the field, Ian is equally impactful. His commitment to community organizations, including the Chatham Ballhawks, Kent Basketball Academy, and Goodfellows, demonstrates a strong dedication to service, all while maintaining Honours with Distinction in his academic studies," The LKDSB added.
The school board congratulated the winners, adding that the students' recognition at the 2026 Dr. Jack Parry Awards is a moment of immense pride for the entire district.
