On Thursday, June 11, 2026, staff, students, families, and friends gathered at Thompson Rivers University to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s top graduating students at the 48th Annual District Honours Recognition Reception. 

District Honours recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in a variety of ways. While academic success is a key component, the significance of this recognition lies in the balance students have achieved—contributing to athletics, the arts, leadership, service, and school communities. Through these commitments, honourees have helped create learning environments that are more inclusive, connected, and vibrant for others. 

At the District Honours Reception Vice-Chair Rhonda Kershaw shared, “On behalf of the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education, I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s District Honours graduates. Earning District Honours is an exceptional achievement that reflects not only your academic excellence, but also your dedication, perseverance, and character. Throughout your journey, you have demonstrated the ability to balance many pursuits and priorities. You are not only strong students, you are also artists, athletes, musicians, leaders, and active members of your communities. Your accomplishments reflect not only what you have achieved, but who you are.” 

Superintendent Mike St. John reflected on the impact students have had across the district. “Each of you has helped shape the culture of your schools in meaningful and lasting ways. In my visits to schools across the district, I’ve had the opportunity to hear your stories, see your passions, and understand what helps you thrive. What stands out most about this group is not only what you have accomplished, but how you have shown up with curiosity, commitment, and care for others,” he shared. “You have helped create the kinds of school environments we strive for—places where students want to be, where they run to school in the morning and leave at the end of the day feeling proud of what they’ve experienced and learned. As you move forward, be present, take care of each other, go and change the world.” 

The evening was led by student masters of ceremonies Brooklyn Mallais and Hailey Meredith from NorKam Secondary. Guests enjoyed a variety of student performances and artistic displays throughout the event. Visual artwork and student projects from students across the district were showcased, highlighting creativity and talent in a variety of forms.

Musical performances by the South Kamloops Secondary School Senior Jazz Combo added to the celebratory atmosphere. Makenna Boucher from Westsyde Secondary opened the evening with “O Canada”. Additional performances included a piano solo by Anna Cameron of Sa-Hali Secondary, a contemporary dance by Clara Foucault of Kamloops School of the Arts, and a classical violin performance by Kate Chamberlin from South Kamloops Secondary. To close the evening, Makenna Boucher, accompanied by Nathan Howell on piano, delivered a powerful vocal performance of O Mio Babbino Caro by Giacomo Puccini that brough the crowd to their feet in a standing ovation.

Guest speaker Lily Eckerman, a NorKam Secondary alumna, 2025 Ross Dickson Award recipient, and former District Honours student, shared reflections and advice with this year’s graduates. “When you embark on your life after high school, wherever you may go, there will be obstacles that you have to handle. There will be difficult homework tasks and responsibilities, and it's easy to get caught up in this rat race that you forget why you're doing this. Have gratitude for the challenges that come your way and recognize that this struggle is the only reason why you get to embark on whatever this post-secondary life looks like to you.”

Congratulations to all of this year’s District Honours graduates!