The Lambton Kent District School Board is celebrating after its student-athletes swept the 2026 Dr. Jack Parry Awards, a scholarship program recognizing graduating high school students in Chatham-Kent for excellence in athletics, academics and community involvement.
Established in 1994, the Dr. Jack Parry Award honours one male and one female student-athlete each year from participating schools. Recipients receive a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by the Parry family.
Sophia Metcalfe of Lambton Kent Composite School received the female award after a high school career marked by success in basketball, volleyball, badminton, soccer, track and field, curling and slo-pitch. The board said Metcalfe earned numerous league and regional championships, along with multiple MVP and Coaches Choice awards. Her leadership was also recognized through honours including the Beth Wilson Student Leadership Award and Wall of Fame distinction.
“We are beyond thrilled to announce that our very own Sophia Metcalfe has been named the recipient of the Jack Parry Award,” officials from the Dresden school stated.
“This award honours students who achieve outstanding success in athletics, maintain academic excellence and make meaningful contributions to their school and community. Congratulations to Sophia on this well-deserved achievement.”
The male award was shared by Noah Brinkman of John McGregor Secondary School and Ian Costello of Chatham-Kent Secondary School.
Brinkman served as captain of 10 teams during his high school career while balancing academics, athletics, part-time work and more than 750 hours of volunteer service. He plans to attend Redeemer University to pursue an honours bachelor of science in kinesiology.
Costello excelled in volleyball, basketball and track and field, where he established himself as one of the region’s top discus throwers. His accomplishments include being named Junior Athlete of the Year, earning MVP and Coaches Choice honours, placing seventh at OFSAA and breaking a 45-year-old school discus record in Grade 11. He also captured LKSSAA and SWOSSAA discus titles in his senior year.
The board said all three students demonstrated exceptional leadership and community involvement throughout their high school careers, serving their schools and local organizations while maintaining strong academic standing.
LKDSB officials said the achievements of Metcalfe, Brinkman and Costello reflect the board’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes and represent a source of pride for schools across the district.
