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Go to this page to support Marie Dressler Foundation online.

Vintage Film Festival

movie-reels79The Foundation produces the Vintage Film Festival every year on a weekend in October. Full details here.

 

Bursaries

Each year, the Marie Dressler Foundation (the “Foundation”) awards a bursary to one student at each of the five public secondary schools in Northumberland County who will be entering post-secondary studies following graduation in 2024.  The bursary recipient is selected by the Guidance Department of each school based on criteria provided to the school by the Foundation. 

This year’s bursary award was in the amount of $500.00 for each of the five recipients.

The previous winners of the bursaries are listed below in chronological order.

Scholarship/Bursary Winners

Marie Dressler Foundation Bursaries 2024

School Name Bursary Recipient
Cobourg Collegiate Institute (CCI) Morgan Rennicks
St. Mary Catholic Secondary School (SMCSS) Jolie Manez
Port Hope High School (PHHS) Quinton Davis
East Northumberland Secondary School  (ENSS) Lara Echeverria
Campbellford District High School  (CDHS) Tyrin Yourkevich

Marie Dressler Foundation Board

 

Marie Dressler Foundation Bursaries 2023

School Name Bursary Recipient
Cobourg Collegiate Institute (CCI) Liam Roesch
St. Mary Catholic Secondary School (SMCSS) Gabriella Dehaas
Port Hope High School (PHHS) Alexandria McCracken
East Northumberland Secondary School  (ENSS) Mikayla Williams
Campbellford District High School  (CDHS) Jackie Wrightly

Marie Dressler Foundation Board

 

Detailed Status for winners before 2014 is valid as of Summer 2013

2022 Isabell Haig115Isabelle Haig - Winner of 2022 Bursary

2022 Georgia CallaghanGeorgia Callaghan - Winner of 2022 Bursary

2022 Alyssa BrushAlyssa Brush - Winner of 2022 Bursary

2022 Malcom JackMalcolm Jack - Winner of 2022 Bursary

Tristian Kinzinger - Winner of 2022 Bursary

Olivia RapsosOlivia  Rapos - Winner of 2019 bursary – Graduate of Campbellford District High School

Olivia has been an outstanding member of the Campbellford District High School community for the past four years.  Academically, she has excelled and been an honour student each year attaining an overall average of 89%.  She has also received an award for the highest proficiency mark in the Senior Jazz Ensemble.  While doing extremely well in her studies, Olivia also put time and effort into helping her fellow students.  She was her school’s Student Council Prime Minister; she sat on the Youth Advisory Committee and the Student Athletics Council to name a few.

Music and theatre are certainly main focuses of Olivia.  Over the past four years, she has been involved in a variety of arts groups and projects including but not limited to, Warkworth Arts and Heritage, Northumberland Orchestra, Brighton All-Star Band, Westben Festival Arts Theatre and several Church groups.
Olivia will be continuing her education at the University of British Columbia where she will study Music with a focus on opera.

Ava BogyayAva  Bogyay – Winner of 2019 bursary - Graduate of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School

Ava is passionate about music and musical theatre.  This fall, she will be studying music and secondary education at Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

Ava has been involved with community theatre for many years while she was in elementary school.  At the secondary level, Ava played a major role in many theatre productions at St Mary Catholic Secondary School.  This year, she had the lead role in the school’s production of Beauty and the Beast.  Ava has also been an important part of the choral community in Northumberland.  She has been fortunate enough to compete in many high level choir festivals such as MusicFest Canada in Montreal and Ottawa and the Festival of Gold in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Nashville.

Regardless of the demanding hours of the theatre, choral work, private voice lesson and preparation for Royal Conservatory Exams, Ava has maintained a high academic grade point average of 90.5%

Juliette SinnottJuliette Sinnott -  Winner of 2019 bursary – Graduate of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School

Juliette has extremely diverse passions.  She loves science, math and music.  In the fall, she will be attending McGill University for a Combined Bachelor of Music and Science degree.

During her four years at St Mary Catholic Secondary School, Juliette has been involved with multiple choirs as well as theatre productions.  This year, she is playing the role of Babette in the musical, Beauty and the Beast.  Juliette is also a member of the St. Mary’s Jazz Band.

Juliette is also quite skilled at playing the harp.  She displays this love and talent at many retirement homes, Northumberland Hills Hospital and of course, at school.

There is no doubt that Juliette has the right attitude for a team environment as she has demonstrated a positive attitude towards her learning and experiences.  She is a mature student and she has excelled in her academic pursuits, attaining an overall average of 95.5%.

Andrew AtanasoffAndrew  Atanasoff - Winner of the 2019 Bill Patchett Devotion to Community Award - Graduate of Cobourg Collegiate Institute

Andrew has been an integral member of Cobourg Collegiate Institute’s INTERACT club for several years.  He has helped raise many thousands of pounds of food for the local food bank every Hallowe’en; he has participated in the planning and running of the annual community holiday dinner; through INTERACT, he has also helped to raise much needed funds for countless organizations: the Salvation Army, Cornerstone, the WE Foundation, Sleeping Children Around the World and the Journey of Hope with CCI’s sister school in Tanzania.  This year Andrew is the co-president of the INTERACT club.  Bill Patchett would be very proud of this young man.

Andrew is not only passionate about helping others, he is driven to excel in academics.  Andrew has enjoyed being involved in the arts and has taken dance, vocal, photography and art classes. Throughout his secondary school career, Andrew has achieved an impressive 88% overall average.  According to many CCI teachers, Andrew shows maturity beyond his years and can always be counted on to support his peers.  Andrew will undoubtedly get involved at his next school which will be York University for Fine Arts and Concurrent Education.

graham beerGraham Beer - 2018 winner

A graduate of Cobourg Collegiate Institute, Graham is passionate about broadcast and television journalism. Graham is Prime Minister of the Student Council and leads the school community. He has promoted a diversity of school events and has been active in theatre productions, school sports teams, and many community service initiatives while achieving first class honours.

Graham is a winner of Merit Awards for Entrepreneurship Business and also for Communications Technology. Graham is enrolled in RTA Media Production at Ryerson University.

kieva earle 115Kieva Earle - 2018 winner

Kieva graduated from St. Mary’s Secondary School and her passion is music.

She has been an active performer in music theatre, notably as the lead Maria in the school's production of "The Sound of Music" as well as impressive roles with Northumberland Players and set and stage design.  Kieva is active in not only performing in choirs, and with S.O.N.G., but also helping with the mentoring of younger members.

Kieva is also an accomplished athlete in many sports, and is particularly successful in wrestling where she has achieved high standings at the provincial and national levels. Along with Kieva achieving the highest academic average among the grade 12 students at St. Mary's Catholic Secondary School, she is also enrolled in the school's Arts & Culture Specialist High Skills Major program which provides students with an excellent foundation for pursuing further education in the Arts and Culture sector.

Kieva is enrolled in Bishops University in Music and Secondary Education.

ben hughesBenjamin Hughes - 2018 winner

Ben's passions are film and music; he graduated from East Northumberland Secondary School.

Ben is an accomplished musician and he has performed in major productions at his school, most notably in AIDA. He had one of his own written plays selected for a night show performance at his school, with him directing the production. As a BAM (Buddies and Mentors) leader, Ben provided support to incoming Grade 9 students as a mentor and positive role model and is considered a true leader. Ben is an Honour Role student and has already achieved two College credits in writing for the screen. Ben's aspiration is to become a film director.

Ben is enrolled in Ryerson University for the Image Arts: Film Studies Program.

sydney stewartSydney Stewart - Recipient of the "2018 Bill Patchett Devotion to Community Award".

Sydney graduated from Cobourg Collegiate Institute and her passion is visual arts.

As an accomplished young artist and volunteer elementary school art instructor, Sydney believes that the arts have a strong positive impact on mental health. She plans to go into art therapy or teaching art as a career. Sydney has achieved 100% in every visual arts course she has taken - a stunning achievement. Her artwork has been featured and rewarded in many art shows and competitions.

Sydney exemplifies the spirit of Cobourg philanthropist Bill Patchett in her dedication to volunteering. As a social activist, Sydney is committed to helping others. Sydney has been a valued volunteer for many organizations such as Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation Youth Cares Committee, various CCI teams, Habitat for Humanity, Rebound Child & Youth Services, Cornerstone and many other charitable organizations. She is also a mentor for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board's KP Arts Camp.

Sydney is an exceptional student and recently she was recognized by the Loran Scholars' Foundation who placed her among the top 10% of young people in Canada.

Sydney is enrolled in Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario in Psychology and Visual Arts.

carter holmesCarter Holmes - 2017 winner

A graduate of Campbellford District High School. A dancer, actor, trumpet-player, prominent in his school’s leadership group and an active member of the Trent Hills Community Youth Advisory Council. In the fall Carter will be attending the University of Toronto for a Major in Drama

morganMorgan Murray - 2017 winner

A graduate of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, Cobourg. Enjoys writing short screen-plays and created her school’s first film club. Morgan uses her ability to help other students improve their writing skills. In the fall Morgan will attend the University of Toronto for Arts and Humanities, with a double major in English and Cinema Studies

stephanieStephanie Koomen - 2017 winner

A graduate of Cobourg Collegiate Institute. Acted in Queen Marie at the 4th Line Theatre and is a choreographer and actor for Anne of Green Gables at the VOS Theatre in Cobourg. In the fall Stephanie will attend St. Lawrence College in Kingston for Musical Theatre Performance.

kylerKyler Tonkin - 2017 winner

A graduate of East Northumberland Secondary School in Brighton. Kyler is an actor, vocalist, musician, dancer and has been recognized for helping younger children enjoy the arts. In the fall Kyler will attend Queens University and St. Lawrence College for a Bachelor of Music


Canada 150 Bill Patchett Devotion to Community Award

Presented by Mayor Gil Broccanier

mackenzieMackenzie Earle - 2017 winner

A graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School, Cobourg. Mackenzie is academically strong and musically talented, and uses her piano skills to support the school community. She enjoys challenges and devotes time and effort required to be successful. Mackenzie is a “go-getter” who works long hours to be financially independent. In the fall Mackenzie will attend Queen’s University for a Bachelor of Arts.

christian hodgeChristian Hodge - 2016 winner - As well as an outstanding academic record, Christian has talent as a pianist, composer, playwright, stagehand, director and for participation in music and theatrical festivals, including his school, Kiwanis, Stirling, Westben and Northumberland Players.

Amy ScottAmy Scott - 2016 winner - Amy has found opportunities to learn skills in movement/ blocking, stage combat, and script reading by teaching young children at Northumberland Players Camp. She has performed challenging roles in Players productions and volunteered to assist the stage manager, as well. In 2015 Amy was awarded the Town of Cobourg Civic Award for ARTS.

david robertDavid Robert - 2016 winner - David graduates from Cobourg District Institute with outstanding academic credits in Mathematics, Science, English, Media Studies and Writing. He received the Writers' Craft Prize for producing challenging and provocative works and demonstrating his enthusiasm for screenwriting. David played the Cowardly Lion in THE WIZARD OF OZ and ventured to take improv training at the Second City, Toronto.

carlie whiteCarlie White - 2016 winner - Carlie has demonstrated that she could easily learn lighting and sound techniques at school and in Northumberland Players productions and at a Kawartha Pine Ridge Theatre Camp working as a counselor. Carlie played leading roles in Northumberland Players ALADDIN , HANSEL AND GRETEL and SNOW WHITE. She graduated on the Honour Roll with above average marks in English, Communication Technology , and Visual Arts -Film/Video.

KieranYates 115Kieran Yates - 2015 winner - graduated from St. Mary Secondary School, Cobourg with a strong academic performance, winning the St. Mary Silver and Gold AAA Achievement Award. Kieran is headed to Ottawa University to pursue a four year Arts degree, following which she intends to attend Teacher's College. Kieran would like to teach Elementary School.

Kieran teaches piano and is a pianist for mass at her local church every Saturday. She also volunteers at the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir seasonal concerts.

Sabina LitherlandSabina Litherland - 2015 winner - graduated from Cobourg District Collegiate West with high academic accomplishments. She is headed to Queen's University, Kingston where she will be is enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program with a major in Drama and a minor in Music.

Sabina plays the flute and is a front ofthe house volunteer for 4th Line Theatre. She has performed in the chorus for the play "Queen Marie" at 4th line theatre and aspires to be an actor professionally.

Connor DubosConnor Dobos - 2015 winner - graduated from Cobourg District Collegiate West and is headed to Ryerson University to complete studies in Sports Media. He is aspiring to a career in sports reporting and video production.

Connor is an active sportsman, both in organizing school and community sports and in competing. He has competed in Track and Field, soccer, rugby, and wrestling. Connor was awarded "Jr. Referee of the Year" by the Cobourg Community Hockey League. Connor also has participated in musicals and has volunteered at three West charity dinners.

Bradley MartinezBradley Martinez - 2014 winner - Bradley, an Award of Excellence recipient at St. Mary's Secondary School, is enrolled in Metal Works Institute in Toronto to further develop his musical and media skills.

At St. Mary's Bradley excelled in Vocal Music, Drama and Music Theatre.  "Bradley's life is music," writes his Drama and Music teacher, Tanya Earl who adds that Bradley is an organized, mature and diligent student whose assignments show attention to detail and has outstanding academic achievement.

In school activities Bradley provided leadership and encouraged others to do well by creating audio recordings for choir and senior class drama. He played the lead role in JACK FLASH. Extra-curricular activities included senior boys basketball, St. Mary's Jazz Band, St. Mary's Singers and Jr. and Sr. Boys  volleyball.

In the community Bradley was light board operator for Northumberland Players' PETER PAN and sound board operator for SMSS SUESSICAL THE MUSICAL. At the Columbus Community Centre Bradley provided music for their Fashion Show.  As a volunteer at Ten Thousand Villages he worked as a greeter and cashier.

Amanda StucklessAmanda Stuckless - 2014 winner - Amanda graduated from Cobourg District Collegiate West and is enrolled in Graphic Arts at Durham College.  There she plans to turn her childhood passion for creating pictorial stories into corporate, editorial and advertising designs.

Throughout her high school years Amanda successfully balanced academic demands, employment and volunteering.  At Dollarama Amanda learned merchandising techniques and addressing customer needs.

At her Co-op placement at Beyond Signs and Design her role as graphic designer assured Amanda that she is choosing the right course for future employment.  Serving at church luncheons taught her that she is able to face immediate challenges.

Greeting instructors, co-workers and customers with a smile and treating others with kindness and dignity are characteristics of Amanda's cheerful outlook and positive social interaction, all essential qualities for future success.

Mandy-Jo StonemanMandy-Jo Stoneman - 2014 winner - Mandy-Jo is the first graduate of Continuing Individual Studies, Cobourg to receive a Dressler Foundation Award.  At our presentation Mandy-Jo read a letter describing her scattered education. Following the birth of her son she realized the need to receive her high school graduation diploma.

At CIS Mandy-Jo achieved high marks and worked as a waitress, volunteered at Ten Thousand Villages and supported Mercy for Animals. She participated in Leap through Northumberland Child Development Centre.

At Durham College Mandy-Jo is enrolled in Library and Information Technology which she hopes will lead to a career in Library or Museum employment. Sara, Mandy's twin sister is enrolled at Durham College and will share the expenses of travel.

Sarah JenkinsSarah Jenkins - 2014 winner - Sarah is an Honour Roll graduate of Cobourg District Collegiate West with distinction in Film Study and Health and Physical Education. Her communications for Student Council events earned her admiration from staff and fellow students.

Experiences in Girls' Hockey, Canoe Kids Canada along with merchandizing Green Canoe Outfitters and Co-op placement at The Breeze Radio Station have given Sarah exceptional background in various areas of sports. Choosing to study Sports Media, Radio and Television Art and Film at Ryerson University seem a very wise choice for this athlete.

Over the years Sarah has worked to be self-supporting as she has younger twin sisters who will be completing high school soon. Her video skills have helped the Cobourg Dragon Boat Canoe Club, the U-23 World Championships at Niagara Falls and the Durham College Christmas Dinner benefit.

Sarah thanks the Marie Dressler Foundation " for giving students like me with a passion for the Arts and Film an opportunity to receive financial assistance".

2013 Maia Desjardins - Maia was home-schooled and on the Honour Roll for four years with the Virtual Learning Centre. She is attending the University of Guelph to work towards an honours degree, majoring in arts, studio art and history. Her main interest is in design and she's been mentored by renowned costume designer Suzanne Mess, who lives in Cobourg.

Maia said she chose Guelph because it has a good visual arts program "which a lot of people don't know about. They also have beekeeping, so I might take that as well."

She has appeared in her school's production of La Malade Imaginaire, Pygmalion, A Midsummer's Night Dream and traditional Japanese Noh and Kabuki theatre and Greek Comedy.

Maia is a volunteer at the Art Gallery of Ontario and also a member of their Youth Council. She is a member of the Youth Advisory for Port Hope's Critical Mass Centre for Contemporary Art, competes with the NORAC swim team and has part-time jobs at a local food store and at the Port Hope Library Mary J. Benson Branch. at her school.

2013 Remi Mireault - Remi, an Honours student at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, is attending Montreal's Concordia University, where he's studying theatre arts – acting, playwriting, directing and design.

"Part of the reason I chose Concordia is that I know Quebec has its own theatre and its own film industry," he said. "Living in Montreal will help me become more fluent in French. If I'd gone to a Toronto school I might well have a foot in Toronto theatre, but I hope to have a foot in French theatre as well."

He's already appeared in more than 20 community theatre productions, been a member of La Jeunesse youth choir and the award-winning St. Mary Singers, and has been an extra in an ABC production of Happy Town.

Remi won the St. Mary Gold Triple A Award this year. He was also given a Government of Ontario Volunteer Services Award for his school activities, and the Town of Cobourg gave him a Civic Award for Arts and Academics. Remi also volunteers at the YMCA, at Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the United Way, at Trinity United Church, and the Shelter Valley Folk Festival. Additionally he's held down several part-time jobs.

2012 Heather Abrams – Heather graduated from C.D.C.I. West, Cobourg, and has been on the honour roll throughout high school. She is enrolled at Queen's University aiming for her B.A. (Honours) with a major in Drama. She has set her sights on becoming an actress, with dreams of stage roles at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. She has spent the last two summers at the Shakespeare school.

Heather has been working part-time in a Cobourg cafe; assisted with fundraising for the Cancer Society; volunteered at Ten Thousand Villages shop, and created posters for Anti-Bullying campaign at her school.

2012 Patrick Quigley – Patrick graduated from St. Mary’s Secondary School, Cobourg, and has been on the honour roll since Grade 10.  He is enrolled in the Centennial College Broadcasting and Film program.

He has been a volunteer at TV Cogeco, assisting with the taping of council meetings.  He enjoys being behind the scenes and is interested in editing and producing movies.  Patrick created, produced and ran the school’s first news magazine program.  He has filmed school events such as the talent shows, the annual Terry Fox run and assemblies. 

Patrick has assisted with fundraising for the Art Show at Victoria Hall; coached the NCS softball team since grade 9; played and umpired for the Cobourg Legion Softball Organization for several years.  

2011 Christopher Joseph-Sudlow – CDCI West.  He has just completed his first year of film/media studies at Brock University.  As a young entrepreneur, he has brought Island Breeze Snow Cones to Cobourg this summer as a means to raise funds for his continuing education, taking advantage of the Summer Company 2012 program.

2011 Quinn McDermott - St. Mary’s Separate School. He has completed his first year at Humber College in the Applied Arts in Film and Media Production.  Between the intense script writing and shooting workshops, editing a number of short films, studying different global emerging media, and the unbelievable amount of essays he has written for Philosophy and Film studies, the time has passed so quickly. Now he is back home and working on videos for different contests and a few other projects. Soon he will be attending filming of the hit show Being Erica. Quinn is working for Port Hope Tourism for the summer and will be working on fun and exciting media things with them as well. “I’d like to thank the Marie Dressler Foundation for financially supporting me and other young aspiring artists and students in our area.”

2010 Melissa MacCoubrey - Trinity College.  Melissa continues studying at Bishop’s University.  At the most recent Festival, she won both Best Female in a new play; Most Memorable Performance; and Best Female in the TheatreActiv Festival.

scott leonard2009 Scott Leonard – St. Mary’s Separate School. Studied Theatre Arts Production at Cambrian College in Sudbury, then planned to continue studying at Fanshawe College.

2009 Tom Henderson - CDCI West and he reports “Since I have received the Marie Dressler Award, I have gone on to change the world...”  Tom attended Ryerson for News media but soon realized this program just wasn't for him so decided to go to Algonquin College to study animation.  A year passed and he has found his passion. “Imagine drawing all day and night and getting paid for it!” After a year of honing his drawing skills, Tom was accepted into the prestigious Sheridan College Animation program. It is currently the only Animation Degree in Canada and the program was just ranked the number one school in the world for animation studies.  “The rest is history. I am currently studying and loving every second of it. I will be applying for internships at large studios such as Pixar and Disney in the near future, and soon you'll be seeing me accepting my Oscar for best animated feature film!”

2009 Juliana Wilton - Port Hope High School.  After taking a Communications Technology course at Humber College, she enrolled in their 'Film & Media Production' program. This Fall Julie will be entering Brock University to continue her search for stories. Ever since she was young she has been a storyteller and started writing her first "book" in grade five. In High school, she began combining her love of stories with filmmaking. So far, she has met many wonderful people and learned many things about the world and especially herself. Julie said she would like to thank all those who support the Marie Dressler Foundation and the people who make this Award possible.  A great gift to give to those who may be struggling financially to reach their dreams. She hopes future generations will be afforded the same chances that were given to her.

2008 Claire Stewart  -  Trinity College School. She is now approaching her final semester at McGill University, Montreal, working towards her Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Cultural Studies and a double minor in Film and Costuming for the Theatre. Claire has enjoyed costuming for several different plays over the course of the last couple years and has worked with three of McGill's student-run theatre companies, McGill's Mainstage productions for the Department of English, and the Montreal Fringe Festival. She plans on applying to graduate school programs in both costume history/curation and costume design/construction, in New York and Montreal.  Claire would like to thank the Marie Dressler Foundation for their support.

2007 Alex Young – CDCI East. Studied Broadcasting and Film at Centennial College where he completed a variety of short films, radio plays and live programs. He entered several film festivals and competitions including the 24 Hour Toronto Film Race where his team won best film. During his time at school Alex met a small group of like minded people and formed a small production company, Lost Mile Studios. This company has produced several short films, corporate projects and even a viral video for the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. Alex completed an internship at CTV in the advertising and promotions department where he now works full time as a Production Coordinator. He continues to write and direct short films when not saving cities and galaxies in video games and comic books.

2006 Christopher Oliver - CDCI West.  Graduated from Queen's University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and has been specializing in video and film for several years. He is the owner and operator of CCO Productions www.ccoproductions.ca, producing educational, promotional and corporate videos as well as independent short films in the Northumberland area. Finding success locally has provided Chris with the opportunity to begin branching into the Toronto and Ottawa markets. His work has been featured at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, showcased through various film competitions and prominently online and on television as part of commercial work created for his clients.

2005 Karly Stothart - St. Mary’s Separate School.  She entered the Acting For Film & Television program at Humber College and then switched her focus to Media Studies and  Social Service Work. While completing her schooling she always found time to keep up with her passion for acting.

After her mother passed away in 2010, Karly made the decision, with her father, Dave, to move to Los Angeles for three months. While in Los Angeles, she trained, and starred in a few short films and studied at the The Acting Corps.  Karly also studied in Toronto, at the Dean Armstrong Acting Studio. She appears on several TV commercials. Currently, Karly travels between Canada and the United States with her professional hockey player boyfriend.  They plan to settle in either Milwaukee or Nashville.

2004 Christine Cleary -  St. Mary’s Separate School.  After traveling all over the world (South America, Central America, Europe), she decided to focus on her own music. She plays piano, sings and song writes. Christine’s music has become heavily influenced by comedy (similar to Flight of the Conchords) and she has performed in various comedy rooms in Toronto. Last year she was approached by musician/producer Bob Wiseman (formerly of Blue Rodeo) who offered to help to produce her own album. Last fall Christine took part in the annual Ontario Council of Folk Festivals’ conference, performing alongside Bob and two other musicians in a private showroom. Now she has begun teaching voice lessons and recently promoted her first show. 

2003 BRENT QUIGLEY – CDCI West.  Graduated from Ryerson’s New Media Program.  He was nominated for the best Music Video at the 2002-3 Toronto International Teen Movie Festival.     Brent went on to be a teacher at CDCI West, and now teaches in Bowmanville.

2002 KERRI OUGH – CDCI East.  Graduated with an Honours Degree in Music Education from University of Western Ontario.  In 2006 Kerri met up with Sue Passmore and Caroline Brooks to form The Good Lovelies.  It wasn’t long before the trio was winging their way to Australia, England, the U.S. and various locations in Canada, to perform country/folk music.  It has been said their tireless rain or shine outlook has helped them weather their constant touring schedule.

The album The Good Lovelies won the 2010 JUNO Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year.  In 2011 they featured at the Australian National Folk Festival. 

2001 GILLIAN ORMEROD – CDCI East.  Studied Theatre Arts at Acadia University.  Currently is the Music Teacher at the International School Frankfurt, in Germany.

2000 MICHAEL MCBRIDE – CDCI East.  Since being awarded the Marie Dressler scholarship, Michael has developed into a classical opera singer, and is now working in the Kaiserslautern Pfalz Theater, Germany.   His early study was at the University of Toronto, in vocal performance, and he also achieved his Masters of Music from the Royal Academy of Music in London, England. He apprenticed for two years with the Bavarian State Opera, Munich. Michael is fluent in French and German. Aside from enjoying and learning about different cultures, and highly specialized operatic vocal performance, Michael loves returning to Cobourg to be with his family and friends. 

1999 YUSUN HA – CDCI West.  Completed 4 year course at the Ontario College of Art and Design.

1998 LEE DODINGTON – Port Hope High School.  Attended Humber Theatre School.

1997 MEAGHEN QUINN – CDCI East.  Graduated in Musical Theatre at University of Windsor and received a Masters of Fine Arts in Acting from Pennsylvania State University. Studied in London, England and at the Canadian Stratford Academy.  Meaghen has appeared and toured in many theatre productions.  In the last five years she has taught ‘Introduction to Acting’ and ‘Public Speaking’ for various American Universities, as well as ‘Movement for the Actor’ for the University of Windsor. This past winter she was touring with a Shakespeare play.  Meaghen is thankful for those who have supported her on this journey, and wants to encourage artists of all ages to continue to follow their dreams.

1996 RACHEL CRESSWELL – Trinity College School.  Attended University of Windsor.

1995 MARIA LISE - CDCI West, Cobourg

1994 ROCKY O’BRIEN - CDCI East.  Attended the Vocal Jazz Performance course at Humber College for two years, performing as a soloist as well as part of the Trish Colter Ensemble.  After working for a couple of years, Rocky once again began pursuing a career in music as a part of the band Dynamite Steven. Performing as a drummer and also sharing lead vocals, the band performed all over Ontario and parts of Quebec at local venues as well as festivals. The band opened for such artists as Trooper and The Tea Party. He left the band to pursue full time employment. Rocky and his wife Lindsay now enjoy passing their love of music on to their young son.

1993 ANGELA RIDEOUT - St. Mary’s, Cobourg

1992 CALLUM MORRIS – CDCI East.  Graduated in Music from McGill University and Arizona State University.  Since 2004 has been the Resident Musical Director at PCPA Theatrefest in Santa Maria, California.