For some 45 years (since the late 1970s, as far as anyone can remember!), the Rotary Club of Guelph has supported and honoured students at the commencement ceremonies of all Guelph high schools. In 2025, we are again proud to have personally presented eight Gary Tatum Achievement Awards (one per high school), plus the single Don Bower Career Development Award at College Heights Secondary School. More details and photos below!
The worthy award winners are selected by their schools, and each Rotary Award is presented to the recipient by a Rotarian, in person and on stage at the student's commencement ceremony.
- The GARY TATUM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is presented by the Rotary Club of Guelph to a student who has made a significant achievement in the face of adversity or extraordinary challenges. The award honours the memory of Gary Tatum, the much loved former Secretary of our club and staff member at the University of Guelph when he passed away unexpectedly in 1994 after collapsing during a regular Friday club meeting. One Gary Tatum Award is presented each year at each of Guelph's eight high schools.
- The DON BOWER CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARD is presented by the Rotary Club of Guelph to a student at College Heights Secondary School who has shown dedication and perseverance and requires books, tools or other necessities for their chosen career. The award honours the memory of Don Bower, a much loved past president of our club who passed away in 2007. Don had been a big supporter of the College Heights school and became a lasting role model for how an active Rotarian could deliver Service Above Self to benefit both students and staff at a school.
Current Rotarians consider it an honour to present these annual Rotary youth awards in person. Each school runs their commencement ceremony a touch uniquely but each one is deeply moving with stirring music and joyful pride. The catholic high schools each hold their ceremonies in the stunning Basilica. The public schools hold their commencements in-house. And if you are the lucky presenter at College Heights, you might even be rewarded with a gift of cookies and squares from their baking class!
We were touched to learn that the Gary Tatum Achievement Award winner at JF Ross, Kira Tus, had come to Canada from Ukraine just three years ago after war broke out there. Her proud mom is shown in the photo below. Kira is indeed highly deserving of this award.
