May 7, 2026 (Brockville, ON) – Arklan Community Public School and Char-Lan District High School are once again proud recipients of the UCDSB Ted Kennedy Legacy Award, presented annually to the elementary and secondary schools that raise the most money per capita in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. Both schools also earned this honour in 2025.
The 2025-26 school year saw significant funds raised across our district, with the leading schools being Arklan PS with $20,634 raised and Char-Lan DHS with $20,437 raised. This marks the second win for Arklan PS and the thirteenth for Char-Lan DHS since the award was introduced in 2011.
Schools across the board fundraise in support of the Terry Fox Foundation every September, combining traditional donation drives with fun, school-wide activities to inspire participation.
At Arklan PS, students were once again inspired by UCDSB student Sam Rudge, daughter of Arklan Vice-Principal Sarah Rudge, who bravely battled osteosarcoma—the same cancer Terry Fox had. Sam passed away on November 2, 2025.
“The school really rallied around our family,” said Rudge. “Sam couldn’t be here, but they were on everyone’s mind. Everyone pushed through and set records that I don’t know if we can beat—but we’re going to try.”
Rudge was also presented with a special gift from the school’s Parent Council: a mural made of hand-painted popsicle sticks; one contributed by each student. Designed to resemble a quilt, the piece reflects Sam’s love of art and the collective spirit of the school community.
“It just shows me how much love there is for Sam in this community,” said Rudge. “Seeing that really warmed my heart. I know a piece of Sam will always be in this building, and their legacy will live on in this community.”
“It just encouraged me that Sam was our inspiration,” said Shaye McNulty, one of the school’s top fundraisers. “I’m very sad that Sam’s gone, but I hope they are very proud. I know I am.”
At Char-Lan District High School, this year’s campaign was driven by a strong sense of community, leadership and personal connection. Students and staff rallied around teacher Shirley MacDonell, who was undergoing treatment for breast cancer during the time of the campaign.
“It was so heartwarming and overwhelming,” said MacDonell. “The support from everyone was so encouraging while I was going through my treatment. They give people so much hope.”
Char-Lan students led a wide range of fundraising efforts, from organizing pep rallies and fundraising markers that resulted in Principal Jason Wagensveld and Vice-Principal Steven Blois having to kiss a goat, to selling produce, baked goods, and Terry Fox t-shirts.
Grade 11 student Addy MacDonell, one of the school’s top fundraisers, collected donations both in school and throughout the community. “Our Link Crew class challenged the school to go above and beyond, and this year we really knocked it out of the park. I just hope that same spirit and drive continues in the years ahead,” she said.
Student leadership extended beyond fundraising, with students like Mackenzie Caulk who created a video to educate peers about Terry Fox’s story and promote the campaign.
“When you think about a school of this size in a small, rural community, it really speaks to the passion and commitment behind this cause,” said Executive Superintendent Chris Boulay who presented the award. “This can’t be done without everyone working together.”
Char-Lan’s efforts placed them among Ontario’s top fundraisers, ranking in the top seven secondary schools this year, and bringing their 13-year total to $137,621 raised. Arklan PS ranked 15th among elementary schools in Ontario in 2025-26, with $61,823 raised since the inception of the Ted Kennedy Award.
Altogether, UCDSB schools have contributed more than $2.2 million to the Terry Fox Foundation.
For more information or inquiries, please contact:
April Scott-Clarke
Manager of Communications
Upper Canada District School Board
[email protected]