Barrydowne College celebrates largest graduating class since its inception

Barrydowne College celebrated another milestone as the school year drew to a close. The class of 2026 was the school’s largest graduating class ever – a total of 97 students.

Students crossed the stage to receive their Ontario Secondary School Diploma during the Barrydowne College graduation ceremony on June 24, 2026.

A re-engagement school located at Cambrian College, Barrydowne College has enabled more than 1,000 students to achieve their high school diploma since its inception in 2011.

Two of this year’s graduates were honoured by the Schulich Foundation. Lauren Reed-Comeau received a Schulich Builders Scholarship valued at $20,000 and Zachary Rice received a Schulich Builders Scholarship valued at $40,000. Lauren Reed-Comeau also received the Cambrian College Dual Credit Achievement Award.

Cambrian College partners with the Schulich Foundation to award Schulich Builders Scholarships to students enrolling in eligible full-time skilled trades certificate and diploma programs. The scholarships support the cost of tuition, living expenses, and tools.

The Cambrian College Secondary School Academic Achievement Award was presented to Madysen Pauze-Horton. Maddison Moore earned the Dena Morrison Scholarship, established in memory of a respected Trustee with the Rainbow District School Board.

“Our graduates have travelled diverse paths, but they all share something in common. They all returned to school at Barrydowne College in order to graduate and move on to the next step – whatever it may be,” said Principal Susan Kett.

“Barrydowne College has been a place where I have not only experienced success, I have thrived,” said graduate Preston Mumford. “I was able to earn all 30 credits needed for graduation, and at the same time, I was able to participate in hands-on learning, and field trips. These hands-on experiences made learning more exciting and meaningful, and created memories I will carry with me long after graduation.”

Preston added: “In addition to the learning experiences, the staff at Barrydowne College played a big part in my success. At Barrydowne, I benefited from one on one, personalized instruction in an environment where I felt the teachers truly cared about me and my future. They created an environment where I could grow as a student, but also as a person.”

Graduate Lauren Reed-Comeau also praised the teachers at Barrydowne College. “Because of their amazing support, I have been able to pursue something I am passionate about, a future career in the skilled trades,” she said.

She added: “The trades represent more than just a job to me. They represent opportunity, growth, hard work and a chance to build something meaningful. I have learned that success comes from being dedicated, having perseverance and the willingness to keep learning. My time at Barrydowne College has been more than just classes, assignments and exams. It has been my journey of growth and self discovery.”

“Barrydowne College has proven to be a phenomenal success story,” said Bruce Bourget, Chief Executive Officer of the Rainbow District School Board. “Many young people in our community have gone back to school and realized their dream of obtaining a secondary school diploma.”

Barrydowne College is a re-engagement school for students ages 18 to 21 located at Cambrian College. Secondary school credit courses are taught by teachers from Rainbow Schools. Students can also access dual credit courses taught by professors at Cambrian College. This combination, along with the alternative learning environment in a college setting, supports students in their goal of graduating.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.