Rainbow District School Board welcomes Student Trustees for 2026-2027

Grade 12 students Sadie Gardiner of Lockerby Composite School and Tehya Montgomery of Lasalle Secondary School will serve as Student Trustees on the Rainbow District School Board for the 2026-2027 School Year. They will Co-Chair the Student Senate which includes representatives from the Board’s secondary schools in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin Island.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend a warm welcome to Sadie Gardiner and Tehya Montgomery,” said Board Chair David Farrow. “Our Student Trustees represent the student voice. Together, they contribute to our vision, mission, values and priorities, with student achievement and well-being first and foremost.” He added: “As they participate in Board meetings, they will have an opportunity to learn more about public education locally and provincially.”

Sadie Gardiner and Tehya Montgomery have been involved in extra-curricular activities and leadership roles throughout their secondary education and look forward to making a difference on a system-wide level.

A student in the Science Technology Education Program (STEP) at Lockerby Composite School, Sadie Gardiner is enrolled in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Health and Wellness. She is a member of the school band, Environmental Council, and Student Council, where she will serve as Co-Chair for a second term. Last school year, she was part of the Northern Ontario Music Festival (NOMF) honour band. She has also been a member of Lockerby’s Robotics Club.

Sadie has participated in many competitions organized by the University of Waterloo, including the Waterloo Beaver Computing Challenge, and the Pascal, Kayley, and Fermat competitions. During her Grade 10 Civics Class, she completed a Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) presentation that earned $5,000 for the Sudbury Charity Angels of Hope Against Human Trafficking.

“Involvement in school and school life is important because it allows you to meet a wide variety of people, and gain new experiences and perspectives,” said Sadie Gardiner. “Being involved in the school provides for a better overall experience.” She added: “Student voice matters because students are directly affected by the decisions made at the board level.”

Sadie plans to pursue studies in health sciences, and become a family physician.

Tehya Montgomery, who will serve as Indigenous Student Trustee, is enrolled in Lasalle Secondary School’s Sports Health Academics and Leadership Program (SHAL) where she works with younger students, referees a variety of sports, and gives back to the community. She is the Captain of Lasalle Secondary School’s Senior Girls’ Volleyball team, plays badminton, and is a member of the Senior Reach for the Top team. In Grade 12, she will also be part of the Yearbook Committee.

“When students are involved in their school, they understand more about their school’s culture and values while also enjoying a multitude of experiences,” said Tehya Montgomery. “I encourage students to get out of their comfort zones to meet new people, share their ideas, learn from others, and participate in the many opportunities available to them.” She added: “I am an advocate for youth and mental health in my school and I am very excited to step into my role as Indigenous Student Trustee.”

Tehya plans to study psychology or criminal justice. She is interested in becoming a police officer or youth advocate and someone who can empower others.

Sadie Gardiner and Tehya Montgomery were sworn into their roles as Student Trustees during the regular meeting of Rainbow District School Board on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.