Eight high school students who made a big impact in their schools and in their communities - in addition to being recognized as top players and volunteers in the OMHA - are the winners of $5,000 post-secondary bursaries from Dairy Farmers of Ontario, with two more students being awarded the Wally Scott Bursary.

The recipients are: Brooke Davenport (Bradford), Nolan Jagos (Midland), Hayden Leeder (Kingston), Andrew McMillan (Guelph), Adia Molson (Grand Valley), Evan Odrcich (Lasalle), Daniel Puglisi (Ancaster) and Mason Truemner (Mid-Huron). Max Avery (Dresden) and Aidan Harrison (Oshawa) were awarded the Wally Scott Bursary of $1,250 as part of the OMHA Bursary Program. 

They were selected from the 2024-25 minor hockey season and are set to attend university beginning in September. Profiles of each recipient, including videos, can be found below.

The Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary program provides minor hockey players recognition for their outstanding contribution to community service, athletic and academic success. Applications for 2026 Bursary Program will be announced early next season.

"Dairy Farmers of Ontario is proud to partner with the OMHA and recognize eight outstanding student-athletes with $5,000 towards their post-secondary education" said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Dairy Farmers of Ontario. "Congratulations to the winners for their continuous contributions to the community and their excellence in both academics and athletics. They embody leadership, resilience, and sportsmanship both on and off the ice."

“The OMHA-Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary program is a shining example of what it means to be a student-athlete and a leader in the classroom, on the ice and in the community,” said Ian Taylor, the Executive Director of the OMHA. “These recipients are making their schools, arenas, towns and cities better places for all. The winners are active examples of the life skills that minor hockey teaches its participants. Congratulations and best of luck in your post-secondary education next year.”

The game of hockey was a constant force in Wally Scott’s personal and professional life for over sixty years. He demonstrated this lasting commitment to the game as a coach, fan, father, grandfather and legal counsel. Without question, he was a passionate advocate of the game. Over the decades, Wally’s personal and professional interests in hockey merged to the benefit of the OMHA. The award presented in his name is intended to recognize his contributions and commitment to the OMHA and to the game of hockey.

Not many people, let alone a Grade 12 student, can say they’ve slept overnight in an igloo. Brooke Davenport is one who can prove she has.

As part of her Enviroventure Club at Nantyr Shores Secondary School, Davenport has also climbed seven mountains in the outdoor educational leadership program.

“It can be tough and morale can be low, but Brooke is one who would constantly, consistently bring the morale up of the group,” said her teacher Verity Thompson.

Davenport is a member of her school’s girl’s flag football team and part of the Link Crew and is graduating from the French Immersion program.

Her positive attitude also shines at the rink.

Davenport was named captain of her Bradford Bulldogs squad and was often the only girl playing on the boy’s team.

With the Bradford Girls Hockey Club, Davenport started as a participant and has grown into a leadership role, serving as a role model for the next generation of female players.

“Fast forward eight or nine years, there are little girls who are playing hockey in Bradford because of Brooke,” said Rob Matthews, founder of the Club.

The Bradford Leisure Centre has become a second home for Davenport. Along with all of the time spent there as a player and volunteer, she also has a part-time job at the facility.

“I really can’t complain about being overscheduled when I make it myself,” she said.

Next year she will be continuing her love of math, science and problem solving in the Engineering program at Queen’s University.

Davenport credits hockey for building her leadership qualities that she’s been able to use in group projects or within her job.

“I don’t think I would be the same person without hockey.”

Nolan Jagos uses his musical talent as a way to bring people together on his hockey team and in his school’s musical theater productions.

Jagos was the lead vocalist at St. Theresa’s Catholic High School’s music review production titled Take Me Home, with the theme of all-Canadian music. As part of the show, he also takes on choreography roles, vocal training and leads in stage presence.

“To work in the dramatic arts in school, it was absolutely unique and not something that I’ve coached in any of my players,” said his Midland Centennials hockey coach Mason Cromwell.

Cromwell recalls a time where the team was staying at a hotel during a tournament. He didn’t know Jagos could play guitar until Jagos started singing with his teammates. The team ended up winning their quarterfinal the next game and credited the team bonding from the night before as what contributed to the victory the most.

“Growing up with music in the house, I was drawn to that. My parents put me in music at a young age and it grew into guitar,” said Jagos. “Everyone has something to enjoy in music.”

“Building that type of relationship and how he was able to bring all those kids together, it was something special,” said Cromwell.

Jagos serves as President of the Student Council and helped the school raise the most money since 2000 in its Terry Fox Run.

He works at the local Boys and Girls Club along with coaching youth ball hockey. Jagos will be enrolled in the concurrent education program at Queen’s University next year with the goal of becoming a teacher. 

Hayden Leeder is being recognized for making La Salle Secondary School a more positive space for all students and for his hard work as a hockey player.

Leeder was nominated by his teachers to be part of the Red Cross Club’s anti-bullying campaign, where he was trained to give presentations to local elementary schools on the impacts of bullying. As part of this club, he surveyed his peers at school and presented the results to the staff and board trustees on how to make the school a safer place by improving the Human Rights Tool. 

He was elected to be a Grade 12 representative on the Leadership Council and has organized many fundraisers over the years, including food drives and winter clothing drives. Leeder is also a peer tutor for younger students that need extra support in math.

“He’s somebody who takes part in all of the things that La Salle has to offer,” said his teacher Manjit Singh-Graham.

In cross-country, Leeder qualified for OFSAA on two occasions with this top five finishes in the Eastern Ontario races. He also plays on the school’s football, soccer and track and field teams.

In the classroom, Leeder is taking his enjoyment of coding and statistics into the Computer Engineering program at Queen’s University next year.

Leeder was part of what was called the ‘hard hat line’ by his coaches on his team with Kingston Minor Hockey.

“I learn my work ethic from hockey,” said Leeder.

Andrew McMillan, the Vice-President of the Athletic Council at Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute in Guelph, is being recognized for his accomplishments at school and at the hockey rink.

McMillan will be attending Western University next year for Health Sciences. The skater with Guelph Minor Hockey became interested in learning about rest and recovery through his passion of playing sports, with his end goal of becoming a bone doctor.

He is also a math tutor at Centennial Collegiate. Along with time after school, McMillan spends many of his spares and lunches helping others.

“Kids kind of surround him asking him math questions. He’s so patient and Andrew is just quiet and soft spoken, helps them all, and then goes back to his own work,” said his teacher Carrie-Anne Milne. “I think the school will miss Andrew and his leadership.”

Being a role model and leader in the community is important for McMillan.

In his role on the Athletic Council, McMillan is a key leader in ensuring that school events like spirit days and fundraising are successful. Centennial Collegiate hosted the Central Western Ontario Secondary Schools Association (CWOSSA) boy’s basketball tournament and it was McMillan who was responsible for organizing the volunteers, referees, coaches, and teams across multiple gym facilities.

“Leadership to me is important because leadership is not something that you claim. It’s something that others place upon you based on your actions and reputation,” he said.

McMillan credits hockey for teaching him work ethic, leadership and teamwork skills, all of which he’s been able to use in the classroom.

The multi-sport athlete also volunteers at local sports camps and serves on his school’s Link Crew.

A consistent role model and leader in school and at the hockey rink, Adia Molson is being recognized for her dedication to education and community.

The Grade 12 graduate is heavily involved in athletics at Westside Secondary School, participating on the hockey, tennis, cross country and ultimate frisbee teams.

On top of that, she maintains an average in the 90s in her studies while also working two part-time jobs.

“It takes a lot of responsibility for students to be involved in that many sports,” said her teacher and tennis coach Christine Kleist. “The fact that Adia wants to do a sport every single season means that she has to have the dedication and commitment to her sports outside and inside of school, and then her academic studies.”

Growing up playing minor hockey with the Grand Valley Twisters in the OMHA taught Molson lessons in leadership that she’s been able to bring into her role as captain of the frisbee team.

“I like to keep that positive energy around when I’m playing,” said Molson.

Molson will continue her knack for physics and science next year in the Radiation Science program at McMaster University.

Her study habits and time management were noted by her teachers, as Molson communicates with them when she may be missing class for sports so she can catch up on any lessons or tests.

“I would bring my portable desk in the car and my laptop and write an essay or do physics on the way to a game or back from it,” said Molson. “I think hockey has done a lot for my time management.”

Molson was involved in the school’s Student Union, taking the lead in organizing athletic events and fundraisers like the student-teacher games.

Evan Odrcich had a passion for math and science that carried all the way through high school.

He is a main driver on St. Thomas of Villanova’s Robotics team that made it all the way to the World Championships in Houston last year. Odrcich spends time preparing for his matches and scouting his opponents to help his team get an edge.

“It’s a very busy schedule, a huge commitment,” said Evan’s father Mark Odrcich. “Most evenings and weekends, he’s with his robotics team. They’re designing, building, driving and competing with their robotics.”

Odrcich will be studying engineering at Queen’s University next year, furthering his education in the field.

At Villanova, Odrcich competed in the University of Windsor Science Olympiad, placing first in physics and third overall in the competition.

He has recorded over 500 hours of community service and assists with the school’s Sound and Tech club in putting on multiple theatre productions.

“Sometimes when I speak to him, I forget that I’m talking to a grade 12 student because his maturity belies his age,” said his teacher David Janisse.

“I’m impressed with his ability to communicate with adults in a very even-keeled and even-mannered way,” echoed his coach Brian Green.

As a skater with the Lasalle Sabres in the OMHA, Odrcich recorded no penalties in the last three years. He also works as a referee in the area as a way to enhance his love of the game.

“I think my perspective as an official helps me know how to avoid taking penalties and try and play a clean game,” he said.

What started as a volunteer project with his hockey team has led Daniel Puglisi to earn over 980.5 volunteer hours ahead of his high school graduation.

Every Saturday morning, Puglisi gives his time to Gore Park Community Outreach, a service that provides prepared food to those facing financial difficulties in the area. 

“It’s not really about the hours anymore. It’s more about the impact that I can make on others, how I can support others and make the world a better place,” said Puglisi.

He’s always been a team player and that has carried over to his Ancaster Minor Hockey team. When his coach needed someone to switch from playing forward to defence, he called on Puglisi to make the change.

“He ended up being one of our best defencemen we have on the team,” said Maurice O’Brien, Puglisi’s coach for the better part of ten seasons.

Along with volunteering, hockey and his regular studies, Puglisi also carries a heavy schedule of extracurriculars.

Puglisi is a member of the Hamilton All-Star Jazz Band, identified for his talent in playing the trombone. The group rehearses once a week and has performed internationally, further adding to his busy calendar.

In addition, he has worked towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, earning silver and gold standards. The program requires hundreds of hour of time commitment in areas like voluntary service, physical recreation and skill development, all of which Puglisi accomplished.

“All of these extracurriculars have led him to develop as a leader and a team player,” said his teacher Richard White.

At Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School, Puglisi was selected for the Prefect Council to help mentor junior students. He also received the Director’s Award of Academic Excellence as one of the highest achievers in his class.

A unique talent of Puglisi is his ability to name 111 digits of pi, using the memorization technique of turning each ten number sequence into a phone number.

Next school year he will attending McMaster University for engineering, furthering his interest in math and science.

Being a leader in his community and school is important to Mason Truemner because he wants to be the change he wants to see in the world.

When his elderly neighbours were no longer able to take care of their yard, Truemner offered to mow their lawn, rake their leaves and shovel their driveway to help alleviate some of their stresses.

“That’s how he lives his life. He helps others,” said his coach Jeff McGregor. “It’s easy to see his leadership tendencies come out and people want to follow him.”

The South Huron District High School graduate has received awards for achieving the highest grade in numerous classes. He is also involved in countless school sports teams and was just named the Senior Male Athlete of the Year. Academically, Truemner earned spots on the Honour Roll and was the only male student to earn distinctions each year since Grade 10.

Truemner is very active in his community. He taught a group of Grade 6 students how to play pickleball and volunteered mentoring youth baseball players at the Clinton Minor Baseball Camp.

“Any time there were team events in helping the community, helping others, he was always keen to be a part of that,” said his mom Julia Truemner.

The Mid-Huron Huskies skater is studying Planning at the University of Waterloo next year.

Max Avery’s love of hockey is eveident all around the rink, whether skating with his team, working in the timekeeper’s box or in the Dresden Minor Hockey boardroom.

As the GameSheet Coordinator with Dresden, it falls on Avery’s shoulders to load all league and tournament games throughout the season, schedule scorekeepers and track monthly spreadsheets. He’s worked over 500 games at his home arena.

Avery credits this role for teaching him about time management.

“The fact that he takes responsibility for uploading every roster in Dresden Minor Hockey, coordinating the GameSheet and tablets, that’s not a surprise. That fits his character,” said his coach Jim Williams. “He’s somebody who takes responsibility and does everything to the best of his abilities.”

After a chronic hip condition led to multiple surgeries and rehabilitation physiotherapy programs, Avery never lost his drive to return to hockey.

“I never gave up and I think that really taught me a lot about resilience and perseverance,” said Avery.

The Lambton Kent Composite School grad is studying human kinetics and sports management and leadership at the University of Windsor. It will tie his love of sports into a business path.

Avery has participated on multiple teams throughout high school and was named the Grade 10 Athlete of the Year. He also works as an umpire with Dresden Minor Baseball while balancing a part-time job throughout the year.

Aidan Harrison’s dedication to his community goes far beyond the classroom and hockey rink.

The Honour Roll and French Immersion student at R S McLaughlin Collegiate and Vocational Institute in Oshawa learned the importance of community through playing as both a goalie and skater with Oshawa Minor Hockey and the Oshawa Community Hockey League.

“Hockey has taught me the value of community because it’s the most team sport in the world,” said Harrison. “You have everybody working synchronously to get that end result.”

Harrison volunteers with kids with autism, tutoring in reading and also in the local Development in Strides skating program. His leadership skills were noted by his teachers and coaches, but most of all by those he helps directly.

“He was patient with me, and if I couldn’t do something he would help me learn how to do it,” said Chase, who was tutored by Harrison. “I think I’m reading at a much higher level because of him.”

Next year, Harrison will be attending Ontario Tech to study Mechanical Engineering.

“I would really love to build something using math,” he said.

He also serves on his school’s Student Council and balances his academics and extracurriculars with a part-time job.