EKO Scholar Grace Kennedy

A former Easter Seals Ambassador who served as the 2018 Conn Smythe Sports Dinner keynote speaker and a Friends of We Care Ambassador, Grace Kennedy is committed to making a difference in her community and speaking on behalf of kids with disabilities.

As a member of the Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee she became involved in decision-making in her community. Grace was also active on her high school council, her school’s student mental health team, and the Prom committee. As an executive of the Student Activity Council, she played an important role representing the over 100 students that make up the Vocational Pathway program at Humberview Secondary School, bringing forward important issues around equity, access and support for students with special education and disability needs. Grace proposed that a Vocational Valedictorian deliver a graduation address alongside their academic valedictorian counterpart. Her peers agreed, considering this an important initiative for the commencement program, one that brought visibility and a voice for students who are often marginalized, a way to ensure their contributions are shared and their accomplishments are recognized. This year was the first that Humberview Secondary School’s graduation presented valedictorians from both streams.

Grace is an honours student who is always open to trying something new, from snowboarding to working as a prep chef to volunteering in the nursery at her church or serving food at Bolton’s local community support agency. She has also ventured onto the stage as an actor in one of Humberview School’s spring productions.

A client at Erinoak Kids Centre for Treatment and Development, Grace is now studying Public Relations & Strategic Communication at Durham College.