Lakeshore News

10/08/2025

Fun times at the 2025 Comber Fair Parade! Please feel free to post/share photos.

01/08/2025

03/07/2025

01/07/2025

30/06/2025

A special thanks to the students at Belle River District High School who contributed the the Lakeshore News over the school year! Great job students and teacher Kayla Cada!

30/06/2025

BRDHS Year in Review: A Celebration of Learning, Inclusion, and Community
By Victoria Banks

As another memorable school year comes to an end at Belle River District High School, students and staff reflect on the year filled with academic growth, vibrant community events, and exciting real-world experiences. From amusement park adventures to powerful moments of unity, here’s a look back at some of the highlights that defined the final months of the 2024–2025 school year.

Business SHSM Students Take Marketing to New Heights

On May 23rd, Grade 11 students from the Business Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program traveled to Canada’s Wonderland.
In collaboration with peers from Erie Migration District Secondary School, students participated in a marketing certification session delivered by Wonderland staff. The session provided an insider’s perspective on branding, promotions, and customer engagement in the amusement park industry.
Following the session, students took part in a marketing-themed scavenger hunt around the park, allowing them to apply their knowledge in a fun and interactive way.
The day was a perfect blend of learning and laughter, showcasing how classroom concepts connect with real-world business practices.

Pride Month at BRDHS: Unity in Celebration

Throughout the month of June, students and staff showed their pride by wearing rainbow colours, solidifying BRDHS’s dedication to respect, support, and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
On June 5, BRDHS hosted its annual Run for Rocky Yard Sale, raising over $250 in support of Windsor-Essex’s Run for Rocky Foundation. The foundation, established in memory of Rocky Campana, funds GSA initiatives, LGBTQ+ education, and community support across the region.
On June 2, over 75 students and staff gathered in front of BRDHS to proudly raise the PRIDE flag in a vibrant celebration organized by the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and Social Justice students. The event featured musical performances by Victoria Banks and Owen Labine, as well as a heartfelt address by guest speaker Hudson Bee from Trans Awareness, who reflected on the legacy of Stonewall and the ongoing journey toward equality.
With rainbow flags waving and messages of support echoing, the event became a powerful symbol of inclusion and community. For GSA students, especially those graduating, it was an emotional and empowering moment of solidarity. Student speeches and music filled the air, reinforcing BRDHS’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.

STEPS Students Shine in Sports and Celebration

On June 4th, Noble STEPS (Skills to Enhance Personal Success) students enjoyed an unforgettable trip thanks to the Miracle League and the Blue Jays charity organization. Facing off against Riverside, students played a friendly baseball game and took part in leadership-run activities including giant rock-paper-scissors, a dance party, and relay races.
In May, STEPS students attended the annual Day of Champions at Sandwich Secondary where they competed in 50m and 100m races, long jump, standing jump, and ball throw. The event celebrated athleticism, perseverance, and joy as students cheered each other on.

Bottle Rocket Challenge: Future Nobles Take Flight

Throughout the month of May, Grade 7 students from Belle River Public School, Lakeshore Discovery School, and Centennial Central joined BRDHS science staff and students for the Noble Bottle Rocket Challenge.
This hands-on event introduced students to physics and engineering concepts through the launch of water-powered rockets. Despite a few rainy moments, the rockets soared high, demonstrating Newton’s Third Law of Motion. More importantly, the event encouraged creativity, teamwork, and excitement for science—while strengthening the bonds between BRDHS and our feeder schools.

Exploring the Future at St. Clair College

On May 30, a group of senior students visited St. Clair College to tour facilities, explore program options, and connect with Student Services. The trip gave Grade 12 students heading to St. Clair a chance to familiarize themselves with their future campus, while also helping younger students begin thinking about post-secondary opportunities.
Grade 11 student Jaxsen Vanrossmalen shared, “It was really great to see what options are available. It’s one thing to hear or read about them, but it is totally different to actually see it in person.”

Looking Ahead
As we close the 2024–2025 school year, we celebrate not only academic milestones, but the compassion, curiosity, and courage that our students bring to everything they do. Whether launching rockets, raising flags, or reaching new academic heights, the BRDHS community continues to grow stronger, together. Here’s to a summer full of rest, joy, and inspiration—and to another great year ahead!

From left; Tegbir Sidhu, Jacob Diotte, Ella Yoker, Darius Kovacevich, and Dom Kovacevich at the Miracle League baseball event.

Photo by Ana Byrne

30/06/2025

BRDHS End-of-Year Sports Roundup
By Harman Gill and Kennedy Taylor

It is finally June. Our Nobles sports teams have pushed through the end of their seasons and can now kick back and relax. From diamonds to sand pits, our athletes ended off their seasons with a bang!

Senior Girls Soccer
The senior girls' soccer team had a great season but ended up falling short in the WECSSAA finals. This marks the team’s best performance since 2014—an incredible achievement! Coach Williams said, “A special acknowledgment to our captain, Nicolina Dimovski, whose leadership on and off the pitch has been truly inspiring. Your dedication has left a lasting impact on the team and coaches.”
Congratulations to Dimovski, Lola Bouma and Avery Alexander who were awarded for their great seasons by being selected for 1st Team All-City.

Junior Girls Soccer
The junior girls' soccer team had a great season marked with heart, hustle and grit. Their hard work resulted in making it all the way to the Semi-finals. Every single player on the team contributed leading to this result, and they showed that the Nobles are able to face any challenge that came their way!

Junior Boys Soccer
The junior boys had a great season but unfortunately, they did not get the results they wanted. The boys worked very hard all season long despite the results they kept their heads high and always faced every challenge head on. Coaches look forward to seeing the development of the players in the following years.

Girls Softball
The girls' softball team saved their best game for last on May 16th against L’Essor Secondary School. The highlight of the game was made by Nikolina Rosic, who made a diving catch that turned into a triple play. To seniors, Ruby Klimkowski, Laurel Mitchell, Nicolina Dimovski and Riri Ito, we wish you well next year!

Boys Baseball
The boys baseball team’s season sadly came to an end in a devastating quarter finals loss on May 20th against Riverside Secondary School. These athletes did not hesitate to give it their all even in the freezing cold and harsh winds. Congratulations to graduating athletes Cale Morris, Jackson Lewsaw, Gavin Lynch, Kelton Mayea-Montague, Craig Querbach, Tyler Stephenson, Ethan St. John, and Riley Drummond!

Track and Field
The Nobles track and field team was small but mighty this season. In total, ten athletes qualified for OFSAA West Regionals, with four moving on to OFSAA.
Brayden Labonte broke the SWOSSAA record in the senior boys 400-meter hurdles (previously set in 2003). At OFSAA he achieved another personal best of 51:79, making him the third fastest Canadian highschooler to ever run the event!
Marissa Madia had an amazing season as well, coming 3rd in both the senior girls 100m and 200m at SWOSSAA. Madia ended her season at OFSAA and holds the 16th fastest 100m time for a senior girl in the province!
Special shoutout to Norah Myers! According to Coach St. Pierre, Norah “has shown improvement in her performance in her 100m and 200m this season. Her hard work and dedication in the off season have improved her results, including pbs in all her races.” Myers has collected a plethora of 1st and 2nd place medals this season for the junior girls division.
Field throwers Brydon Mitchell, Markcos Newman, and Boden Hlady had amazing seasons this year. At SWOSSAA, Hlady finished 3rd in the novice boys shotput and was able to move onto OFSAA West Regionals.
Mitchell and Newman both moved onto OFSAA with consecutive 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the senior boys’ shotput. Mitchell threw a personal best of 15.93m, landing him a 6th place finish. Newman ended his season with a15th place finish
Isabella Madia, our lone long jumper, finished 3rd in the senior girls long jump at SWOSSAA. Special shoutouts to Marissa Madia, Brayden Labonte, and Peyton Tulk who all broke Belle River school records this year!

Athletic Banquet
The annual BRDHS Athletic Banquet awarded many deserving athletes for the 2024-2025 school year. Kimrat Atwal and Alexander Bially won the junior student athletes of the year. For seniors, Nicolina Dimovski and Austin Wills won the student athletes of the year. Ava Roznawski, Nash Reymond, and Zachary Sulik all won junior athletes of the year along with Ruby Klimkowski and Markcos Newmen winning the senior awards. Congratulations to all athletes who competed this year, award or not!

The Nobles had a great year of sports with many teams make some deep playoff runs and some even go all the way. No matter the results, the Nobles continuously displayed their hustle. Thank you to all the coaches who have worked extremely hard all year round to make sports possible at Belle River District High School. Also, congratulations to all the senior athletes who will be moving on. We look forward to what the future holds for all the seniors and for the future of Noble athletics!

Brayden Labonte shows off his track hardware and Noble pride following a successful final season as a Noble.

Photo Credit: Suzanne Hlady

05/06/2025

Local Gymnasts Dominating At National Level
Members of Alpha Gymnastics Academy successfully represented Team Ontario in May
By Devan Mighton

This May, three representatives of Alpha Gymnastics Academy competed at the Eastern Canadian Gymnastics Championships in Oshawa, all helping Team Ontario to finish in first place in the overall team competition. Alpha Gymnastics is owned and operated by 2008 Beijing Olympian Robert Stanescu and his wife, fellow gymnast Ruxandra Stanescu.

On the girl's side of the competition, Lilian Livingston competed in Level 7 (11-12 years old) earning a silver on the balance beam.

"The Eastern Competition was exciting!" exclaims Lilian. "It was fun to be part of Team Ontario and compete against the other provinces. The competition began with a grand entry opening ceremony, on Day 1, where all the athletes rallied to display the many flags representing each province."

She says that she endeavours to develop and learn new skills and hopes to qualify for the Canadian Championships in 2026.

"My ultimate goal is to compete for Team Canada in the Olympics," adds Lilian. "I am determined to work hard and train many hours to fulfill my dreams of representing my country."

On the boy's side, Liam Pangilinan and Nathaniel Workman represented Alpha Gymnastics in Level 2 (11+ years old). Liam finished second place all-around, taking bronze on rings, vault, and parallel bars, and also silver on pommel horse and high bar.

"The event was really fun and exciting," says Liam. "It was really cool seeing different athletes from other provinces."

Liam admits he was nervous as the event started, but his confidence grew as the championships went on. "It was a happy moment placing so well and helping Team Ontario get first place," he adds. "I felt like my hard work preparing for this competition season really paid off."

Liam says that he hopes to move up a level in competition and hopefully make Nationals next year, but his dream is to make the Olympics someday, much like his coach did in 2008.

Nathaniel impressively captured first place all-around at the event, winning gold in pommel horse, vault, and high bar, and a bronze for his floor exercise.

"It always feels good to place well but it is especially cool when you and your teammates are doing it for your province!" states Nathaniel. "(Oshawa) was much like the Ontario Championships that we went to in Amherstburg this year. I actually preferred the venue and setup in Amherstburg, but it is a super experience getting to hear the other provinces' fans and compete against their athletes at this competition."

Nathaniel was not a fan of the trampoline event running simultaneously with the events he was competing in, but was appreciative of the lively home crowd that cheered Ontario on. He adds that he would like to compete at next year's Nationals and hopes to one day get a college scholarship and get a chance at the Olympics like his coach did.

"All three athletes also achieved placements between fourth and eighth in various categories, demonstrating consistency and excellence across the board," added Coach Robert Stanescu.

In addition to the amazing performances of Lily, Liam, and Nathaniel, Alpha Gymnast Daniel Hodare will also be representing Team Ontario at the 2025 Canadian Gymnastics Championships in Calgary at the end of May.

"I am so thrilled to once again represent Ontario in the upcoming 2025 Canadian National Championships in Calgary, Alberta," says Daniel. "It is always an honour to show what our province can do on the national stage while competing against the very best in the country. I have been working towards this goal for many years and have been dreaming of this moment all season."

Daniel says he will be competing solely on the still rings this year, and is ready to show his full potential and put on a show for the spectators.

"I am so thankful for this opportunity to compete with my friends, for the support of all those around me throughout the season, and for this chance to share my gratitude with the community," he added.

Congratulations to our local athletes who represented Ontario and Alpha Gymnastics in the month of May! For more information on Alpha Gymnastics Academy, please visit their website at www.gymacademy.ca.

CUTLINE:

From left; Liam Pangilinan, Robert Stanescu (boy's coach), Lilian Livingston, Ruxandra Stanescu (girls coach) and Nathaniel Workman.

30/05/2025

Hello from all of us at the Comber MuseumPlease see below our Comber Community Calendar along with a detail listings of
events that are taking place this upcoming June.

This month on June 15 we will be celebrating Father's Day. Happy Father's day gentlemen.
Also on June 20th we will hopefully be celebrating the first day of Summer... Let's all keep fingers crossed on that one..

Please feel free to share this email with any friends or family who might be interested in what's going on in our community and if you wish to no longer receive this email, just send me back a message and I will remove you from our distribution list.

Thank you and let's all have a GREAT June!!
Comber & District Historical Society [email protected]

PS.. Have you purchased your Annual Comber Museum membership yet? ..

It's only $15.00 and it really helps us out. (We could really use your support!)

12/05/2025

ECOS Event
Join us for our yearly plant auction at the Essex County Orchid Society meeting on May 18th! Specialty orchids will be on hand. Also many garden plants will be auctioned off for a pittance. Fill your garden or share your cuttings if you need to thin things out.
Proceeds will go to the Society to bring you top notch speakers during the year. Cash only!
Refreshments served. Join us for the meeting, or become a member for the year! Happy gardening! St Stephen's Anglican Church Hall, 5280 Howard Ave; Oldcastle. Time: 1:30 pm Refreshments served! Everyone Welcome!