DeNure and Grochmal win Parry awards

Hudson DeNure and Jack Grochmal, 2024 winners of the Dr. Jack Parry Awards. Photo credit: Tanner Havens.

A pair of Chatham students have a head-start as they prepare for university in the fall.

Hudson DeNure of CKSS and Jack Grochmal of UCC have been named this year’s top graduating high school student-athletes in Chatham-Kent, winning the Dr. Jack Parry Award.

DeNure played six sports over her four years of high school, won three SWOSSAA championships and racked up five OFSAA appearances. She will be studying kinesiology at Ontario Tech University in September.

“Honestly it was a little bit nerve wracking sitting there, but now that I’ve been awarded this prestigious award, it’s such an honour and I’m so grateful for everyone who has helped me get this far.”

Grochmal has reached OFSAA in volleyball, basketball, and soccer with multiple medals over his high school career, and will be heading to Western University in the fall to study engineering.

“It’s great to be recognized for such hard work and accomplishments. It’s never what you do it for, but it’s always an honour and it always feels great. I’m just proud to be here among all the great people from around my area.”

DeNure and Grochmal were selected out of 18 nominees from Chatham-Kent’s 10 high schools, all recognized for a balanced high degree of athletic ability, scholastic excellence, and contributions outside the classroom to the school and community.

The pair walk away with a $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by the Parry family.