KINGSTON STUDENT WINNER OF OMHA-DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO $5,000 POST-SECONDARY BURSARY

Recognized for excelling on the ice, in the classroom and community

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.

As a result of his excellence on and off the ice, Leeder was selected for the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) and Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) Bursary program. The program selects eight high school graduates from across the province, who have made a big impact in their schools and in their communities in the 2024-25 school year. Recognized for their roles as players, coaches and referees in the OMHA, as well as their grades and extracurricular work outside the rink, each winner receives $5,000 to go towards their post-secondary education, with a total of $40,000 being awarded. 

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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.

"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.”