FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Renfrew County District School Board Welcomes New Student Trustees for the 2026-2027 School Year
PEMBROKE, ON – April 15, 2026 –
The Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) is proud to announce the election of Grade 10 student Jack Couper as Student Trustee. He joins returning Student Trustee Bronwynn Dick and Indigenous Trustee Emma Grant to represent the student voice on the Board of Trustees.
Jack was elected by representatives of the Student Senate from seven high schools during the Student Senate's April 9, 2026, meeting at the Board office.
“We are excited to welcome these exceptional young leaders to the board table,” said Leo Boland, Chairperson.
“Their diverse experiences, ranging from community service to academic advocacy, ensure that our decision-making process remains rooted in the needs and aspirations of the students we serve.”
Jack Couper, a Grade 10 student at Arnprior District High School, is a collaborative leader committed to academic equity. Jack aims to establish dedicated spaces where students can access peer support and academic resources outside of standard classroom hours. A firm believer that reducing academic stress is a pillar of student mental health, Jack brings a proven track record of community service. In 2021, he was named Youth of the Year by the Town of Arnprior for his "Ear Savers" initiative supporting front-line workers. Jack remains active in his school’s Announcements Committee and Arts Council, and he intends to model new board initiatives on successful regional programs such as the Arnprior Public Library’s exam study sessions.
Emma Grant joins the Board as Indigenous Student Trustee, bringing a strong perspective on representation and academic excellence. A Grade 9 student at Mackenzie Community School, Emma is an accomplished student athlete and community volunteer who completed over 100 volunteer hours before entering Grade 10. A recipient of the Staff Award for her dedication and positive attitude, Emma is committed to promoting Indigenous voices and serves as a motivated role model for her peers across the District.
Bronwynn Dick continues her dedicated service as a returning Student Trustee. A Grade 11 student entering Grade 12 next year at Opeongo High School, Bronwynn has been a staple of student leadership since Grade 9. As an active volunteer throughout Renfrew County, she focuses on planning accessible and inclusive events that foster a sense of belonging. She recently worked with school board staff on improving the promotion of RCDSB’s Student Support Fund. Her advocacy focuses on social justice and strengthening the vital connections between local schools and their surrounding communities.
The RCDSB also extends its sincere gratitude to outgoing Student Trustee Sydney Dougherty. As Sydney prepares to graduate and pursue Political Science (Major) and Media & Cinema (Minor) at the University of Guelph, the Board thanks her for her tireless dedication and the lasting impact she has made on the RCDSB community.
Media Contact:
Jay Makwana
Communication Department
Renfrew County District School Board
[email protected]
(613) 735-0151 ext. 2290