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Two individuals from within the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) have been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal for their remarkable service and dedication to their communities.
The Coronation Medal is a commemorative honour, created to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and to recognize outstanding contributions by Canadians in the areas of volunteerism, community building, and public service.
One of this year’s recipients is Lila Graham, a Grade 8 student at Carleton Place High School (CPHS), whose impact on her community began at a very young age. What started as a birthday tradition – asking for food donations instead of gifts – has grown into a decade-long commitment to helping others. For her 13th birthday, which marked her 10th annual food drive, she organized a large community-wide event that helped raise more than 3,000 pounds of food and $4,000 for the local food bank.
“I’m just really proud,” Graham said. “It’s cool that even in our small community, we can change so much. A little bit of food can go a long way.”
In recognition of her efforts, Graham was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in March and was invited to meet Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the tarmac as they arrived in Canada on May 26.
“It was only maybe a minute visit, but he congratulated me and said the flowers I was holding must be for his wife,” she recalled. “It was such a cool and unique experience. I never thought I’d get to meet them.”
Graham aims to continue her birthday tradition and host a food drive every second year.
A second UCDSB honouree is Brandi Donovan, a teacher at South Grenville District High School (SGDHS), and the driving force behind 11 Relay for Life events at the school. With two years paused due to COVID, next year marks the 10th in-person Relay -an event that has become a pillar of support and hope in the Prescott community.
Donovan was presented with the medal at this year’s event on May 29. Through her leadership and inspiration, students have raised more than $500,000 for cancer research in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. The Relay for Life events not only raise funds but also build community spirit and resilience.
“I am very humbled and honoured to be granted the King Charles Medal,” said Donovan. “I want to acknowledge that I have an amazing team that works with me and a community that supports us.”
“These two recipients represent the very best of what it means to make a difference,” says UCDSB Chair Jamie Schoular. “Their actions – whether on a national scale or a local one – are making meaningful differences in the lives of others. We are incredibly proud of their leadership, compassion, and commitment to community.”
