OSSTF DISTRICT 24 STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2026

NEW THIS YEAR:

Local Categories in Music Performance and Drama Performance, $250 CASH PRIZES for ALL District (WRDSB) Winners!

OSSTF/FEESO invites secondary student writers, artists, musicians, and performers to submit creative work exploring 2026’s Student Achievement Awards’ theme: 2 Gether > 1.

‘Together is Greater Than One’ invites you to explore the power of unity and collective action. It’s about recognizing that when we work together, we can overcome challenges, lift each other up, and create a stronger, more equitable society. Just like the Aristotle quote “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”, ‘Together is Greater Than One’ reminds us of the importance of supporting each other and the benefits of working collaboratively to accomplish a mutually agreed upon goal.

Get inspired by this year’s theme of: 2 Gether > 1 and create a piece of writing, work of art, or performance that explores the theme. (This could include, but is not limited to, a poem, short story, essay, lyrics, painting, drawing, sculpture, and new this year - original dramatic performance, original musical composition performance, etc.). We even have a category for digital productions such as videos and music. Share your creative vision with the world!

A student, with the support of an OSSTF/FEESO member who has worked directly with the student, will submit an original piece of writing, visual art, digital media, dramatic performance, or music performance based on this year’s theme, 2 Gether > 1.

Each school will determine their own deadline, and then decide on a winner in one of 12 categories. These submissions will move on to the OSSTF District 24 Office (deadline Nov 19), where a winner in each category will receive $250 cash prize and recognition at our first annual OSSTF D24 Student Arts Awards Celebration Night on November 27.

The new Performing Arts Division is currently only a District 24 Waterloo initiative. Winners in the traditional eight categories of Writing, Visual Art, and Media, will go on to be adjudicated at the Regional and, potentially, Provincial levels.

The eight provincial winners in the traditional categories will receive a cash award of $1,000.00 and will be invited to the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation annual general meeting in Toronto to receive their award.

The Student Achievement Awards celebrate the work of OSSTF/FEESO members (teachers and education workers) and their students. Find out which of the 12 categories you will enter using the guidelines and entry forms linked below:

2026 OSSTF Achievement Awards Guidelines - Writing, Visual Art, Media

2026 OSSTF Achievement Awards Entry Form - Writing, Visual Art, Media

2026 OSSTF Achievement Awards Guidelines - Performing Arts: Music, Drama - D24 Exclusive Awards

2026 OSSTF Achievement Awards Entry Form - Performing Arts: Music, Drama - D24 Exclusive Awards

Supporting Staff Member Letter Checklist

2026 OSSTF Student Achievement Awards Poster - D24 Exclusive (All Categories)

2026 OSSTF Student Achievement Awards Poster - 2 Gether > 1 (Writing, Visual Art, Media)