The idea of presenting the Confederation Club Student History Award was initially put forward by John Boulden. John was a Director of the Club during the early years and a history teacher at Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate & Vocational School, still best known as KCI. He was an advocate for the ideals that students should learn about and participate in the democracy in which we live and should take an active role in civic life.

The first Confederation Club Student History Awards were presented in May 1980 by the guest speaker, Ken Taylor. Mr. Taylor was the Canadian Ambassador to Iran who had returned a hero after a daring move that saved American lives in the Canadian Embassy. Since then, each May, students selected by teachers from the graduating classes in our local high schools, are recognized for their outstanding achievement in the study of history.

Initially the award was a framed certificate signed by the guest speaker of the day and presented at the May Speaker’s Luncheon Meeting. The tradition has continued and the award has been enhanced. Besides being treated to lunch and receiving their Certificate of Achievement from the guest speaker, each student is awarded a bursary thanks to support from our two sponsors:

Mark Mauer, RE/MAX Twin City Realty Inc. (2016 - 2020)

It is the hope of the Confederation Club that the Student History Award encourages young people to continue their study of history and to participate actively as responsible citizens in developing good government for the future of Canada.