Nearly 300 middle school students from across Grey and Bruce counties turned geographic data into storytelling during this year’s Bruce-Grey GIS Day celebration. The event, held in recognition of World Geographic Information Systems Day, invited Grade 7 and 8 students to explore how digital mapping can be used to better understand their communities.
A total of 298 students from eight schools took part in the annual StoryMap Contest, submitting 76 projects that blended research, mapping tools, and multimedia elements. Using ArcGIS Online, participants were asked to investigate real-world topics and present their findings through interactive StoryMaps.
The international event, observed every year on the third Wednesday of November, highlights the role of GIS technology in modern life—from supporting government planning and business decisions to helping residents navigate day-to-day tasks.
A panel of GIS specialists from Bruce County, Grey County, Bruce Power, and the Town of Saugeen Shores reviewed the entries and selected the top three teams. First place went to Isaac Hills, Grayden McLean, and Samuel Dekker of Hepworth Central Public School for their project, Healthy Eating in Grey & Bruce Counties. The silver award was given to St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School students Blake Thompson, Greyson Graul, and Zachary Van De Vyvere, who compared tornado activity in Alberta and Ontario. Third place was earned by Saugeen District Senior School students Lachlan Kranenburg, Elliott Clark, and Kirby Barfoot for their work on Healthy Foods in Grey-Bruce.
“This contest is about more than maps—it’s about empowering students to think critically and creatively about the world around them,” said Justin Kraemer, GIS Coordinator at Bruce County and Chair of the Bruce-Grey GIS Day Organizing Committee. “By using GIS technology, they’re learning skills that matter for the future: data analysis, problem-solving, and storytelling. We’re proud of every student who participated and grateful to the teachers and partners who make this event possible year after year.”
Organizers also visited classrooms throughout the contest period, offering mentorship and technical guidance. Prizes were provided through support from the Town of Saugeen Shores, Esri Canada, Bruce County, Grey County, and Bruce Power.
Students explored themes ranging from food access to severe weather. Among this year’s additional finalists were How the Food Gets to Your Table in the Grey Bruce Area by Saugeen District Senior School students Titus Pries, Sawyer St-Onge, and Dan Coffell, and Natural Disasters – Ice Storms and Wildfires by Hepworth Central Public School students Riley Kersten, William Cooper, and Tristan Gibbons.
All entries and further information about the contest can be viewed online.
