Two student athletes from Port Colborne High School are being celebrated for standout spring seasons. The school announced on June 2 that Briar Thusuka and Ayden Smith are its Athletes of the Month for May 2026, recognizing both for strong performances across multiple sports.
Thusuka, a Grade 9 centre midfielder on the varsity girls soccer team, also qualified for the regional track and field championships, known in Niagara schools as SOSSA. The school said she is a key part of the program’s future success. Smith was a leader on the varsity boys soccer team, competed on the ultimate frisbee team, and won the Zone Championship in the 800 metres in track and field.
The recognition comes just ahead of the school’s annual athletic banquet, set for June 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The event wraps up a full spring sports season for the Blue Bears.
The monthly award is a tradition at the school, which has been serving Port Colborne and Wainfleet since the 1920s under the District School Board of Niagara. SOSSA, the Southern Ontario Secondary Schools Association, organizes regional competitions where top athletes can advance to provincial championships.