Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI) continues to honour graduates who have had impressive careers that have had an impact locally and internationally. Three graduates were added to the secondary school’s Wall of Fame in 2024.

Dawn MacDuff graduated VCI in 1975. She graduated Queen’s University with a nursing degree in 1980 and went on to a career at the Smith Clinic in Hawkesbury and then the Eastern Ontario Health Unit where she led various public health programs. MacDuff is well known for her involvement in athletics. She has been involved in organizing and coaching with both Champlain Soccer and the Glengarry Soccer League. MacDuff is also a Director of the Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society.

Broomball is the game MacDuff is best associated with. Her love for broomball has led her to compete and excel in many local, provincial, national and world championships over the years. She established a Minor Broomball league in 2017 and continues to coach the Rockets, and promote the sport for youth.

In 1997, Melissa Assaly graduated VCI. She earned degrees in Psychology from Queen’s University at Kingston, the University of Sydney in Australia, and an education degree from Lakehead University. Currently a teacher at Wedgewood Junior Public School in Toronto, Assaly is the author of two children’s books, The Imperfect Garden, and Beautiful Junk. She is also involved with literacy and English as a second language programs, and sports in her community.

Joey Desjardins, who graduated VCI in 2005, is known for many of his accomplishments before and after the 2009 accident which left him with a spinal cord injury. He was an athlete before and after he was determined to continue with his athletic ability in whatever way he could. Through rehabilitation, training, and determination, Desjardins became one of the best Para cyclists in Canada and competed at the 2020 Paralympics.

Desjardins also serves as a peer mentor with Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, and is an Ambassador for the Rick Hansen Foundation.

Wall of Fame inductees are displayed on the wall of the cafetorium at VCI.