Elmwood QB Receives Prestigious CFL Scholarship

There are moments in a school community that become historic the instant they happen, moments that will inspire generations to come. One such moment belongs to Elmwood High School and its Elmwood Giants football team when their quarterback, Hayden Carriere, was recently selected by the Canadian Football League (CFL) as the recipient of the distinguished Glenn McWhinney Scholarship.

The scholarship carries deep meaning. It is named in honour of Glenn Keeper McWhinney, a Grey Cup champion from 1954 and a respected community leader. After his passing in 2012, his family and friends created a fund that awards $5,000 to student-athletes who reflect the qualities he lived by. Commitment, honesty, humility, courage, and a strong sense of community service are at the core of this recognition. These characteristics describe Hayden and the role he has played beyond the football field at Elmwood.

A Surprise Celebration

The presentation of the scholarship took place as part of Grey Cup 2025 Week, at a recent assembly at Elmwood High School to congratulate the Elmwood Giants on winning the 2025 AAAA Gustafson Bowl Championship. 

When Hayden and the team arrived in the gym, he said he sensed that something was different. He noticed his family in the crowd, and as speeches began, he slowly realized that the moment was something more. The atmosphere of the gym shifted even more when Jeff McWhinney, son of Glenn McWhinney, stepped forward to present Hayden with the Glenn McWhinney Scholarship. 

Hayden shared that he did not expect any of this: “As soon as I walked in and saw my mom and my family, I started to have an idea. This is crazy,” he said.

The surprises did not end there. After Hayden received the award, the Grey Cup was unveiled to the crowd—a symbol of Canadian football history and achievement. For Hayden and all students, it was moment that captured the spirit of their championship season and the heart of a team that worked together to change Elmwood football.

Hayden's mother admitted that keeping the secret about the assembly and scholarship from her son was difficult. “He is so deserving, and I am just so proud, so happy, and so grateful,” she said.

Giants football head coach John Kiesman also reflected on Hayden’s character: “We have a special leader in Hayden. He has had to overcome so much in life, but he has never let adversity take him down. He rises when he is needed most. We are honoured by that.”

Looking ahead with gratitude and determination

During Grey Cup 2025 week, Hayden also joined a broadcast panel for TSN where he reflected on the season, shared favourite memories, and expressed gratitude to his team and coaches. Looking ahead, he plans to continue his football journey at either the CFL or university level. Whatever path he follows, he says he knows one thing for certain: “My mom will always have my back.”

Hayden’s story goes beyond athletic success. It is a testament of how important it is for WSD students to develop life qualities of resilience, humility, and leadership. It also highlights why a school community of coaches, teachers, and peers who lift each other up makes a big difference in helping students reach their full potential.