Jessica Outram '94 (Otonabee College)

BA
Jessica Outram smiling

It seems like yesterday I was at Trent University, studying English Literature and Cultural Studies while preparing to become a teacher. Recently, I am proud to have been selected as the 4th Poet Laureate of Cobourg (2019-2022) and to have won the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People in 2024. “Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold” is a novel for middle grade students, inspired by my Métis family story, and takes place at the lighthouse where my grandfather lived. Last year, teaching at Trent University felt like my story had come full circle, returning to where it all began. Now, I work as Superintendent of Education for Durham Catholic District School Board.