The entire James Cardinal McGuigan (JCM) High Performing Athletes (HPA) community is filled with pride as we welcome home one of our remarkable young leaders, Elijah Roche, after representing Team Canada on the world stage at the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Under-17 World Cup.
Competing against the best in the world, Elijah demonstrated extraordinary talent, composure, and heart. His performance contributed to a historic moment for Canadian soccer, marking Team Canada’s first-ever win at a men’s FIFA World Cup tournament. Elijah carried himself with the discipline, courage, and humility that reflect the very best of our school community.
When we learned that Elijah was returning home, the JCM family came together without hesitation. Staff, students, teammates, supporters, and Elijah’s mother gathered at the airport to greet him with a hero’s welcome. The cheers, the signs, the emotion — all were a tribute to a young man whose achievements have inspired not only our school, but our entire community.
This journey is only the beginning for Elijah. His commitment to growth, his passion for the game, and his loyalty to his teammates and school are qualities that will continue to guide him forward. We are honoured to walk alongside him in this chapter of his story, and we cannot wait to see what comes next.
We are incredibly proud to call him JCM's very own.
Welcome home, Elijah.
Your JCM family stands with you — today and always.
