In June, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) presented the Umoja Black Secondary School Leadership Award to J'Dae Simmons, a graduating student at Nantyr Shores SS. The Umoja Black Secondary Student Leadership Award is an annual scholarship for a Black secondary school student who demonstrates leadership in their school and in the Black community within Simcoe County. Learn more about the award on the SCDSB website.
J'Dae Simmons
Simmons demonstrated a continued commitment to the well-being of Black students and those with diverse identities throughout her time at Nantyr Shores SS. She was an active member of the school community, demonstrating leadership as a member of the school's Black student association and many other clubs. She was elected by her peers from across the SCDSB to represent them as a student trustee for the 2024-25 school year. In this role, she amplified student voice at the Board table and acted as an advocate for all SCDSB students.
"Simmons embodies the qualities of leadership, dedication, and advocacy that the Umoja award seeks to recognize," said Nigel Martin, vice-principal at Nantyr Shores SS, in a recommendation letter. "Her efforts to support and uplift Black students, combined with her passion for social issues and academic excellence, make them an outstanding candidate."
Through research projects focused on the educational experience of Black students in Simcoe County, Simmons developed the Thrive Project, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and advocating for greater support of black students in their academic and personal pursuits. She is currently developing a community project for parents of Black youth.
Simmons plans to attend the University of Toronto for social sciences in fall 2025 and aspires to become a lawyer. She was selected as the Umoja award recipient from a pool of applicants from schools throughout the SCDSB by the members of the Equity Advisory Committee, with support from the SCDSB Human Rights and Equity Office and graduation coaches for Black students.
This initiative links directly to the SCDSB Strategic Priorities in the areas of Well-being, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Community, and Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
