Peel District School Board proudly celebrated the successful pilot year of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award-Canada, recognizing 108 students from five secondary schools, along with 16 Award Leaders dedicated educators who mentored and guided students through the program's challenging and rewarding journey.
The board was honoured to be joined by The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario; Her Worship Carolyn Parrish, Mayor of Mississauga; Her Excellency Fouzia Younis, British Consul General in Toronto and Member of the Board of Directors for the Duke of Edinburgh's Internal Award - Canada; Sunir Chandaria, Honorary Consul of Kenya in Toronto; Mark Little, Chief Executive Officer of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Canada; Alexander Li, Chair of the Ontario Local Council and member of the Board of Directors for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Canada; Laura Briscoe, Senior Director for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Canada; Ontario Local Council Members Hans Bathija, Normand Cote, Lyla Meng, and Kate Konstantinova; and Andrea Chakma, International Youth Representative for the Americas Region.
"Even in uncertain times, young people need not be defined by the challenges they face but by how they rise to meet them. The accomplishments being recognized through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award are a testament to exactly that. Carry forward the qualities that have brought you here: resilience, curiosity, initiative, and a great capacity for hope."
- The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Participating schools included Fletcher's Meadow Secondary School, Lorne Park Secondary School, Stephen Lewis Secondary School; Streetsville Secondary School, and T.L. Kennedy Secondary School.
Participants engaged in a wide range of activities across four areas: Physical Recreation, Skill Development, Voluntary Service and Adventurous Journey. Initiatives included coaching youth sports, volunteering at community food banks, learning a new language and overnight adventures in Algonquin National Park, among others. A total of 104 students participated at the Bronze level, while two students were engaged at the Silver level and two students at the Gold level.
"This program creates meaningful opportunities for youth to discover their strengths, contribute to their communities and build confidence through real-world experiences. I am impressed and proud to see Peel students developing such a strong sense of civic responsibility in ways that will benefit them throughout their lives as they grow into deeply engaged leaders for the future."
- Carolyn Parrish, Mayor of Mississauga
This range of participation highlights the flexibility of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and its ability to meet students where they are, while supporting growth in service, physical activity, skill development, and personal responsibility. With strong momentum from its inaugural year, the program is set to expand across more schools and reach even more students in Peel District School Board.
"The progress we're seeing in Peel reflects a strong partnership between students, educators, and families, and shows how the award is becoming part of everyday school culture. What stands out is how intentionally it has been integrated into programs students already value, strengthening learning rather than sitting alongside it. This is what meaningful, inclusive youth development looks like building well-being, leadership, and life skills while giving students real ownership of their growth beyond the classroom."
- Mark Little, Chief Executive Officer, The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Canada
The celebration would not have been complete with the musical entertainment provided by talented 14-year-old saxophonist and PDSB student, Eyon Payton. Guests also enjoyed appetizers prepared and served by hospitality students from Judith Nyman Secondary School, under the guidance of their teacher, Rose Cusinato. Award participant Dua Azeemi Junaid, a Grade 12 student at Stephen Lewis Secondary School, also shared thoughtful reflections on the impact the experience has had on her personal and academic journey.
"When I recently visited one of the participating schools, a student shared something that stayed with me: Leadership lessons unfold in unlikely places.' That insight captures the spirit of this program discovering confidence, resilience, and community in moments you don't always expect. I am excited to see this program grow over the coming years, potentially involving more students and schools."
- Rashmi Swarup, Director of Education, Peel District School Board
For more information
5650 Hurontario Street
Mississauga Ontario
Canada L5R 1C6
www.peelschools.org
