DURHAM CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
DCDSB Celebrates Inaugural Black Student Excellence Awards

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) hosted the inaugural Black Student Excellence Awards. A collaboration between the DCDSB and the board's Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee, the awards honour Grade 11 and Grade 12 students who self-identify as Black and have demonstrated leadership and/or commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion efforts. 

The Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee reviewed each of the nominations made by DCDSB secondary schools. "We are so proud of the amazing students we have in Durham Catholic and are happy to have an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and successes of Black students within the Durham Catholic learning community," said Shauna Bookal, Chair of the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee. 

At the awards ceremony, all nominees were honoured, and provided with a certificate, a letter of recognition, and a $100 bursary. The nominees honoured were:

• Nathan C., All Saints Catholic Secondary School
• Shadae Corina T., All Saints Catholic Secondary School
• Brenda O., Archbishop Denis O'Connor Catholic High School
• Rejoice O., Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School
• Temitope O., Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School
• Esosa M., Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School
• Temidayo Esther O., Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School
• Kaylia D., Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
• Ololade A., Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
• Nathyn T., St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
• Tarie D., St. Mary Catholic Secondary School

After much deliberation, the committee was pleased to present Sadé L., a Grade 12 student at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School in Whitby, with the Black Student Excellence Award for the 2024-2025 school year. Sadé was recognized at the awards ceremony and received a certificate, a letter of recognition, a glass trophy, and a $500 bursary.

Sadé displays a commitment to academic excellence and consistently achieves high grades in her courses. She is a strong leader and role model in her school and was a Student Senator representing Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School in the 2023-2024 school year, in which she advocated for Black student voices. This school year, Sadé is on the Student Council, in which she is the diversity and equity lead, and represents student voice on the Catholic School Council. She is an active participant in the school's Black Student Union.

As a lifelong learner, Sadé seeks out opportunities to learn and shares that learning with her peers. During the 2024 March Break, Sadé participated in a cultural learning experience in British Columbia that focused on honouring Indigenous peoples, and she shared this learning with her English class when she returned. She seeks to ensure space is provided to all students for their voices to be heard. Sadé is a positive role model for all students at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School, and her teachers speak highly of her contributions to the school community. Sadé is a strong advocate for diversity and enthusiastically engages in conversations about creating an open culture of equity and inclusion at the school.

"I am honoured to receive the first ever Black Student Excellence Award," said Sadé L., DCDSB Black Student Excellence Award recipient. "I want to thank my teachers and my family for all their support. This award is not just a celebration of my achievements, but a reminder of the strength, resilience, and brilliance within the Black community."

"This celebration honours the efforts and excellence of Black students at the DCDSB who are paving the way toward a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive future," said Gerard Winn, DCDSB Director of Education. "Your voices and contributions are important and truly valued at Durham Catholic. You should be incredibly proud of your dedication and commitment to excellence that goes beyond academic achievement. You have demonstrated leadership by uplifting one another and promoting inclusion, which benefits all in our learning community." 

Visit the DCDSB Black Student Excellence Awards webpage to learn more.