DCDSB Celebrates Black Student Leadership at the Third Annual Black Student Excellence Awards

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- Nov 11, 2026

The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) proudly recognized the achievements, leadership, and contributions of Black students from across the system at the Third Annual Black Student Excellence Awards on November 5, 2026.

The awards are a collaboration between the DCDSB and the board’s Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee, and honour Grade 11 and Grade 12 students who self-identify as Black and/or of African descent and have demonstrated leadership and a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The 2026-2027 year's nominees included:

  • All Saints Catholic Secondary School
    • Christiana A.
    • Ayomide A.
  • Archbishop Denis O'Connor Catholic High School
    • Zion F.
    • Elsie O.
  • Father Donald MacLellan Catholic Secondary School
    • Tiauntie A.
  • Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School
    • Olivia L.
    • Brooke N.
  • Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School
    • Temitope F.
    • Ini Sam O.
  • Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic Secondary School
    • Janella C.-A.
  • Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
    • Jahlysa M.-C.
    • L'Anaya S.-G.
  • St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
    • Mia L.
    • Inioluwa O.

Following thoughtful deliberation, the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory committee was pleased to present Mia L., a Grade 12 student at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School with the Black Student Excellence Award for the 2026-2027 school year. She was honoured with a certificate, a letter of recognition, a glass trophy, and a $500 bursary.

Mia is a dedicated student leader whose influence has been felt at the school, board, and provincial levels. As a DCDSB Student Trustee and Co-Chair of Student Senate, she championed student voice and helped advance initiatives that support belonging and student success. Through her leadership with Black Leaders of St. Mary, she promoted Black mental health awareness, cultural celebration, and meaningful opportunities for student engagement.

Committed to supporting others, Mia founded The Clementine Project, a youth-led initiative connecting Black youth with mental health resources and supports. She has also served as a peer tutor, school ambassador, newcomer peer leader, and student council representative, consistently demonstrating a passion for service and advocacy.

"After receiving the award, I immediately handed the trophy to my dad and said 'We won!' In that moment I knew that I wouldn't be here without the support and guidance of family and friends,” said Mia L., 2026-2027 Black Student Excellence Award recipient. “I am extremely honored to be presented with this award, thank you.”

"Mia exemplifies the leadership, courage, and commitment to community that this award was created to celebrate,” said Leland Harper, Chair of the DCDSB’s Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee. “We are proud to recognize Mia's achievements and to celebrate all of this year's nominees, who represent the excellence of Black students across DCDSB."

"Mia's leadership and commitment to lifting up those around her embody the spirit of Catholic Education and have made a lasting impact on students across our system," said Chief Executive Officer Gerard Winn. "We congratulate all of this year’s nominees for the positive difference they are making in their schools, communities, and beyond.”

The Durham Catholic District School Board extends its gratitude to the members of the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee, whose leadership and partnership continue to advance equity, representation, and student success across the system. DCDSB also acknowledges the generous support of community partners, organizations, and individual donors who helped make this year's Black Student Excellence Awards possible.

To learn more about the Black Student Excellence Awards and this year's recipients and nominees, visit the DCDSB Black Student Excellence Awards webpage.