An initiative of the Durham Catholic District School Board and the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee, the DCDSB Black Student Excellence 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.
2025-2026 Black Student Excellence Award Recipient and Nominees
On November 6, 2025, the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) hosted the Second Annual Black Student Excellence Awards, continuing its commitment to celebrating the achievements of Black students across the board. This event is a collaboration between the DCDSB and the board’s Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee, recognizing 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 Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee was excited to review the nominations submitted by DCDSB secondary schools. “We are honoured to once again celebrate the brilliance, leadership, and resilience of Black students at DCDSB,” said Nicole Emanuel, Chair of the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee. "Their contributions inspire and uplift our community, recognizing their work reminds us that when one rises, we all rise, and helping to build spaces where every student feels seen and valued."
At the ceremony, all nominees were recognized and presented with a certificate, a letter of recognition, and a $100 bursary. The 2025 nominees included:
- Kimorah A., St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
- Suraj A., Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School
- Isabella B., Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
- Isaac C., All Saints Catholic Secondary School
- London C.-E., All Saints Catholic Secondary School
- Tianna E., Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
- Praise God E., Father Leo J. Austin Secondary School
- Adaora N., Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School
- Kayla N., St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
- Esosa O., Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School
- Christian T., Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School
Following thoughtful deliberation, the committee was pleased to present Oreofeoluwa A., a Grade 12 student at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School with the Black Student Excellence Award for the 2025-2026 school year. Oreofeoluwa was honoured with a certificate, a letter of recognition, a glass trophy, and a $500 bursary. Read our full news release to learn more about about the Black Student Excellence Award recipient and nominees.
About the Awards
DCDSB Black Student Excellence Awards are granted once per year. Two (2) students from each DCDSB secondary school may be nominated in each school year. Nominees will be honoured during an awards ceremony and will receive a $100 bursary, a certificate and a letter of recognition.
The Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Committee will select one overall award winner to receive the Distinguished Black Student Excellence Award. The award recipient will receive a $500 bursary, a glass award trophy, and a letter of recognition.
All students will be recognized during an awards ceremony which is held annually in November.
Eligibility
To be eligible to receive the Black Student Excellence Award, students must meet the following requirements:
- Self-identify as Black and/or African descent;
- Currently attend a Durham Catholic District School Board secondary school;
- Currently in Grade 11 or Grade 12; and
- Demonstrate leadership or contribution to equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, services or programming.
Nomination Procedures
Nominations for the Black Student Excellence Awards must be submitted via the online nomination form. Nominations can only be made from DCDSB secondary school staff or school administration. The principal, or designate, will seek feedback from the school community and will submit up to two (2) nominations on behalf of the school. Please note that if you are nominating two students, we kindly ask that you fill out a separate nomination form for each student.
Nominations are now closed.
Note: the nomination form is only available for staff to submit. Incomplete and/or late submissions will not be considered.
Nominations must include:
- A one-page statement of contribution (approximately 500 words in length), which outlines the leadership qualities and efforts the student has undertaken to contribute to equity, diversity and inclusion related service, engagement and/or programming.
- Contact information for at least one (1) professional reference who can validate the nominee’s leadership qualities and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion related service, engagement and/or programming. Acceptable references include, but are not limited to, guidance counsellors, principals, vice-principals, current or former supervisors and advisors.
Selection Criteria
During each awards cycle, submissions for the Black Student Excellence Award will be evaluated by the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee to identify eligible students who have demonstrated leadership qualities and excelled in making significant contributions to the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives.
The Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Committee will select one overall award winner to receive the Distinguished Black Student Excellence Award.
