2024-2025 Black Student Excellence Award Recipient and Nominees

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/or African descent, and have demonstrated leadership and/or commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion efforts.

2024-2025 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 the full news release to learn more about about the Black Student Excellence Award recipient and nominees.