They are honour roll students, outstanding athletes, role models, tremendous examples of those who promote the dignity of the human person, and effective leaders.
And like Reverend John C. Holland, the first African Canadian to be named “Citizen of the Year” in any community in Canada, they are breaking down barriers.
On February 18, 2023 several graduating students from the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board were recognized at the 27th Annual Reverend John C. Holland Awards at Liuna Station for using their time and talents to better their community.
“On behalf of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, I want to offer my congratulations to each of the award recipients for their outstanding contributions,” commended HWCDSB Chairperson Patrick Daly. “Each through their Christian witness, varied activities and achievements, has contributed to the building of community in their schools and in the broader community.”
“I wish them all of God’s blessings and have no doubt that they will go on to transform the world.”
The Rev. John C. Holland awards were established in 1996 by the Hamilton Black History Council to celebrate and recognize the academic achievements and aspirations of Black youth by offering scholarships and support to assist them in accessing post-secondary education. Scholarships range from $1000 to $1500. Since their inception, several hundred scholarships and awards have been provided to secondary students of African descent.
Adding his congratulations to each of the students recognized at the Rev. John C. Holland Awards, Director of Education David Hansen said, “Reading and hearing of some of the things these young leaders in our community have contributed is nothing short of inspiring. Their individual acts of service are a model for all of us – particularly younger students who look to their example.”
“They are truly difference makers. Congratulations also to Hamilton Black History Council for continuing to recognize excellence in our community.”
This year’s event also recognized dozens of nominees with Spirit Awards which aligned with the event’s theme: UMOJA: Connect, Empower, Unify.
Congratulations to all of the award recipients.
Honourees from the HWCDSB:
Lincoln Alexander Breaking Down Barriers ScholarshipEsther Goombs, St. John Henry Newman CSS
Esther Goombs is a community outreach assistant with ACORN Canada who advocated against mass evictions and educated several residents about tenant rights amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A student at the University of Ottawa, she has participated in student associations that aim to increase diversity and inclusion within the student body. Beyond organizing events focused on the rights of vulnerable groups, Goombs has also helped kick-start an equity committee that worked with local BIPOC activists and professors to highlight systemic issues, such as the need for allyship and the detrimental effects of colonization on academia.
***
Evelyn Myrie Political Action BursaryAlice Okpere, St. Thomas More CSS
Alice Okpere is an exemplary student leader whose grades, volunteer work and political know-how have helped give a voice to racialized students in Hamilton and beyond. A Grade 12 student at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School, Okpere has made honour roll for four consecutive years with a stellar 90-per-cent average and accumulated more than 300 community volunteer hours. She is the vice-president of the school’s student council — where she has served every year since Grade 9 — and a member of the St. Thomas More UKnighted Against Racism and Diversity Committee. Okpere also represents thousands of students in Ontario after being appointed as a Student Trustee of the Catholic Board Council Eastern Regional Panel.
***
Marlene Thomas Community Advocacy BursaryMofiyinfoluwa (Angel) Saka, Bishop Tonnos CSS
Angel Saka is a member of the Black Futures Lab, through which she has educated her peers on racism, mental health, Black history and the successes of her Black classmates. Additionally, she is an active member of her school’s math club, science club, health action team, and volunteered with seniors, food banks and the BeYouth Initiative. Saka plans to study software engineering at McMaster University, with a focus on cybersecurity and to help empower under-represented women in a male-dominated field.
***
Raymond G. Lewis Sports LeadershipLaila Hampson, Bishop Ryan CSS
Laila Hampson is an accomplished track and field athlete and student at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School. As president of the school’s athletic student council, Hampson has grown into a highly-regarded leader among her teachers and peers. Her passion for helping other athletes led her into coaching, where she helped Bishop Ryan earn its first regional team title and send 11 students to OFSAA. Additionally, despite facing personal challenges, Hampson has demonstrated great resiliency and responsibility by maintaining an outstanding academic record.
***
YWCA Girls Rock ScholarshipKiyara Millwood, Bishop Ryan CSS
Kiyara Millwood is a well-rounded student athlete who was selected as her school’s athletic council president this year. She has maintained a 93 percent grade average while also being an active member of her school’s step team, diversity committee and LGBTQ+ committee. Additionally, Millwood has been selected as the winner in the literary arts category of “Say It Loud Canada” a national Black youth summit. She hopes to one day become a physician, launch her own clinic, and increase the representation of racialized gynecologists and obstetricians.
***
Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council Community Matters ScholarshipAdemide Abogunrin, Bishop Ryan CSS
Ademide Abogunrin is a caring, passionate and well-respected student who works hard to spread positivity and lift others. She is a member of the Celtic Calibrate team at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School, a group that looks to reverse the decline in well-being since COVID-19 by raising awareness about mental health. Additionally, she is part of the school’s principal council, writer’s circle, and is a dedicated student with an over 80 percent grade average. Inspired by the women in her family, Abogunrin hopes to become an ICU nurse.
***
Youth Achievement Bursary Winners
Devlyn Tagoe (Bishop Ryan CSS) is a well-rounded, committed student at Bishop Ryan who has hopes of studying electrical engineering. He has overcome mental and physical challenges while achieving academic success and participating in several after school programs.
Josiah Bowen (St. Thomas More CSS) is a student leader involved in several clubs, committees, and sports. He has received the St. Thomas More Spirit Award and School Letter Award for extensive involvement. Josiah’s goal is to become a social worker to give back to the community.
***
Connection AwardsAngela Adeyinka (St. John Henry Newman CSS)
Chealsey Kamara (St. Thomas More CSS)
Nokutenda Nyamande (Cathedral HS)
Coralie Muco (Bishop Tonnos CSS)
Ivana Ndangam (St. Thomas More CSS)
Alexandra Brown (St. Mary CSS)
Atteyla Barichello-Herrera (Cathedral HS)
***
Empowerment AwardsOpemipo Oluwasola (Bishop Ryan CSS)
Laila Baker (St. Thomas More CSS)
Tinotenda Mariga (St. Thomas More CSS)
Agapa Goombs (St. John Henry Newman CSS)
Rugeyata Bah (Cathedral HS)
***
Unity AwardsMarie-Paul Duwai-Sowa (St. Thomas More CSS)
Ehis Oziegbe (Cathedral HS)
Luca Di Gregorio Zotti (Bishop Ryan CSS)
Tiffany Williams (St. Thomas More CSS)