OCSB Honours Graduate Award Recipients

The Ottawa Catholic School Board recognized outstanding graduates with various awards at each school earlier this month.

The awards are intended to applaud the difference-makers who have graduated with honours across the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) community of high schools. These outstanding students were recognized with an OCSB graduate award at their graduation ceremony this year.

The Director of Education Award for Academic Perseverance is given to a graduating student who has persevered in completing all the requirements for obtaining an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, including the community service component and has demonstrated courage and determination while facing and overcoming adversity. Recipients of this award will receive a certificate and a $1,500 bursary.

Local winners were Matthew MacDonald from St. Mark and Maya Villageas of Sacred Heart.

The Director of Education Graduate Student Award was presented to students who exemplify the Ontario Catholic School Graduate expectations and have been accepted at a university or college. Each award winner achieved a high academic average in their Grade 11 and Grade 12 subjects while consistently demonstrating positive social attitudes throughout their high school years. Recipients of this award will receive a certificate and a $1,500 bursary.

Local winners were Reanna Bayne of St. Mark and Clare Davy of Sacred heart.

The Walking Towards Reconciliation award was presented to students who have been involved with an initiative, project or event that has tried to encourage reconciliation, demonstrating empathy and understanding of the context, culture, perspectives or history of Indigenous peoples. Through daily actions and behaviours, they have shown an appreciation of the value of Indigenous cultures to Canadian society. Recipients of this award will receive a certificate and a $1,000 bursary.

Local winners were Marnie Kennedy of St. Mark and Samantha Adams of Sacred Heart.

The Inspire Award Inspire Award is given to a graduating student in an Inclusion, DE or ECL program who was eligible for “school to 21” programs. The recipient of this bursary displays a positive attitude toward their studies and demonstrates good citizenship through a positive contribution to life at school and/or in the community.

Local winners were Jenna Awa of St. Mark and Abby Cameron of Sacred Heart.

The Destination Employability Award was given to graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the Destination Employability program at their high school. Recipients of this award will receive a certificate and a $500 bursary.

Local winners were Jesse Brazeau of St. Mark and Shane McLean of Sacred Heart.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Award is given to graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program at their high school. They also have attained outstanding success in the view of their employers and cooperative education teachers; demonstrated a well-rounded achievement in their education and community involvement; and attained exceptional achievement in the context of economic, cultural or social barriers.

Local winners were Jacob Bourbonnais of St. Mark and Jacob Pierurek of Sacred Heart.

The Archbishop Graduate Award exemplifies student dedication to spiritual and social growth within their parish. Each award winner has participated in school and parish events that enhanced the character of their Catholic high school.

Local winners were Noelle Hatherall of St. Mark and Rosa Iuliano of Sacred Heart.

The Graduate Expectations Award honours a Catholic graduate from each OCSB high school who demonstrates the distinctive expectations defined in the Catholic Graduate Expectations. They have participated in school, community and parish initiatives throughout their high school career, attained a minimum 75% average. They receive a certificate and a $1,000 bursary.

Local winners were Julie Decelles of St. Mark and Grace Shaw of Sacred Heart.

The Ottawa Catholic Teachers Association Graduating Student Award is presented to a student who demonstrates a commitment to the principles of Catholic social teaching and social justice throughout their secondary school experience.

Local winners were Lily Roy of St. Mark and Hannah Davidson of Sacred Heart.

The Trustee Service Award is given to a graduating student who demonstrates initiative and leadership through extensive service in high school activities and community or fundraising involvement. They have also completed all the requirements for obtaining an Ontario Secondary School diploma.

Local winners were Shona May of St. Mark and Nyandea Lansana of Sacred Heart.

The Be Community School Award is given to a graduating student in recognition of outstanding service to their community. Recipients of this award will receive a certificate and a $100 bursary.

Local winners are Julie Decelles of St. Mark and Megan Zwolak of Sacred Heart.