Ajax student Mia L. wins DCDSB Black Student Excellence Award

Mia L., a Grade 12 student at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Pickering, has received the Durham Catholic District School Board's Black Student Excellence Award for the 2026-2027 school year. She was presented with the award at the board's third annual Black Student Excellence Awards on November 5, 2026, the board announced.

The award comes with a certificate, a letter of recognition, a glass trophy and a $500 bursary. The awards are a collaboration between the board and its Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee, and recognize 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.

Mia serves as a Durham Catholic District School Board Student Trustee and Co-Chair of Student Senate, where she has championed student voice and helped advance initiatives supporting belonging and student success, according to the board. Through her leadership with Black Leaders of St. Mary, she promoted Black mental health awareness, cultural celebration and opportunities for student engagement, and she 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.

"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," Mia said. "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 board'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."