A Grade 12 student leader has received the Durham Catholic District School Board's top honour for Black student achievement, according to a Durham Catholic District School Board news release.

Mia L., a student at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, was presented with the Black Student Excellence Award for the 2026-2027 school year at the board's third annual Black Student Excellence Awards, held November 5, 2026. The award recognizes her leadership and contributions across the board's schools, which serve families throughout Durham Region, including Ajax.

The honour comes with a certificate, a letter of recognition, a glass trophy and a $500 bursary.

The awards are a collaboration between the DCDSB and its Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee. They recognize Grade 11 and Grade 12 students who self-identify as Black and/or of African descent and who have demonstrated leadership and a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

A record of leadership at school, board and provincial levels

Mia has served as a DCDSB Student Trustee and Co-Chair of Student Senate, where she championed student voice and helped advance initiatives supporting belonging and student success.

Through her leadership with Black Leaders of St. Mary, she promoted Black mental health awareness, cultural celebration and opportunities for student engagement, the news release said.

She also founded The Clementine Project, a youth-led initiative connecting Black youth with mental health resources and supports. Her other roles have included 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," said Mia L., 2026-2027 Black Student Excellence Award recipient. "I am extremely honored to be presented with this award, thank you."

In announcing the award, the board said the advisory committee reached its decision following thoughtful deliberation.

"Mia exemplifies the leadership, courage, and commitment to community that this award was created to celebrate," said Leland Harper, Chair of the DCDSB'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."

"Mia's leadership and commitment to lifting up those around her embody the spirit of Catholic Education and have made a lasting impact on students across our system," said Chief Executive Officer Gerard Winn. "We congratulate all of this year's nominees for the positive difference they are making in their schools, communities, and beyond."

The board also thanked the members of its Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee, whose partnership it said continues to advance equity, representation and student success across the system, along with the community partners, organizations and individual donors who supported this year's awards.

Details about the Black Student Excellence Awards and this year's recipients and nominees are available on the board's website.