HWCDSB Students Honoured at the 30th Annual Rev. John C. Holland Awards
As we mark Black History Month 2026, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board is proud to celebrate students whose leadership and excellence reflect the rich histories, achievements, and enduring contributions of Black communities. On February 15 at Liuna Station, several HWCDSB students were honoured at the 30th Annual Rev. John C. Holland Awards.
This year’s Black History Month theme — “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries” — calls us to uplift the leaders and changemakers of today. Through the Sankofa Pearl Bursaries and Scholarships, HWCDSB students were recognized for their academic achievement, servant leadership, and meaningful contributions within their schools and communities.
2026 Sankofa Pearl Bursary Recipients
Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School
Naiyah Reece
Omonigho Okpere
Ife Alake
Tinuade Omoregie
Sydney Oyewumi
Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School
Oluwalani Adedeji
Ella Poku
Cathedral High School
Najma Hassan
D’Avonté Ralph
Barakat Adedeji
St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School
Grace Mumo Mwalyo
Ibiye Naomi Davids
Georgia Walker
2026 Sankofa Pearl Scholarship Recipient
Cathedral High School
Barakat Adedeji
Barakat Adedeji was honoured with both a Sankofa Pearl Bursary and a Sankofa Pearl Scholarship.
Congratulations to all nominees and recipients on this well-deserved recognition.
