Eighteen Hamilton students were celebrated for their academic excellence and community service at the 28th annual African Caribbean Cultural Potpourri Inc. (ACCPI) youth scholarship banquet, held earlier this month. The awards, valued between $1,500 and $3,000, honour students’ achievements as they embark on post-secondary journeys in diverse fields.
The ACCPI, a Hamilton-based non-profit founded in 1986 by Eleanor Rodney, a former teacher with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB), has been dedicated to empowering youth of African and Caribbean heritage. Since establishing its scholarship program in 1996, ACCPI has awarded over 300 scholarships to support the aspirations of Hamilton’s youth.
This year’s award recipients gathered at the Grand Olympia in Stoney Creek on October 19, celebrated by family, educators, and the community. Nine of the eighteen honourees are graduates of HWCDSB schools, each recognized for their academic distinction and commitment to service.
Extending warm greetings on behalf of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, David Hansen, Director of Education, congratulated the students, praising them as exceptional individuals who have distinguished themselves through dedication to their schools, the Afro-Canadian community, and the broader Hamilton area. “This evening is recognition that you have stood out amongst your peers. Through your service, you have done things differently—you have made a difference,” he said.
Hansen also acknowledged the families of the students, describing them as “the first and most important teachers,” and shared in their pride at this moment of recognition. Reflecting on the honourees’ potential, he added, “Tonight is far more than this beautiful banquet and the generous scholarships—it is a celebration of your commitment, your diligence, and your excellence.” He encouraged the students to continue their path with purpose, quoting Mark Twain: “The two best days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. I can confidently say you are well on the way to finding the why of your life.”
ACCPI President and past scholarship recipient Kennishia Boahene conveyed her admiration for the honourees, noting, “I believe that our recipients are truly the next generation of changemakers, not only because of their incredible academic achievements or community leadership but simply because of who they are and the difference that they aspire to make in the world around them.” Her sentiments underscored the vision of ACCPI and the legacy it continues to build through its support of youth.
The 2024 ACCPI scholarship honourees from HWCDSB schools include:
Abdulaziz Abbas (Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School) – Pursuing Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo
Ademide Abogunrin (Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School) – Studying Nursing at Brock University
Faith Vernon (St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic Secondary School) – Enrolled in Health and Exercise Science at the University of British Columbia
Ocean Seyoum (St. Jean De Brebeuf Catholic Secondary School) – Bachelor’s in Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University
Grace Oziegbe (Cathedral High School) – Studying Human Nutrition at the University of Guelph
Nana Appiagyei Poku (Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School) – Pursuing Computer Science at McMaster University
Rony Bonkith (Cathedral High School) – Bachelor of Commerce at Queen’s University
Chloe Oyebola (St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School) – Enrolled in QuARMS, an accelerated route to medical school at Queen’s University
Rachael Goombs (St. John Henry Newman Catholic Secondary School) – Studying Visual Arts at Sheridan College
These distinguished young leaders embody the HWCDSB’s vision, carrying forward a legacy of excellence, community service, and faith-centred learning and leadership. Their achievements, both academic and service-oriented, reflect the call to live fully in the model of Jesus Christ.