African and Caribbean Student Excellence Honoured at 25th ACCPI Scholarship Awards
Seven HWDSB graduates were honoured at the African Caribbean Cultural Potpourri Inc. Scholarship Awards, held virtually on November 20, 2021. The ceremony focused on themes of building legacies that will change the lives of others, lifting by giving, and celebrating Black excellence.
For 25 years, the ACCPI Scholarship Awards have recognized the academic achievements and community contributions of students of African or Caribbean heritage. In its history, ACCPI has provided over $300,000 in scholarships to 274 students.
This year’s celebration was presented virtually on YouTube and can be viewed below.
HWDSB Award Winners
Temitayo Babalola
ACCPI Platinum Scholarship Award
Temitayo Babalola is a graduate of Bernie Custis Secondary School with exemplary academic achievement. Temitayo was actively involved in the school community, serving as School Council President and a member of the Black Youth Council. Temitayo is currently attending Western University where she is pursuing Medicine.
Mohamed Hassan
Colin & Paula Nurse Award
Mohamed Hassan is a graduate of Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School and was an honour roll student throughout his years at MacNab. Mohamed aspires to be an aerospace engineer and is currently enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Physics at University of Waterloo.
Lucas McDonald
ACCPI Scholarship Award
Lucas McDonald is a graduate of Westmount Secondary School. An honour roll student, Lucas is described as being dedicated to excellence. Lucas aspires to be a lawyer and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program in Psychology at University of New Brunswick.
Tyrell Nelson
Melissa Ann Monachino Award
Tyrell Nelson is a graduate of Ancaster High. An honour roll student throughout his years, Tyrell aspires to work in finance with a goal of becoming a Chief Investment Officer. Tyrell is studying Business at McMaster University.
Vallerie Pache
Negussie Kumbi Award
A graduate of Glendale Secondary School, Vallerie Pache is also a Specialist High Skills Major program award winner for 2020-21. Vallerie has volunteered with the Church of the Nazarene, has served as a teacher’s assistant, and contributed to their summer school program. Vallerie hopes to work with children in an elementary school environment. Vallerie is currently enrolled in the Behavioural Science program at Seneca College.
Tas-Jay Smith
Maxine Marcellin Memorial Award
Tas-Jay Smith is a graduate of Saltfleet District High School and was an honour roll student for all four years. Tas-Jay’s ambition is to be an automotive engineer working specifically on performance aspects of speed, efficiency and quality. Tas-Jay is enrolled at McMaster University in the Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology program.
Jada Walcott
Commonwealth of Dominica Association Award
A graduate of Westdale Secondary School, Jada Walcott was an honour roll student for all four years. Jada is described as being dedicated, disciplined and committed to becoming the best version of herself she can be. Jada is enrolled in Bachelor of Science at Western University.
Congratulations to all of this year’s African Caribbean Cultural Potpourri Inc. Scholarship Awards winners! Click here to learn more about the ACCPI Scholarship Awards.
Updated on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.