Royals Recognition Awards distributed to students at awards ceremony

June 16, 2022 · 0 Comments

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Centre Dufferin District High School (CDDHS) acknowledged the contributions and achievements of a number of students last week with their annual Royals Recognition Awards.

Recipients of the awards were presented with certificates in a small ceremony held at the local high school last Thursday (June 9).

Two CDDHS students, Gabrielle Spencer and Danielle-Nustrat Collison, were awarded with the Tom Egan Community Service Award and the Stronger Together Award. Both awards are sponsored by the Town of Shelburne and are presented by a town representative.

The Stronger Together Award, donated by Shelburne Deputy Mayor Steve Anderson, is given to a student that works to build and establish connections between student groups, individuals, and the community as well as promoting collaborative events, diversity, and education.

Danielle-Nustrat Collison, a grade 12 student, was awarded with the Stronger Together Award.

A founding member of the CDDHS Black Chapter, Collison was recognized for her leadership role in the Black Heritage Month Assembly and the Black Brilliance Conference. During the Black Brilliance Conference, she along with three other members ran the ‘Hair Love Workshop’, which was voted most popular by the student attendees. Collison continues to be a mentor for younger Black Chapter members.

“I’m very grateful that I was able to help out in my school during my final year. Hopefully when I leave, the grade 9s, 10s, and 11s will be able to carry that through their high school career,” said Collison.

The Tom Egan Community Service Award, donated by the Egan Family, is awarded in memory of long-time resident and late Shelburne councillor Tom Egan, who served with Shelburne Council for 19 years and was a devoted member of the Kinsmen Club. Egan passed away in 2017 at the age of 64.

Gabrielle Spencer was presented with the Tom Egan Award and was recognized for her work inside and outside of the classroom. As a student, Spencer has engaged and challenged teaching practices to expand perspectives, and has been a vocal advocated for the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Black Community.

“Knowing this [award] is given to a person who helps better the community is an honour greater than I could ever explain,” said Spencer. “I couldn’t help better the community without the help of Black Chapter and Danielle.”

The Royals Recognition Awards were created as a way to celebrate students that make a difference in the school community, inside and outside the classroom. Students are considered from criteria that included inspiring and encouraging others, promoting a respectful atmosphere, overcoming an obstacle or struggle and contributing positively to the community.

“Every year we do these awards and we try to acknowledge and look for those students who fall under the wire or sometimes go unnoticed, but they’re really positive contributors to our community. They’re just kind people who are always ready to give.” said Lela McKee, head of student success.

Three students from each grade are chosen to be recipients of the awards based on nominations from teacher. Over 75 students were nominated for awards this year.

Recipients of the 2022 Royals Recognition Awards:

Grade 9:

Aiden Drummon, Ishayu Kothamdi, and Josh Hunt

Grade 10:

Jaylen Samuel-Stievenart, Ariel Kelly, and Kaeneil Powell

Grade 11:

Lance McAffee, Jaida Cohen, and Mason Ricci-Moran

Grade 12:

D’Andre (Elijah) Bryan, Ziearra Douglas-Cunningham, Riel Banton

Four graduating students – Trenten Cadden, Hailey Hewitt, Jade Vautour, and Heather Westcott – were also recognized for receiving awards from the Board. The Board awards are given to students who have overcome considerable obstacles on they way to earning their diploma and have plans for post-secondary.