Hamilton youth honoured at annual African Caribbean Cultural Potpourri awards
Twelve of Hamilton's young people were awarded for their academic excellence and community service at the 26th annual African Caribbean Cultural Potpourri Inc. (ACCPI).
ACCPI, a non-profit organization focused primarily on empowering youth with African and Caribbean heritage, was founded in 1986 by Eleanor Rodney, a teacher in the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board.
More than 300 scholarships and bursaries have been awarded since 1996 to exemplary high school graduates entering university or college.
This year's winners received $1,500 to $3,000 each and were celebrated during a banquet at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel on Saturday night. They are:
Kelvin Ofori-Ansah: A graduate from Ancaster High Secondary School who's been involved with Empowerment Squared. In 2021, he worked as a summer co-ordinator, supporting kids in virtual and in-person programs. Kelvin is pursuing a bachelor of arts in public health at Brock University and hopes to become a doctor.
Temini Ogunmoyero: A graduate of Bishop Ryan Secondary School, she was involved with the YMCA in Toronto where she participated in various projects, including True Depiction Project and the Election Vote Pop Up. Temini is studying medical sciences at Brock University with aspirations to become a registered nurse.
Frederika Appiah-Gyekye: A graduate of Waterdown District High School, she had taken over leadership roles and been a voice on the athletic council for years; she organized races and clothing drives. She has also been a volunteer and organizer of a food drive to support the OSU Children's home in Ghana. Frederika is enrolled at the University of Ottawa, pursuing a joint degree in communications and political science.
Nyron Fagan: A graduate of Sir Winston Churchill Secondary, he played football for two seasons. He mentored the younger players of the junior team while also balancing a high 90 per cent average in five courses. Nyron is enrolled at Mohawk College in the motive power technician program and strives to be the best automotive service technician.
Abdirahman Aden: A graduate of Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School and a mentor in the Black youth membership program. Abdirahman won awards in history, computer science, civics and citizenship. He was on the basketball and soccer teams, and played drums in the school band. Abdirahman is enrolled at Wilfrid Laurier University, in pursuit of a degree in computer science.
Aishat Raifu: A graduate of Westmount Secondary School, she was on the soccer, swim, and track and field teams. Aishat has been an active volunteer, assisting with the running of the annual Binbrook Fair. The fair promotes local agriculture and brings the community together. Aishat is pursuing an engineering degree at Western University.
Timi Sadiq: A graduate of Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School, she earned two awards for being a well-rounded student and for her contributions to the school. Timi was the acting vice-president for the student council. She played on the basketball team, assisted in scorekeeping and was on the dance team. She organized events for the student council, including promoting and raising awareness for Black History Month. Timi is enrolled at the University of Ottawa in the nursing program. She aspires to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.
Naisula Mollel: A graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School, she helped promote awareness around cultural diversity equity and inclusion, including the annual Bullying Awareness and Prevention week as well as the Safe School campaign. She has been involved with STM's Halloween for Hunger campaign, where proceeds help those in need. Naisula also volunteered at the Good Shepherd Centre. In 2020, she helped tutor students in the Green Acres Elementary School. Naisula is pursuing a bachelor of arts in economics at McMaster University.
Peace Agada: A graduate from St. Thomas More Secondary School, she completed over 150 hours of community service, and received four awards recognizing academic success and achievements in community involvement. Peace was a church camp leader, an outreach team member, a media representative, a member of her student council, a pep rally organizer, and a member of the athletic council. Peace was also on the rugby team and the cheerleading squad. During the pandemic, Peace volunteered at a pharmacy. She is working toward a kinesiology degree at Sir Wilfrid Laurier University. She aspires to become a psychologist or physiotherapist.
Omolade George: A graduate of Cathedral High School, she's been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Charity of Hope, the Living Spirit, and the Bombardieri Graduation Awards. Omolade also received Sister Mary Alexander and Swavic Prominski Anti-Bullying Memorial Scholarships. Her extracurricular activities included being an anchor on CHSTV News, participation in CHS Glee Club, CHS Diversity, the Liturgy Team, and Shakespeareans. She also assisted in coaching the senior football team. Omolade is attending McMaster University where she is pursuing a degree in social science.
Judeny Belizaire: A graduate of St. John Henry Newman Catholic Secondary School, she was on the honour roll every year. She has been a facilitator for the Junior Youth Empowerment Program. She received the 2022 school Academic and Athletic Leadership Award as well as the Physical Education graduate award. She was also involved in a variety of sports, including volleyball, basketball, touch football and varsity track. She was named MVP in basketball, track and junior volleyball. Judeny is enrolled at the University of Waterloo, pursuing a degree in kinesiology.
David Akintola: A graduate of Bishop Tonnos Secondary School, he was actively involved in the Black History Month Council, the Eco Team, Unify/Cultures Diversity Club and HOST (Health Occupations Students of America). In addition, he earned a Focus on Youth Position because of his work with at-risk children and youth. His community involvement includes work with the People's Church; welcoming people to the church, in-person lessons for students, playing the keyboard and singing for the youth band. David is pursuing a career in nursing at McMaster University.
Beatriz Baleeiro is a reporter at The Spectator.bbaleeiro@torstar.ca