The Global Community Alliance held it’s l3th annual youth achievement award gala on Saturday, Feb. 3 in recognition of Black History Month.
A grand total of 14 awards were handed out at this year’s gala to a group of deserving young people for making a difference in their diverse communities and for being outstanding role models to their peers.
Eight of the recipients were from the east end – Victoria Nnadiekwe from St. Peter High School, Dylan Webster from Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School, Serena “Sage” Satchiassa and Sabine Mustafa from St. Matthew High School, Esma Muhammed from Colonel By Secondary School, Sarah Linn and Bellange “Bella” Romain Medina from Lester B. Pearson High School and Mehreen Hossain from Cairine Wilson Secondary School.
Victoria Nnadiekwe is a Grade 12 student who is committed to fostering well-being and community service within her school’s community. As co-president of St. Peter High School’s Black Students Association, Victoria facilitated both the Grade 11 and Grade 12 Black Student Forum in 2024. She is also a member of the St. Peter Patriots, a peer leadership group.
Dylan Webster is a Grade 12 student at Sir Wilfrid Laurier High School where he has lead several initiatives for the 2SLBTGQIA+ community and advocated for safer, cleaner and more inclusive gender neutral washrooms. Outside of school, he’s helped raise funds for the Ottawa Rainbow Refugee organization.
Serena “Sage” Satchiassa is a Grade 12 student at St. Matthew High School, where she has been involved with a number of student organizations including the Black Students Association and student council. She has also emceed a number of events including the Remembrance Day assembly and the Christmas Variety Show.
Mahreen Hossain is a Grade 12 student at St. Matthew High School where she is president of the RISE Club and has spearheaded initiatives such Hallowe’en for Hunger and the school’s Diversity Fair. As a student leader with the Link Club, Mahreen organized and led a workshop for Grade 8 students on teamwork and conflict resolution.
Esma Mohammed is a student at Colonel By Secondary School and a proud member of the Uyghur community. She has organized protests, events and educational cam-paigns to help raise awareness of the plight the Uyghur community in China.
The Global Community Alliance youth achievement awards are organized by former St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School teacher Moses Pratt and his wife Kelly.
VINTAGE CAR EXPERIENCE from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in Cumberland Village. Explore the rapid design and mechanical advancements made during the earliest years of the automotive era. Cost: Adult - $9.42; Senior (ages 65 and up) - $6.65; Student (valid full-time student ID required) - $6.65; Youth (ages 6 to 17) - $6.65; Child (ages 5 and under) - Free; Family (Up to two adults, and accompanying children, all living in the same household) - $23.83.
TRIVIA NIGHT from 6:30 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company. Exercise your grey matter before it turns to mush over the holidays. Reservations are a must to secure your spot. Send your team name and number of people to info@straydogbrewing.ca. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
LIVE MUSIC at the Orléans branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, 800 Taylor Creek Dr. featuring the band Snap Crackle Pop. Everyone welcome.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS’ MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with a variety of local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION
