The Global Community Alliance held it’s l4th annual youth achievement award gala on Saturday, Feb. 28 in recognition of Black History Month.
A grand total of 12 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.
Seven of the recipients were from the east end – Isabel Hernandez from St. Peter High School, Jordyn Pemberton from Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School, Imaan Disu and Angelina Takhtehchian from St. Matthew High School, Annika Jacque from Cairine Wilson Secondary School, and Alexandra Ariella and Charmi Nzuzi from Lester B. Pearson High School.
Jordyn Pemberton is a dynamic and com-passionate student leader at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School who plays a key role in the school’s Black 365 student group, helping to organize Black History Month activities and initiatives. She is also a member of the athletic leadership program and she mentors other students.
Isabel Hernandez is a proud second gen-eration immigrant with Filipino heritage. She is an active member of the student council executive at St. Peter High School, as well as a school ambassador, tutor and parish volunteer. An Honour Roll student since Grade 9, she plans to pursue a career in industrial design.
Angelina Takhtehchian is an exceptional visual storyteller and dedicated student at St. Matthew High School who only recently immigrated to Canada in 2023. A gifted photographer, Angelina is also an exceptional student having earned four departmental awards in Grade 11 while maintaining a 90+ per cent average.
Annika Jacque is a Grade 12 student at Cairine Wilson Secondary School, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. She planned the school’s National Day of Action and Remembrance of Violence Against Women Assembly and she organized a program to support women escaping human trafficking.
Imaan Disu is a student at St. Matthew High School where she has served as co-leader of the Black Student Association and as a school council member since Grade 8.
Alexandra Ariella is a student at Lester B; Pearson High School who is proud of her Congolese heritage. Passionate about education and cultural pride, she is dedicated to creating positive change both locally and globally.
Charmi Nzuzi is also a student at Lester B. Pearson High School with Congolese heritage who is committed to serving others and her community at large.
The Global Community Alliance youth achievement awards are organized by former Ottawa Catholic School Board teacher Moses Pratt and his wife Kelly.
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Monday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d’Arc. For more info visit 
SING-ALONG MUSIC NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. 9 p.m. at the Orléans Brewing Company, 4380 Innes Rd. next to the McDonalds. Sing along to hits from the '70s to today and enjoy themed nights like “80's One-Hit Wonders” or "Hairspray Rock Bands". It's all about fun, music, and community. Free to play.
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.
Y2K DANCE from 7 p.m. at the Orléans Legion, 800 Taylor Creek Dr. in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Throw back vibes. Iconic hits. God with a variety of local vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods.
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
