The Municipality of Clarington has recognized 31 exceptional local students for their achievements in academics, leadership, and community service through its 24th annual Awards for Academic Excellence.
Presented by Mayor Adrian Foster, the awards celebrate students from both elementary and secondary schools across Clarington.
This year’s elementary school recipients are:
- Lucy Pridie – Central Public School
- Melia Osbourne – Clarington Central Intermediate School
- Kenadie McNamara – Courtice Intermediate School
- Ava E. J. Perry – Courtice North Public School
- Esmay Renton – Dr. Emily Stowe Public School
- Krishna Sandeep-Hari – Dr. Ross Tilley Public School
- Makayla Kelly – Duke of Cambridge Public School
- Noah Volovic – Good Shepherd Catholic Elementary School
- Gwendolyn Holmes – Harold Longworth Public School
- Madison Beltrano – Holy Family Catholic Elementary School
- Arabella Corbin – John M. James Public School
- Chloe Eastwood – Knox Christian School
- Alana Watson – Lydia Trull Public School
- Emma Ireland – M.J. Hobbs Senior Public School
- Lilly Cupelli – Monsignor Leo Cleary Catholic Elementary School
- Brayden Mavin – S.T. Worden Public School
- Dianne Anieke – St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School
- Whitney Rowell – St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Elementary School
- Helen Lowe Spicer – St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School
- Nivish Thayalan – St. Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School
- Adelaide Smith – The Pines Senior Public School
- Riley Williamson – Vincent Massey Public School
- Skylar Higdon – Waverley Public School
The secondary school recipients are:
- Sophia Taylor – Bowmanville High School
- Hafsa Zubair – Clarington Central Secondary School
- Charlie Leherbauer – Clarke High School
- Aiden Ormesher – Courtice Secondary School
- Alba Bick – Durham Christian High School
- Jacob Kniaz – Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School
- Olivia Walker – St. Stephen Catholic Secondary School
Clarington Diversity Leadership Bursary awarded
In a separate announcement, the Municipality of Clarington also recognized two outstanding graduating students as recipients of the 2025 Diversity Leadership Bursary.
Alina Gregory (Courtice Secondary School) and Jacob Kniaz (Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School) were each awarded a $1,250 bursary for their demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and accessibility.
“We’re proud to support the Clarington 2025 Diversity Leadership Bursary recipients – your passion and promise embody the caring spirit of Clarington,” said Mayor Foster. “Our community is strengthened by growing diversity, and you are helping lead the way toward a more inclusive future. Congratulations on your well-earned recognition.”
According to the Municipality, Alina Gregory has created safe spaces for women and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through school events, care packages for Bethesda House, and outreach initiatives. She will begin studying Kinesiology at Trent University in the fall.
Jacob Kniaz has demonstrated leadership as Student Cabinet Prime Minister and through his work with the Durham Region Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative. He plans to pursue Management Engineering at the University of Waterloo, with a focus on inclusive design.
“This year’s recipients have made incredible contributions to their schools and community,” said Tenzin Shomar, Chair of Clarington’s Diversity Advisory Committee. “We look forward to seeing their continued leadership and impact in Clarington and beyond.”
The Diversity Leadership Bursary is supported by Clarington’s Diversity Advisory Committee—an advisory body of local volunteers that provides guidance to the Municipality and Council on diversity and inclusion.
