Why celebrating Black student excellence strengthens entire communities

The annual United Achievers Club (UAC) Scholarship Awards shone a light on what community, perseverance, and leadership look like in action. For nearly 40 years, this Brampton-based organization has championed Black and Caribbean students, raising their profile and investing in future leaders who will shape Canada’s tomorrow.

President Joyce Temple-Smith captured the spirit of the evening. “These young scholarship recipients are part of a vanguard of future professionals and tradespeople who will keep our society running. Parenting has always been a very hard job. Tonight reflects some of the hard work you’ve put in.”

Mayor Patrick Brown echoed that sentiment. “We celebrate the achievements of 18 remarkable students whose commitment to academic excellence and community service has earned them well-deserved recognition. Since 1985, the UAC has awarded more than 460 scholarships. For four decades, the UAC has been a driving force in raising the profile of Black and Caribbean communities while fostering pride, resilience, and cultural understanding.”

Journalist Neil Armstrong emceed the night, introduced by Hyacinth Lindo. Entertainment included a dynamic performance by Liberty Silver with two powerhouse vocalists. The keynote, delivered by actor, musician, and educator Sean Mauricette, inspired with wit, wisdom, and poetic energy.

Community awards were presented by Marjorie Taylor and Marva Hemmings, with special recognition given to Tom Allain for decades of service to the Kiwanis Club of Brampton.

Educational leaders also offered words of encouragement. Dr. David Green, Chair of the Peel District School Board, commended seven recipients from PDSB schools, while Dr. Marianne Mazzorato, Director of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, celebrated ten winners from her board. Both emphasized how student success reflects the collective effort of educators, parents, and mentors.

This year’s 18 awardees represent: resilience, talent, and ambition. Their fields of study span: nursing, business, psychology, design, and more:

• Emmanuel Alexander-Small – Humber College, Community Integration through Cooperative Education
• Saneea Clarke – Humber College, Business Administration
• Savannah Gentles – University of Toronto, Humanities
• Aleyah Graham – Carleton University, Honours B.Sc.
• Rayven Guthrie – University of Ottawa, Honours Bachelor of Nursing
• Rachel Herlidan – Wilfrid Laurier University, Honours B.Sc. Psychology
• Arianna Malcolm – University of Toronto, Life Sciences, Human Biology
• Monique Manhertz – University of Guelph, Business Management
• Serena McKenzie – Humber College, Industrial Design
• Jada Mitchell – Wilfrid Laurier University, Kinesiology, Psychology minor
• Chukwudumebi Onakufe – University of Windsor, Honours Bachelor of Nursing
• Asheenu Shelley – Humber College, Social Service Worker
• Immanuel Shine – Wilfrid Laurier University, Business Administration
• Jaeden Spencer – Wilfrid Laurier University, Accounting and Economics
• Kallai Thomas – OCAD University, Experimental Animation
• Ashley Umoru – Western University, Social Sciences
• Arianna Whyte – University of British Columbia, Bachelor of Arts
• Jekhi Wollaston-McNeil – York University, Psychology

The Scholarship Awards Selection Committee including Peel Regional Police Sergeants Kirk Williams and Kamor Balogun, Kiwanis leader Tom Allain, and UAC members, reviewed applications and chose the most qualified recipients. The Education Committee Planning Team and dedicated volunteers made the night possible.

Sponsors included Drs. Darlene and Matthew Weekes, Peel Regional Police (BISN), Co-operators Insurance, and community supporters like: Mrs. Jennifer Cave-Williams, Mohany Seniors’ Group, Kathy Adekoya, and Sharma Knowles.

Dr. Darlene Weekes shared an inspiring message: “You’ve shown great commitment to your studies and community. Your foundation and hard work will support you as you pursue your goals. Remember those less fortunate and seek opportunities to lead.”

The UAC’s longstanding work continues to inspire not just scholarship winners, but the entire community. These scholarships are more than financial support; they represent cultural pride, generational investment, and the belief that education fuels lasting change.