HAMILTON-WENTWORTH CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
ACCPI Awards Recognize HWCDSB Excellence

Twelve students from the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board were among this year's recipients of scholarships and awards at the African Caribbean Cultural Potpourri Inc. (ACCPI) Scholarship and Awards Gala, held on October 18, 2025, in Hamilton.

For nearly three decades, ACCPI has recognized the academic excellence, leadership, and community service of Black youth across Hamilton. The annual awards highlight students who exemplify perseverance, integrity, and service values that reflect the mission of Catholic education and our commitment to ensuring that our Catholic schools are Christ-centered communities where the dignity of each student is honoured.

Awards & Scholarships

Several HWCDSB students were recognized with scholarships at this year's gala, including:

KJ Gilling (Cathedral High School), recipient of the Dianne Brenner Memorial Award ($2,000)

Rayon Guevara (Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School), recipient of the ACCPI Skilled Trades Award ($3,000)

Misael Esteziaw (Cathedral High School), recipient of the Ernestina Kissi Award ($5,000)

These awards celebrate students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community service.

Awards

Cathedral High School 

KJ Gilling
KJ Gilling is an outstanding student leader and dedicated community builder whose academic excellence and compassion set him apart. Recently accepted into McMaster University's prestigious Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences (iBioMed) program with a 97% average, KJ is determined to pursue a career that combines health sciences and engineering to address systemic challenges in healthcare. His long-term goal is to not only contribute to patient care but also drive innovation and reform to improve the well-being of both patients and healthcare workers. KJ's commitment to service is reflected in over 250 volunteer hours and extensive involvement at Cathedral High School. As Secretary of the Black Student Union, he mentors peers and organizes impactful events while also contributing to the Health Action Team, News Crew, and Black History Month Committee. His leadership extends beyond school to his work with the City of Hamilton, where he has led recreation, camp, and after-school programs while fostering safe and inclusive environments for children and youth. Resilient in the face of personal challenges, including caring for both parents and navigating a transition from homeschooling to high school, KJ demonstrates empathy, perseverance, and integrity in everything he does.

Misael Esteziaw
Misael Esteziaw is an exceptional student and leader whose resilience, academic achievement, and community service embody the spirit of the ACCPI Scholarship. Graduating from Cathedral High School with a 94% average and continuous Honour Roll recognition, he will be attending McMaster University's prestigious Arts & Science Program. His long-term goal is to pursue medicine and become a physician who not only treats illness but also addresses the inequities and systemic barriers that shape health outcomes. Misael's accomplishments reflect both intellectual curiosity and commitment to service. He has competed in chemistry contests, obtained first aid and ICE certifications, and excelled in athletics as a city champion in cross-country and soccer. At Cathedral, he has contributed to HOSA, the De Mazenod Door sandwich program, and multiple clubs. His dedication extends far beyond the classroom, with over 1,100 community service hours, including 600 through the Holy Trinity Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, where he serves as a Deacon, Sunday school volunteer, and youth leader.
Whether mentoring children at the Eva Rothwell Centre, supporting patients during his co-op at Hamilton General Hospital, or creating spaces of belonging in his church youth group, Misael demonstrates that medicine begins with empathy, advocacy, and service.

Shanya Samuel
Inspired by her mother's tireless efforts amid formidable challenges, Shanya Samuel is committed to becoming a therapist. Shanya has witnessed the impact of inadequate mental health support for Black men and women, and that fuels her passion to provide accessible, culturally sensitive care to underprivileged groups. In addition to her academic achievements at Cathedral High School, Shanya demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. She was the co-founder of Cathedral's Black Student Union, a program designed to support Black students during their transition from elementary to high school. She was also an active member of the Black History Month Committee, the Culture Day Committee, the Step Squad, Track and Field, and Flag Football teams. Through her volunteer work with Halloween for Hunger, De Mazenod Door outreach, and unhoused community support initiatives, Shanya exemplified the values of empathy, generosity, and leadership. Her time at St. Patrick's Elementary School taught her patience, understanding, and communication qualities that continue to shape her journey. Shanya has entered the Social Sciences program at McMaster University.

Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School

Daniel Bosede
Daniel Bosede is a graduate of Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School. Daniel has been on the Honour Roll for all four years of high school and approaches his studies with a strong work ethic and a thirst for knowledge. In Grade 12, Daniel served as President of Bishop Ryan's Student Council. His passion for service extended beyond the classroom as a member of several school clubs, where he exhibited outstanding organizational and communication skills. Daniel was actively involved in athletics as captain of his basketball team, leading them to first place in the Ontario Provincial Championship. He also made an exceptional commitment to volunteering at a retirement home and a local soup kitchen experiences that taught him the value of servant leadership. Daniel is presently attending Western University, where he is enrolled in Computer Science.

Rayon Guevara
From a very early age, Rayon Guevara has been curious about how things work. He has been intrigued by electrical wiring, circuitry, and power systems. He enjoys fixing things with his hands and finding solutions to technical problems. At Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School, Rayon was a hardworking, positive influence in the classroom and enjoyed great rapport with his peers. He maintained Honour Roll status and won an award as Best 3D Printing Designer in 2024. Rayon also showed a deep connection to his culture and community as a strong participant in the Black Student Association. He has spoken about his dedication to keeping prices low to support people of low income, reflecting genuine empathy and social responsibility. Rayon is now enrolled in the Electrical Engineering Technician program at Mohawk College with plans to become an expert electrician and business owner.

Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School

Grace Tra-Lou
In addition to being an exemplary student at Bishop Tonnos, Grace was President of the BSA (Black Student Association), a Bible study lead, a blood donor lead, on the track team, President of Model UN, photographer for the Yearbook, and on the Athletic Council. Outside of the classroom, Grace has been a French tutor, a Sunday school teacher, a volunteer for Dare to Be Youth, and has helped students learn English at a summer camp. Grace goes above and beyond to help to the best of her ability. She is always willing to assist wherever needed, and her natural leadership skills shine through in her interactions with both children and her peers.
Grace's goal is to support people through providing services, whether working with children that have special needs or providing mental health resources. Grace is pursuing a Psychology Honours degree at Brock University.

Berachah Emmanuel
Berachah Emmanuel is a graduate of Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School. She maintained Honour Roll status throughout her school career, showing a proactive approach to learning through thoughtful questioning and engagement with course material. Beyond academics, Berachah's natural leadership and strong interpersonal skills enriched the learning environment. Her kind demeanour and willingness to support others made her a valued group member and mentor. Berachah was also very involved in the wider community, volunteering at the Good Shepherd food bank and her church, where she organized Easter baskets, Thanksgiving dinners, and Christmas hampers. She is attending Ontario Tech University with a dream to become a pediatric nurse.

St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School

Monique Naranjit-Roquemore
A proud Honour Roll student at St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School, Monique Naranjit-Roquemore has demonstrated academic excellence every year since Grade 9, maintaining averages above 80% and consistently striving for success. Beyond the classroom, she has been an active leader in the school community, serving in an executive role with the Black Student Union and contributing to the chaplaincy team. Her passion for law is rooted in lived experience and a strong sense of social responsibility. Having faced challenges in the family court system as a child, she is determined to pursue a career as a family lawyer to advocate for children and families navigating similar struggles. A co-op placement at a local law firm gave her valuable hands-on experience and confirmed her passion for this career path. This fall, Monique will begin her studies in Social Sciences at McMaster University, with a focus on preparing for law school.

Marcelle Mukeshimana
Marcelle Mukeshimana's journey from the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi to pursuing her post-secondary studies in Canada is a story of resilience, leadership, and exceptional service. Since arriving in Canada in 2022, Marcelle has excelled academically, achieving strong results in her Grade 12 university-level physics course while steadily building her language skills and confidence. Teachers consistently describe her as diligent, collaborative, and respectful, with an ambition that drives her to succeed in every challenge she takes on. Beyond the classroom, Marcelle is deeply committed to her community. Through the YMCA's Newcomer Youth Mentorship Program, she has contributed to initiatives such as Cooking for a Cause preparing meals for families with loved ones in hospital care as well as Discover Hamilton, where she guided newcomer youth in navigating the city and accessing community resources. References describe her leadership as warm and compassionate, taking time to connect meaningfully with those she serves. From creating holiday cards for seniors to volunteering at the Mission Thrift Store, Marcelle's acts of service reflect her belief in the power of kindness. Marcelle will be attending the Life Sciences Gateway Program at McMaster University, aspiring to a career where she can combine scientific knowledge with empathy to improve lives. Her persistence, compassion, and dedication position her as a future leader in both healthcare and community advocacy.

St. John Henry Newman Catholic Secondary School

Oluwafeyikemi Oje
Oluwafeyikemi Oje is a dedicated student leader, volunteer, and aspiring physician whose journey is defined by resilience, service, and academic excellence. With a lifelong dream of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon, she is beginning her post-secondary studies in Nursing at Western University as the first step toward medical school and residency. Her leadership shines both inside and outside of school. At St. John Henry Newman Catholic Secondary, she has been a driving force in the Health and Wellness Council and Peer Mentor Club, leading mental health initiatives, student transition programs, and school-wide events. Beyond school, she serves as a children's church teacher and organizer of community programs, including a back-to-school initiative that has distributed over 1,000 backpacks to students in need. With more than 500 volunteer hours, Oluwafeyikemi exemplifies leadership through empathy, creativity, and action.

Therand Guy
Therand Guy is an exceptional young man who has given hundreds of hours to the St. John Henry Newman Catholic School community. Not only has he dedicated his time and talent to many school activities, but he has also done so while maintaining an overall average above 93%. Therand is a natural leader welcoming, kind, encouraging, and engaging. As a founding member and co-President of the United as One Diversity Team, he introduced a vibrant atmosphere of cultural pride and joy, culminating in the annual Culture Week a week-long celebration of the mosaic of cultures within the school community. Therand is attending Sheridan College, working toward a Bachelor's Degree in Film and Television. After this chapter, he plans to attend Brock University to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Education.

St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School

Nathan Brown
At St. Thomas More, Nathan was an exceptional student-athlete, balancing the demands of academics with a deep commitment to his basketball team. He was also a member of the Diversity Committee and a committed leader within the Black Student Association. Nathan consistently led with humility, humour, and heart, inspiring those around him to step into their full potential. His leadership extended to his church, where he guided younger children through games and creative activities during Sunday school and summer camps. Nathan's co-op with the law firm Ingrassia Macaluso Associates solidified his determination to become a lawyer. He is attending Wilfrid Laurier University, working toward his law degree

We congratulate all ACCPI award recipients and celebrate the contributions of our own students, whose achievements remind us that our Catholic schools are places where faith and learning meet, inspiring students to live with courage, serve with compassion, and recognize Christ in one another.

To learn more read the program here