OCDSB students have been recognized through awards and prize-winning efforts in competitions. Here are just a few of the success stories we’re celebrating:
Black History Ottawa Community Builder Awards
In January, Black History Ottawa held a reception to present their annual Community Builder Awards. The OCDSB was recognized with the President's Award at the ceremony. This award was given in relation to our involvement with the Ubuntu Collective project and honoured our “community-building work and efforts to create legacies worth preserving.” There were two awards granted, one to the District and one to Executive Officer Michele Giroux for her work as chair of the Ubuntu Collective. Congratulations to everyone involved!
2024 Loran Finalists
Glebe Collegiate Institute student Danella N. was selected as a 2024 Loran Finalist by the Loran Scholars Foundation. Danella is one of 90 students, selected from a pool of 5,200+ applicants, who have demonstrated their drive to step up in the face of challenges and positively impact their communities across the country. In February, the finalists will participate in the national selection interviews in Toronto for an opportunity to become 2024 Loran Scholars – Canada's largest undergraduate merit award. Congratulations and best wishes to Danella!
Advanced Placement Program
Lisgar Collegiate Institute graduate Helen L. (Class of 2023) earned a perfect score on an Advanced Placement Exam in the spring of 2023. Helen was one of only 357 students in the world to earn every point possible on the AP Research Exam. The Advanced Placement Program is committed to ensuring that students have access to a wide range of post-secondary opportunities. Students who succeed in AP earn university credit or placement, and post-secondary institutions around the world receive AP scores for college credit, advanced placement, and/or consideration in the admission process. Congratulations Helen!
Ontario School Library Association (OSLA) Teacher-Librarian Of The Year Award
Aimee Barber, Teacher-Librarian at Glebe Collegiate Institute, was honoured with the OSLA Teacher-Librarian Of The Year Award. Ms. Barber leads a variety of engaging initiatives, including workshops, book clubs for English Language Learners, special events, equity-focused exhibits, and an annual Human Library. She was instrumental in transforming Glebe’s library into a collaborative hub with innovative technologies. Ms. Barber shares her expertise with students and staff alike – from supporting students with research, to leading professional development sessions for colleagues, to serving on the Teacher-Librarian Subject Council.
CBC Music Class Challenge
Many schools across the OCDSB participated in the CBC Canadian Music Class Challenge. The annual competition is an opportunity for schools across the country to showcase their talent and engage with Canadian music. The winners for this competition were announced in December.
Congratulations to the Lisgar 613 Ensemble on winning first place in the Senior Instrumental category for their rendition of “Call Me Maybe,” which earned them a prize of $3,000 in musical instruments!
Well done to West Carleton Secondary School for winning second place in the Top Non-live-off-the-floor Performance with their music video, “Share the Land.”
CNIB Braille Creative Writing Contest
Canterbury High School student Sofia I. was a winner in the 2023 CNIB Braille Creative Writing Contest. This competition celebrates braille literacy and encourages young people to flex their creative muscles while practicing their braille skills. Sofia’s short story earned second place in the Grade 6-8 Short Story/Essay category, along with a $200 prize!
International Rube Goldberg Contest
Osgoode Township High School Game Design Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students entered the first international Rube Goldberg challenge. A Rube Goldberg machine is a contraption that uses chain reactions to perform a simple task in a complex way. This competition added a virtual twist, inviting schools to use the software Unreal Engine to create a virtual reality Rube Goldberg machine.
Students Jayden P. and Ethan C. used coding, problem solving, animation and collaboration skills to build a 3D game/puzzle. Their video took first place in the Junior division and earned the school a $500 gift card for the Unreal Engine Marketplace.