2024 Certificates of Appreciation

At the June 18th Board Meeting, the CDSBEO honoured a number of deserving individuals through the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to acknowledge and celebrate their outstanding achievements and notable talents.

The following are this year’s award recipients:

Brendan Bedard, St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School 

We are thrilled to recognize Brendan who has been selected as one of 12 youth to join the Boys and Girls Club National Youth Council. For a decade, Brendan has been actively involved with the BGC Cornwall/SD&G, from a young member attending the club, to a dedicated volunteer, and now a committed staff member. In his role with the council, Brendan will lead as an ambassador, influencing decisions and representing the voices of youth and future leaders.  

Brendan’s positive influence also resonates within the St. Joe’s school community, where he is a strong leader and advocate for others. As part of Student Council, Brendan has supported various fundraising initiatives for local and global needs. This year, he has taken on a leadership role within Student Council as Treasurer. His commitment to school initiatives goes beyond expectations and he is an extraordinary mentor and future leader. 

Innes Chatterton, St. Anne Catholic School 

In the summer of 2023, Innes won the Ontario BMX Provincial Championships that was held in Stouffville, Ontario. This win earned him a spot on Team Canada, where he went on to race in the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina in May. At the World Championships, which is second only in prominence to the Olympic Games, he raced 112, twelve-year-old riders from 21 different countries. He ranked 67th on his cruiser bike and 74th in his class. His goal is to race two World Qualifiers this summer, and to place top 8 in the Canadian Championship and win Ontario Championship, to then secure a spot on Team Canada for the world Championship next summer in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

Treyson Garner, St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School 

Treyson has been involved in the local 325 Cornwall Kiwanis Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, and just this year was promoted to Warrant Officer First Class. As WO1, Treyson is the leader of 100+ Air Cadets and represents the squadron in many capacities. With his goal of becoming a pilot, Treyson is the living embodiment of 325’s motto “To learn. To serve. To Advance.” He recently received the 2023 Youth Volunteer of the Year for South Stormont, spending hundreds of hours devoted to the squadron. He has travelled to various areas of Ontario and Canada for summer training opportunities over the years and is a dependable representative during annual Poppy Drives for the Royal Canadian Legion. Treyson has participated in Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Courses in Cold Lake, Alberta. He has received the Lord Strathcona Medal for fitness, and the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence. Treyson is a charismatic leader making a positive impact, both in the school and in the community. 

Dolev Klein Harari, Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School 

Dolev is a grade 12 student at Holy Trinity who stands out as an visionary among his peers. His passion for innovation is fueled by a growth mindset, intellectual humility, and a search for deeper knowledge. As the Student STEM Lead, he mentors his peers in virtual reality, 3D printing, coding, and robotics. Dolev’s academic humility fosters collaboration with both peers and teachers, making STEM more accessible to the school community. Dolev’s accolades include representing the local community at the Canada Wide Science Fair, where his project, “The Schizophrenia Software Solution,” uses AI to diagnose the severity of schizophrenic episodes. His diversified portfolio extends to Student Council, sports teams, and social justice initiatives. Notably, Dolev has recently been awarded a prestigious $120,000 Schulich Leadership Scholarship from Queen’s University, where he will study Engineering this fall, with a focus on Entrepreneurship. His innovative spirit promises continued success and positive change. 

Demi Sobanjo, Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School 

Demi is a grade 12 student at Holy Trinity who has been nominated for a CDSBEO Certificate of Appreciation for demonstrating exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to enhancing the school community. As the Faith Ambassador, Demi fosters a positive and inclusive culture by showcasing his Nigerian heritage during events like Black History Month. He has actively participated in initiatives such as the Ontario Catholic Student Youth Day and the “Stuff The Studio” Annual Food Drive. Demi’s dedication extends beyond faith-based activities; he is a member of the Best Buddies Club, the Diverse Voices Committee, Student Council, and has acted as Student Ambassador, where he exemplifies kindness, vision, passion and responsibility. His involvement in various teams, including the Falcon Fever Leadership Team, Sound Crew, and Athletics Program, are just some highlights of his commitments. Demi’s notable volunteerism, commitment to service, and genuine caring nature contribute significantly to a safe and inclusive environment at Holy Trinity. 

We congratulate our Certificate of Appreciation recipients for their outstanding work.