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Honors And Distinction: Harry Jerome Awards Celebrates 35th Year Beyond Excellence

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BY: ALYSSA MAHADEO

Excellence can be defined as greatness, and those that are recognized for their greatness are the very best at what they do. Achieving excellence is no easy feat, but it is an accomplishment admired for its unique and outstanding nature. To reach beyond excellence means that a person has committed to reaching accomplishments of the highest degree. Nothing can stop them, and they will continue to manifest greatness in each of their endeavors.

On April 22nd, 2017 the Black Business Professional Association (BBPA) presented the 35th annual Harry Jerome Awards in collaboration with TD Bank where eighteen individuals were honored for reaching beyond excellence in the fields of leadership, community service, social advocacy and so much more.

Revered throughout the nation as an event dedicated to recognizing and honoring the excellence of African Canadian Achievement, the Harry Jerome Awards were established in the memory of Harry Jerome, an outstanding African Canadian Athlete, scholar and social advocate. The BBPA Harry Jerome Awards is recognized as one of the most prestigious national awards gala in the African-Canadian community and a coveted symbol of achievement.

A scholar, Olympic athlete, and social advocate, Harry Jerome embodied the will to succeed despite all odds and demonstrated a strong social conscience and commitment to the community. He was always conscious of the challenges faced by African Canadians, and was a vocal opponent of the misrepresentation of African Canadians in Canadian Television and wage discrimination barriers they faced. In 1982 Harry Jerome died suddenly at the age of 42. He took the concerns of a community and a country, epitomizing excellence determination and dedication. A true Canadian Hero.

BBPA President Pauline Christian stated, “The winners of the BBPA 35th Anniversary Harry Jerome Awards are truly symbolic of this year’s theme “Beyond Excellence”. As the BBPA celebrates this significant milestone alongside Canada’s 150th Birthday, it is our hope that the entire Canadian family will come onside in acknowledging the United Nation’s Decade of recognizing people of African descent 2015-2024.”

The evening was a very special event for BBPA President Pauline Christian who has dedicated many years of service to the community, finishing her final term as president, but will continue to service the community in any way that she can.

Guests at this year’s awards ceremonies were buzzing with excitement and anticipation as they were in for a special treat. The Honourable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau were in attendance at this year’s celebrations to recognize the beyond excellence achieved by this year’s Harry Jerome Award recipients.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was the keynote speaker for the evening’s proceedings, taking the time to meet and speak with award recipients, and congratulate them on their accomplishments before taking the podium.

“I want to start congratulating tonight’s eighteen award recipients, your passion, your dedication and your achievements are an inspiration to us all. Every year the Harry Jerome Awards gives us the opportunity to recognize the achievements of African-Canadians who have proudly carried the legacy of the late Harry Jerome.” Trudeau said.

“We remember Harry not only for what he achieved but for the man he was, once the fastest man in the world he was also a dedicated student and a pillar of his community who extended opportunities to others. Tonight, we celebrate extraordinary Canadians, who like Harry chose to be agents of change, trailblazers, young entrepreneurs, lifetime achievers, and entertainers. The recipients of these awards are shaping Canada into a place we will be even prouder to call home in the coming years.”

The award recipients are individuals who are leaders in the community contributing to the development and advancement of society whether it is in the field of business, medical studies arts and science, academics, entertainment, public advocacy and youth advancement.

“I used to take a holiday, and go back to my native country of Jamaica and help inner city kids,” shares Ronald Cunningham recipient of the Community Service Award. “In 2005 when Jane Creba was shot on Yonge Street a chord was struck with me and I decided that I had to do something about it. I thought here I am running off to Jamaica to do this work when the same thing is happening here in my own backyard.”

“I’m always reminded by my wife that the work that I do isn’t for me, but for the people I could potentially inspire.” says George Frempong recipient of the Business Award, a native Ghanaian and co-founder of Herjavec Group the world’s largest privately held information security firm.

In addition to the recipients awarded four individuals received honorary mentions posthumously in recognition of their significant contributions to the community, namely: Dr. Trevor Ian Robinson, Raphaelita Walker, Dr. David Bell, and Dr. Inez Elliston.

One by one each award recipient was called to the stage to be recognized and acknowledged for the work they have done before being presented with a Harry Jerome Award. Guests were entertained by the ONQ Crew world-class live entertainers, TD Dancers, Sage and the vocal talents of Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale, as well as an explosive performance by headliner Divine Brown.

“Every year it is amazing to see the community come out to support the BBPA in all the work they do as service to the community,” said Pauline Christian. “I want to thank my community, as we have the best community in the world here in Canada. There is no place like Canada that would allow a little nineteen-year-old girl to come here from Jamaica and to be what I am today.”

For thirty-five years the BBPA has been a charitable organization whose mission is to advance Canada’s Black community by facilitating the delivery of programs that support business and professional excellence, higher education and economic development. The BBPA presents the Annual Harry Jerome Awards, the BBPA National Scholarships and the National Black Business and Professional Convention (NBBPC), alongside workshops and programs at the BBPA Centre of Excellence. The BBPA would like to thank all of the sponsors that made this event possible TD Bank, Scotia Bank, RBC, The Province of Ontario, Carpenters Allied Workers Local 27, Brand EQ, AfroGlobal Television, Bell, Guy Steer, CBC News, Jamaica National Group, Nursing Homemakers Inc. and G98.7.

In the coming years, they will continue to promote and encourage excellence by highlighting those selfless leaders that help each and every one of us stand proud and tall.

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Record entries for JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition

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Winner of the 2023 staging of the JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition ,Joel Miller, (third from left), shares a moment with representatives of the Jamaica Cultural |Development Commission (JCDC), organizers of the event. From left are Shaun Drysdale – Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist, Andrew Brodber – Director, Arts Development and Training and Executive Director, Lenford Salmon.

BY RUSHANE FERRON

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has received an unprecedented number of submissions for this year’s FiWi Short Film Competition. Launched earlier this year, the competition drew an impressive 47 entries. Currently, 17 shortlisted films are available for public viewing on the JCDC’s YouTube channel, with winners set to be announced on October 24th.

Executive Director of the JCDC, Mr. Lenford Salmon, expressed pride in the competition’s growing success, stating, “This record number of entries reflects how Jamaicans are embracing the programmes offered by the JCDC. While the Commission is well known for preserving and showcasing our culture, we also recognize the importance of using technology to engage, particularly with our youth. The FiWi Short Film Competition is a perfect example of how we can bring our culture to life in the digital age. The fact that it’s four years old and already experiencing this level of growth is a promising sign for the future.”

Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist at the JCDC, Mr. Shaun Drysdale, attributes this year’s spike in entries to the increasing interest in filmmaking, fueled by the proliferation of social media platforms that support storytelling through visuals.

We are living in a digital age. Filmmaking is now in the hands of the average person on the street via his, or her cell phone. Add to that the inherent creativity of Jamaicans and you are left with a potent combination, which when given the correct environment, can reap tangible rewards. That is what we are experiencing at this time,” Mr. Drysdale said.

The JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition seeks to promote Jamaican culture through the production of films ranging from 3-5 minutes in duration. The films must be based on set criteria, and primarily centred around a Jamaican proverb.

This year’s proverbs are: “Sweet mout fly follow coffin go a hole”; “Puss nuh hab han, but him tek him foot wipe him face”; “Keep clear a ole house, les dem fall dung pon you”; “Rockstone a riber bottom nuh feel sun hot”; and “Finger tink, yuh cyan cut eh trow ‘wey”.

In addition to the proverbs, participants were also given two special themes around which to build the treatment of their films, based on concepts provided by two sponsors. These are: “SEAS IN FOCUS: Uniting for marine managed areas”- National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica (NCTFJ) and “Need a passport quick, Get it with just a click”- Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).

Mr. Drysdale further noted that this year’s shortlisted films represent a variety of the possible genres with eleven dramatic works, two animation films, one comedy, one documentary and two science fiction films. Three of the participants are from the youth category, which is for filmmakers between 12-18 years old and the remaining 14 from adult category.

In addition to viewing the short films online, the public will have an opportunity to view at a special screening to be held on National Heroes’ Day, Monday, October 21st, 2024, as a feature of JCDC National Heritage Fest and Family Fun Day being held on the south lawn at Devon House in St Andrew.

The FiWi Short Film Competition was started by the JCDC in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition is the brainchild of the JCDC’s Drama and Theatre Arts Unit and encourages Jamaican amateur filmmakers to examine selected Jamaican proverbs and based on their interpretation create the treatment for a short film.

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York Catholic is leading the province in educational achievement

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BY PAUL JUNOR

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), which administers the Grade 3, 6 and 9 assessments across Ontario and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), recently released the 2024 results. For many schools across the province, EQAO results are a snapshot of how students are doing compared to their peers in other schools at the same grade level.

The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) has maintained a high level of consistency with respect to the outstanding performance of its students on the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). In a media release on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, details were revealed about the positive achievements and exemplary accomplishments of its students.

EQAO results were released on September 26th, 2024. The focus was, “Mathematics Achievement Remains an Area of Focus but Sees Gradual Growth Over Time with Some School Boards Showing Significant Increases; Literacy Achievement Remains High but Shows Some Decline.” The data was based on the 2023-2024 school year during which over 570,000 students wrote the EQAO assessments at the elementary and secondary levels on the English and French-language school systems.

For students who wrote the Grade 3 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics:

  • 71% met the provincial standard in reading compared to 73% in 2022-2023, and 73% in 2021-2022.
  • 64% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in writing, compared to 65% in 2022-2023 and 65% in 2021-2022.
  • 61% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in mathematics, compared to 60% in 2022-2023 and 59% in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 6 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics:

  • 82% met the provincial standard in reading, compared to 84% in 2022-2023 and 85% in 2021-2022.
  • 80% met the provincial standard in writing, compared to 84% in 2022-2023, and 84% in 2021-2022.
  • 50% met the provincial standard in mathematics, compared to 50% in 2022-2023 and 47 % in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 9 Assessment in Mathematics:

  • 54% met the provincial standard, compared to 54% in 2022-2023 and 52% in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT):

  • 85% of first-time eligible students were successful, compared to 85% in 2022-23 and 82% in 2021-2022.
  • 52% of previously eligible students were successful in 2023-2024, compared to 63% in 2022-2023 and 85% in 2021-2022.

John De Faveri, Interim Director of Education of the YCDSB writes, “We are always looking for ways to provide a better school experience, but today is a time to celebrate our students and staff for their excellent academic achievement. I want to particularly highlight the incredible work that is being done in mathematics, which we see in these results. Mathematical literacy is such an important life skill and we are happy to share a love of numbers with our students.”

Results from the Grade 3, 6 and 9 EQAO Mathematics results show improvement in Mathematics compared to 2023. In addition, with respect to reading and writing results for Grade 6 there has been a consistent steady upward rise in the performance of students as 89% and 90% of students met or exceeded provincial standards when compared to the province’s average of 82% and 89%.

Elizabeth Crowe, Chair of the Board of Trustees for YCDSB states, “EQAO results are just one of the ways we see how York Catholic is leading the province in educational achievement. As a Catholic learning community, we want to see every child succeed and EQAO results help us measure our progress toward that noble goal.”

Overall, the percentage of students who participated from YCDSB in Grade 3 and 6 EQAO were 97% and 98%, respectively. For Grade 9 Math assessment there were 93% of eligible students and 97% in the OSSLT.

Any parents or guardians interested in learning about the 2024 EQAO and OSSLT results and individual school results for their children can check the EQAO’s website: https://www.eqao.com/results/.

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York Catholic District School Board plans open house for future high school students

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Credits: Pch.Vector

BY PAUL JUNOR

There is: planning, preparation, and organization that parents, guardians and caregivers must make in York Region as they prepare their children for high school. For those who chose to send them to a high school at the Catholic board, there are open houses planned to make this process easier to navigate.

In a press release on Thursday, October 10th, 2024, details were revealed about these open houses. It notes, “The open houses will highlight key aspects of each school, including administration, programs, graduation requirements, uniforms, school structure, student opportunities and more. In addition, information about the registration process, including registration dates, deadlines and documents needed to enroll, will be discussed.

The media release mentioned the seven regional programs, and ten Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) programs. They include:

Advanced Placement

Programs with an extended and enriched curriculum allow students to earn credits or advanced standing at most universities.

English as a Second Language

(ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD)

English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development programs assist English language learners from diverse linguistic and education backgrounds in attaining English language proficiency.

French Immersion (FI)

Students who completed the Elementary French Immersion programs, or equivalent can continue with the immersion program to earn a French immersion certificate upon graduation.

High Performer Athlete (HPA)

An academic-based program for student-athletes participating in competitive-level athletics. Students benefit from a flexible timetable to help balance their academic and athletic commitments and earn high school credits for the work they put into their training.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A rigorous and intellectually challenging pre-university course of study that allows students to earn an IB Diploma upon graduation, recognized in Canada and abroad.

Regional Arts (RAP)/Integrated Regional Arts Program(iRAP)

Students specialize in drama, dance, visual arts, digital media arts, instrumental music, or vocal music- while obtaining their high school diploma. In the iRAP, students experience their learning through an integrated model where the curriculum is explored in relation to the interconnectedness of the individual, the community, and the world.

STREAM Program

Students explore real-world challenges and use the design thinking process to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills, guided by the traditional Catholic social teachings. This academic program uses an interdisciplinary approach to inquiry and problem-based learning.

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

Students can obtain a diploma with a specialist in either: Arts and Culture; Aviation and Aerospace; Business; Health and Wellness; Hospitality and Tourism; Information and Communication Technology; Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services, Manufacturing; or Non-Profit. Every YCDSB school offers a SHSM program.

Parents or guardians who live in York Region and are interested in any programs can check: Website: www.ycdsb.ca

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