At the June 17th 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:

Muhammad (Mo) Shahrukh, Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School 

Muhammad (Mo) has demonstrated remarkable innovation and academic excellence. As a finalist at the Canada Wide Science Fair in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Mo excelled with his project, “The Exosuit,” an external lift support designed to assist trades workers in lifting heavy objects. His project earned multiple prestigious awards at the United Counties Science Fair, including the OPG Top 6 Award, Nav Canada Excellence in Math, Computer Science, Technology & Engineering, and the Carleton University Entrance Award. 

Mo’s dedication to excellence extends beyond the classroom. He utilized his involvement in Cadets and the facilities at the Cornwall Armories to rigorously test his prototype, showcasing his initiative and resourcefulness. A graduating Ontario Scholar with SHSM Health & Wellness accreditation, Mo will continue his studies in Engineering at Carleton University this fall, where his passion for innovation and commitment to success promise a bright future. 

Connor Morrison, Connor Macpherson, Xavier Vandusen, Austin Dubeau, and Liam Morrison, St. Francis de Sales Catholic School 

Over the past two seasons, this All-Boys Hip Hop Group from Flare Dance Studio, has embraced their passion for dance and ventured into the competitive stage. Their dedication to excellence was evident as they spent countless hours practicing at the studio and refining their skills at home. At their debut competition, the group dazzled the judges, earning a High Gold award. Building on this momentum, they achieved a remarkable feat at their second competition, taking home a Platinum award as the highest-ranking all-boys group and winning their category. Their electrifying performances made them an instant crowd favourite and secured their place in the National Finals in Niagara Falls. Traveling across the province, the boys saw their hard work pay off, finishing second in their category and earning the distinction of being a top-ranked all-boys group in Canada.  

Charles Shannan, St. John Catholic High School 

Congratulations to Charles, a talented athlete from St. John CHS, for his outstanding performance at the Strength Collective Spring Regional Weightlifting Championship in Ottawa on Saturday, April 5th! Competing in the 83kg division, Charlie swept all age groups, earning first place and securing his place at Nationals in St. John’s, Newfoundland. His remarkable combined total of 1,063 lbs across squat, bench press, and deadlift, showcased his strength and determination, positioning him as a rising star in Canadian powerlifting.  

Charlie’s dedication to his craft and ability to excel under pressure have made him a standout representative of St. John. Next, he will be heading to Quebec in August to compete again and continue his weightlifting journey.  

Oliver Allatt, St. John Catholic High School 

Congratulations to Oliver for his remarkable performance over Easter weekend at the Tropical 7’s Rugby Tournament in Tampa Bay! Representing the Eastern Ontario Rugby Union U16 team, Oliver took on the pivotal role of team captain and led his squad to an unbeaten 6-0 record, ultimately securing the Championship title. This incredible achievement marks the first time an Eastern Ontario Rugby Union team has triumphed at the Tropical 7’s, making their victory all the more historic and memorable. 

Oliver’s exceptional skills and leadership on the field have also earned him a spot on the Eastern Ontario Rugby Union U17 team, which will compete at the Calgary Stampede Tournament this summer. His dedication, talent, and commitment to the sport have brought immense pride to his school and community. 

Haylea Maitland, St. Joseph Catholic School, Toledo 

Haylea represented the Grenville 4-H Club at the highly esteemed Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic, held at the Royal Winter Fair. Competing in the “Competitive Junior Showman” division, she advanced to the finals and achieved an impressive 12th place overall. In the Conformation class, Haylea worked alongside her calf, “Delcreek Fatally Famous,” to earn a 2nd place finish. Their teamwork shone further in the Open Show category, where they secured 5th place overall and claimed 1st place among 4-H participants. 

Qualifying for the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic is an exceptional accomplishment, and Haylea’s outstanding results with “Famous” highlight her dedication and skill. Her commitment extends to daily work on her family farm, where she invests extensive effort in preparing for shows and honing her knowledge of the dairy industry. Additionally, Haylea balances her passion for agriculture with academic excellence at St. Joseph, embodying strong values and earning admiration from her community. 

Isabella St. Louis and Audrée van den Oetelaar, Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School 

Isabella and Audrée have been pioneers in advancing opportunities for women in trades at Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School. As the first female students from Holy Trinity to take Dual Credits at St. Lawrence College in Welding and Exploring the Trades, they have become role models for young women pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Their achievements include success in the Eastern Ontario Skills Competition, where they excelled in the two-person build challenge in both 2024 and 2025, as well as representing CDSBEO at the Ontario Skills Canada Competition in Toronto.  

They hold certifications in Level 1 Carpentry, Chainsaw Training & Safety, Working at Heights, and CPR and First Aid, and will graduate with the SHSM Agriculture accreditation. Their collaborative spirit extends beyond trades into sports and student leadership, enriching their school community with positivity and resilience. Isabella and Audrée’s groundbreaking accomplishments serve as a beacon for future generations of girls in trades, proving that barriers can be overcome and opportunities are abundant. 

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