Grade 10 St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School student David Madiba Akero has been appointed Sudbury Catholic District School Board trustee for the 2024-2026 term.
Akero is a passionate student leader, with a strong work-ethic, determination, and desire to help others through leadership, said a press release from the school board.
He has served as the Grade 8 valedictorian and has been the recipient of the RJ. McCarthy Award, the 2023 Grade 9 honour roll student and Soccer Coaches Award, the 2024 Milk-Up Ontario Soccer Leadership Award and has been a NOBEEP Entrepreneur Feature.
Akero is deeply involved in community service, volunteering over 70 hours of his time to support youth groups, and collaborating with the Kenyan Canadian Association to launch a new initiative that promotes community engagement through soccer.
Akero's unwavering commitment to community service is further exemplified through his steady involvement in the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program (NOBEEP).
In addition to being featured as an entrepreneur/client in NOBEEP, Akero is an active volunteer and continues to support their work of providing assistance and resources to Black entrepreneurs and business owners to help foster economic growth and inclusion in Northern Ontario.
Akero is a strong advocate for student voice and believes it is necessary for student development and growth. He hopes to bring more attention to elevating post-secondary support within schools in order to further empower students in building their post-secondary portfolios and navigating their educational and career pathways effectively.
“I am honoured to be chosen to represent the Sudbury Catholic District School Board as the next Student Trustee,” Akero said.
“I wish to serve as an example to people of all backgrounds and show how we as students, have both the capacity and the opportunity to shape their learning experience. I believe that student voice and involvement are crucial elements for an effective education system.
“When students are engaged, schools have a better understanding of their needs and can continue to implement changes and updates that coincide with generational developments that help students excel in their education."
"We are immensely proud to have David Madiba Akero represent the Sudbury Catholic District School Board as the Student Trustee," said Michael Bellmore, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
"David's exceptional leadership skills, dedication to community service and student involvement make him an exemplary ambassador for our community. We have full confidence in his ability to advocate effectively for the voices and interests of fellow students and are excited to have him join us at the board table next year."
Akero will officially assume his role as student trustee alongside fellow student trustee Julia Parenteau on August 1, 2024.
