School Board Awards

Awarded to a grade 12 graduating student based on the following considerations: 

1. Completed all the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma with a minimum 70% average, and also completed the community service component.

2. Accepted for studies at a College or University. 

3. Have significant financial challenges associated with continuing their post-secondary pathway. 

Submission Requirements:

• Application form

• Up to two pages (8.5 x 11) outlining why you are applying for the award and ensure it includes reference to:

- future academic plans or goals

- involvement at your school and/or involvement in your community

- how the award would assist with any financial challenges associated with attending a post-secondary program 

• Maximum of 2 reference letters to support your nomination

A bursary of $3,200 and a certificate to seven (7) students from within all Catholic High Schools.

APPLY HERE for the Ashfield Community Involvement Award!

Awarded to a grade 12 graduating student based on the following considerations:

1. Completed all the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma, including the community service component.

2. Has earned at least 1 dual credit.

3. Proceeding to an Ontario College.

4. Financial need could be a consideration.

Submission Requirements:

• Submit application form

• Brief (300 words or less) essay that provides information about yourself and what your post-secondary plans are. 

An award of $2500 will be made to one secondary graduate student from one OCSB high school.

APPLY HERE for the CODE Frank Kelly Award!

is to honour a Catholic graduate from each high school based on the following considerations:

1.  Participated in school, community and parish initiatives throughout their high school career that have enhanced the character of the Catholic Graduate.

2.  Demonstrated the distinctive expectations as delineated in the Catholic Graduate Expectations document. He or she is expected to be; a discerning believer; a collaborative contributor; a caring family member; a self-directed, responsible, lifelong learner; a responsible citizen; an effective communicator; and a reflective, creative and holistic thinker. 

Submission Requirements:

• Application form

• School-related involvement form (2a)

• Parish and Community-related involvement form (2b)

• 150-300 word essay reflection

• Maximum of 3 letters of support

A bursary of $1150 accompanied by an individual certificate to one student from each Catholic High School.

APPLY HERE for the Catholic Graduate Expectations Award!

is to honour a Catholic graduate from each high school based on the following considerations: 

1.  Demonstrated extensive service in school activities for a minimum of three years.

2.  Demonstrated service in the community and/or fundraising involvement.

3.  Taken initiative and demonstrated leadership.

4.  Completed all the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma, including the community service component. 

Submission Requirements:

• Application form

• One page resume in point form

A bursary of $1650 and a certificate to one student from each Catholic High School. 

APPLY HERE for the Ottawa Catholic Trustee Service Award!

“By our works we show our faith” James 2:18

The Volunteer Community Service Hours Award to be awarded to a grade 12 graduating student based on the following considerations: 

1.  Completed all the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma, including the community service component.

2.  Included the total number of volunteer community service hours accumulated.

3.  Experienced a variety of activities in these volunteer community service hours. 

Submission Requirements:

• Application form

• Short essay on the impact your volunteer hours have had on you

• One reference letter from a volunteer coordinator (and may include up to one other)

• Name the Charity you would select for the $1000 donation (if you are the overall winner) and a brief reason as to why you would choose them

A bursary of $100 and a certificate to one student from each Catholic High School.

One additional bursary of $1000 + $1000 to the charity of choice to one secondary graduate student from one OCSB high school.

APPLY HERE for the Be Community Award!

Awarded to a grade 12 graduating student based on the following considerations:

1.  Completed all the requirements for graduating from high school

2. Demonstrated a commitment to the principles of Catholic social teaching and social justice throughout their secondary school experience. 

Submission Requirements:

• Application form

A bursary of $1000 and a certificate to one student from each Catholic High School.

APPLY HERE for the Ottawa Catholic Teachers Graduating Student Award!

Awarded to a grade 12 graduating student based on the following considerations:

1. Exemplifies dedication to spiritual and social growth within his/her parish.

2. Participated in school and parish events that have enhanced the identity of the Catholic High School.

3. Completed all the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma, including the community service component.

The candidate will submit a letter of support from his/her parish priest and his/her school chaplain to the School-Based Awards Committee. 

Submission Requirements:

• Application form

• Letters of support from parish priest and school chaplain

A bursary of $500 and a certificate to one student from each Catholic High School.

APPLY HERE for the Archbishop's Award for Catholic Leadership!

Awarded to a grade 12 graduating student based on the following considerations:

1.  Planning to take a post-secondary program in the design/architectural studies field, college or university.

2.  Achievement in design/architectural related courses in high school.

3.  A portfolio, consisting of a minimum of three (3) submissions in the design area (i.e. computer design, artistic design or other related fields).

4.  Completed all the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma, including the community service component.

Submission Requirements:

• Submit application form

• A portfolio consisting of a minimum of 3 submissions in the design area (i.e. computer design, artistic design or other related fields)

• Brief (300 words or less) essay stating why you feel you meet the criteria for the award

An award of $1000 will be made to one secondary graduate student from one OCSB high school.

APPLY HERE for the Edward J. Cuhaci & Associates Architects Award!

Awarded to a grade 12 graduating student based on the following considerations:

1.  Demonstrated strong work ethic, community or school involvement.

2.  Have financial need for assistance to pursue his/her education goals whether at college or university level.

Submission Requirements:

• Application form

• Brief description of your merits on the selection criteria

• One reference from a teacher, employer or community leader

One award of $1000 will be provided to a graduating student one secondary graduate student from one OCSB high school.

APPLY HERE for the Your Credit Union for Overall Achievement Award!

Awarded to a grade 12 graduating student based on the following considerations:

1.  Completed all the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma, including the community service component.

2. Student plans to take a post-secondary program in college or university.

Submission Requirements:

• Application form

• Brief (300 words or less) essay on managing debt for their anticipated post-secondary costs (this could include credit cards, student loans or other types of debt management)

One award of $1250 will be provided to a secondary graduate student from two OCSB high schools each. 

APPLY HERE for the National Bank of Canada Award!

Awarded to a grade 12 graduating student based on the following considerations:

1.  Demonstrated empathy and understanding of the context, culture, perspectives, or history regarding Indigenous peoples.

2.  Involved with an initiative, project or event that has tried to encourage reconciliation.

3.  Demonstrated through their daily actions and behaviours an appreciation of the value of Indigenous cultures to Canadian society.

Note:  Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students are eligible for this award.  It is an asset to have taken an Indigenous Studies course.

Submission Requirements:

• Application form

• Brief (300 words or less) essay outlining your activities and involvement in a reconciliation project or event.

• A reference from a teacher, elder or Indigenous community member outlining your actions in working towards reconciliation

A bursary of $1,000 and a certificate to one student from each Catholic High School.

APPLY HERE for the Walking Towards Reconciliation Award!

1. Demonstrated perseverance throughout their secondary education, in order to achieve academic success for an OSS diploma, including the community service component. 

2. Have demonstrated courage and determination while facing and overcoming adversity.

Submission Requirements:

• Application form

• Brief (300-500 word) essay outlining how you’ve persevered through high school and demonstrated courage and determination while facing and overcoming adversity.

A bursary of $1500 and a certificate to one student from each Catholic High School. 

APPLY HERE for the Director of Education Award for Academic Perseverance!

1.  Achieved an average of at least 80%, based on final grades in Gr 11 courses and first semester Gr 12 courses.

2.  Completed all the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma, including the community service component.

3.  Consistently demonstrated positive social attitudes throughout his/her years of high school. 

4.  Consistently exemplified the expectations of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate.

5.  A self-directed, responsible, lifelong learner who develops and demonstrates his/her God-given potential.

6.  A caring, individual who attends to family, school, parish and the wider community.

7.  Accepted at a university or college. 

Submission Requirements:

• Application form

• Brief (300-500 word) essay outlining academic achievements including being a self directed, responsible and lifelong learner. Your essay should also speak to you as an individual who attends to family, school, parish and to the wider community.

A bursary of $1650 and a certificate to one student from each Catholic High School.

APPLY HERE for the Director of Education Graduate Student Award!

Awarded to a grade 12 graduating student with particular focus, but without limiting such focus will be given to students who:

1.  Demonstrated special dedication to pursuing a career directly after high school.

2.  Attained outstanding achievement in view of their employers and cooperative education teachers.

3.  Demonstrated a well-rounded achievement in their education and community involvement.

4.  Been successful in their chosen pathway.

5.  Completed all the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma, an OSS Certificate or a Certificate of Accomplishment and demonstrated a special talent for their chosen pathway.

Submission Requirements:

• Application form

• One reference letter from your employer, DEP or co-op teacher and/or one other teacher or community leader

• Proof of success in chosen pathway

A bursary of $500 and a certificate to one student from each Catholic High School

APPLY HERE for the Pathways to Success - Destination Employability Award!

Awarded to a grade 12 graduating student with particular focus, but without limiting such focus will be given to students who:

1.  Demonstrated a special dedication to pursuing a career in the skilled trades. The award may be granted to someone eligible for, or enrolled in an apprenticeship program or considering an apprenticeship program.

2.  Attained outstanding achievement in the view of their employers and cooperative education teachers.

3.  Demonstrated a well-rounded achievement in their education and community involvement.

4.  Attained outstanding achievement in the context of economic, cultural or social barriers.

5.  Completed all the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma, including the community service component. 

Submission Requirements:

• Submit application form

• One reference letter from your employer and may include up to one other (co-op teacher, teacher, or community leader).

A bursary of $1,000 and a certificate to one student from each Catholic High School.

APPLY HERE for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Award!