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Ottawa Catholic Schools - Awards
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Honours and Awards

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The Ottawa Catholic School Board believes in celebrating the achievements of its students and staff. A wide range of academic and extra-curricular honours and awards are available throughout the school year. In recognition of academic achievement, the names of all students who have achieved an overall average of 80% or better will be posted on the Honour Roll after each reporting period. Schools also host award ceremonies each year to celebrate academic, cultural and athletic achievements of students over the year.

Details on national, provincial and local scholarships and bursaries are available in each school's Student Services office. Visit your school's Student Services office today to become aware of the opportunities available to you. Additionally, the Ottawa Catholic School Board sponsors several awards which are given to high school students upon graduation each year. These Board-sponsored awards are listed below. For complete details on these and MANY other external scholarships, bursaries and awards, please visit your school's Student Services office.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Award

Award:  $700

One annual award is provided to recognize an outstanding Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) student. Candidates are graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their OYAP apprenticship program. Applicants must have completed all of the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma. Particular focus, but without limiting such focus, will be given to students who:

  • have demonstrated special dedication to pursuing a career in the skilled trades
  • have attained outstanding achievement in the view of their employers and cooperative education teachers
  • have demonstrated a well-rounded achievement in their education and community involvement
  • have attained outstanding achievement in the context of economic, cultural or social barriers.

The Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award

Established in 2010, the Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award acknowledges an alumnus who has achieved a high level of distinction and recognition in his or her chosen field, while exhibiting positive Catholic values reflecting the characteristics described by the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations.

The Ottawa Catholic School Board will present the Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award annually during the Christian Community Day celebration in October. A $5,000 donation will be made, on behalf of the recipient, to the Catholic school of his/her choice. A plaque of recognition will be maintained in the Ottawa Catholic School Board, with recipient names added annually; the recipient(s) will receive a personal memento plaque. 

View the Criteria for the Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award >>  

Read about past recipients of the Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award.

Ottawa Catholic Trustee Student Service Award

Award: A bursary of $1,000 accompanied by an individual certificate is provided per high school

One graduate in each high school will be selected. To be selected a student must (have):

  • demonstrated extensive involvement in school activities for a minimum of three years
  • demonstrated community involvement and/or fundraising involvement
  • taken initiative and demonstrated leadership
  • completed all the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma
  • not be serving as an Ottawa Catholic School Board Student Trustee

The Director of Education Graduate Student Award

Award: A bursary of $1,000 and an individual certificate

To be selected a student must:

  • have achieved a high academic average in grades 11 and 12
  • completed all the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma
  • have consistently demonstrated positive social attitudes throughout his/her years of high school
  • have consistently exemplified the expectations of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate
  • be a self-directed, responsible, life-long learner who develops and demonstrates his/her God-given potential
  • be a caring individual who attends to family, school, parish and to the wider community
  • be accepted at a university or college

Pathways for Success Destination Employability Award

Award: $500 is provided per high school

An annual award is provided per high school to recognize an outstanding student within the Destination Employability program. Candidates are graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their Destination Employability program. Applicants must have completed all of the requirements mandatory for obtaining an OSS diploma, or OSS Certificate, and demonstrated a special talent for their chosen pathway. Particular focus, but without limiting such focus, will be given to students who:

  • have demonstrated special dedication to pursuing a career directly after high school
  • have attained outstanding achievement in the view of their employers and cooperative education teachers
  • have demonstrated a well-rounded achievement in their education and community involvement

The Ottawa Catholic Student Award

Award: A bursary of $1,000 accompanied by an individual certificate is provided per high school

To honour a Catholic graduate from each high school who demonstrates the distinctive expectations as delineated in the Catholic Graduate Expectations document. He/she is expected to be: a discerning believer; a collaborative contributor; a caring family member; a responsible citizen; an effective communicator; a reflective, creative and holistic thinker; a sef-directed, responsible, life-long learner

A student is eligible to apply for the Ottawa Catholic Student Award if he/she:

  • has participated in school, community and parish initiatives throughout his/her high school career that have enhanced the character of the Catholic Graduate
  • has attained a minimum 75% average
  • has completed all the requirements for obtaining an OSS diploma