The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce that Grade
10 St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School student David Madiba Akero was appointed as
Student Trustee for the 2024-2026 term by the Board of Trustees at their April 16th meeting.

David is a passionate student leader, with a strong work-ethic, determination, and desire to help
others through leadership. 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. David 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.

David’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, David 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.

David 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. 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.” Said David Madiba Akero, Student Trustee.

“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.”

David Madiba Akero will officially assume his role as Student Trustee alongside fellow Student
Trustee Julia Parenteau on August 1, 2024. His appointment reflects the Sudbury Catholic
District School Board’s commitment to fostering student leadership and engagement, ensuring
that student voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process.