This summer, Marymount Academy student Adonia Dunwell will join some of Canada’s brightest young minds after being accepted into the prestigious SHAD program at York University.
Running from July 5 to July 31, SHAD is a nationally recognized STEAM and entrepreneurship program that brings together high school students from across Canada for an immersive university experience. Participants live on campus while exploring science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, entrepreneurship, and leadership through hands-on learning, team projects, and mentorship from industry leaders.
For Adonia, the opportunity represents the next step in a leadership journey already making an impact both locally and provincially.
Earlier this year, Adonia was recognized with the 2026 Committee of Youth Officers for the Province of Ontario (COYO) Outstanding Youth Award, an honour presented annually to a young person who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to creating positive change in their community.
“Receiving the 2026 Outstanding Youth Award means more to me than words can express,” said Dunwell. “This award is not just for me, it is for all the youth and community members I have had the privilege of serving through my advocacy work. It motivates me to continue creating positive change and amplifying the voices of young people across Ontario.”
Adonia’s passion for advocacy began through learning about Truth and Reconciliation and the importance of equity and inclusion. Those experiences inspired her to pursue opportunities that would allow her to make a meaningful difference in her community. Since then, she has become actively involved in youth leadership and advocacy initiatives supporting BIPOC youth, mental health awareness, and community engagement. Her involvement includes working with organizations such as Black Lives Matter Sudbury, Compass’ Youth Advisory Council, the Greater Sudbury Youth Council as the Ward 3 Representative, and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board Student Senate. She has also shared her voice through speaking engagements with organizations that support African youth and families. Building on this work, Adonia founded Crowns in Culture, a platform dedicated to empowering and advocating for BIPOC youth across Ontario.
This summer, Adonia is looking forward to continuing that journey through SHAD.
“I decided to take a chance and apply after hearing about SHAD through school and from students who had participated before,” said Dunwell. “When I found out I had been accepted, I was truly over the moon. It felt like an incredible opportunity to challenge myself, learn from others, and continue growing both academically and personally.”
At York University, Adonia is excited to experience campus life, collaborate with students from across Canada, and learn from professors, mentors, and industry professionals. She hopes the program will help her further explore future pathways in psychology, forensic science, public policy, and leadership while developing valuable skills in communication, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Upon returning home, Adonia hopes to share what she has learned with fellow students and inspire others to pursue opportunities beyond their comfort zones.
“I want to inspire other students to pursue opportunities outside of their comfort zones and show them that programs like SHAD are achievable, regardless of their background,” she said. “I hope my experience encourages other young people at Marymount Academy and throughout Sudbury to believe in themselves, take chances, and pursue opportunities that can help shape their future.”
“Adonia embodies the qualities we hope to nurture in every student; a passion for learning, a commitment to serving others, and the courage to use her voice to create positive change,” said Natasha Folino, Superintendent of Education for Marymount Academy. “Her leadership extends far beyond the classroom, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate both her provincial recognition through the COYO Outstanding Youth Award and her acceptance into the nationally recognized SHAD program. We look forward to seeing the impact she will continue to make in our school, our community, and beyond.”
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board congratulates Adonia on these outstanding achievements and wishes her every success as she embarks on this exciting summer experience at York University.
