Editor’s Note: As we look back on a phenomenal year, this story exemplifies the passion and progress carrying our community forward. Enjoy the insight!
For more than five decades, the United Achievers Club (UAC) has been making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. Since its launch in the 1970s, the Brampton-based non-profit organization has promoted Black excellence through programs, initiatives, leadership development opportunities, and scholarships that recognize outstanding academic achievement.
The presentation of scholarships at the organization’s annual awards gala remains one of UAC’s signature events. This year’s celebration, held on Saturday, August 29th, at Maple Banquet Hall, reflected both the organization’s history and its growing impact.
What began as a program awarding three scholarships in 1985 has expanded to 14 scholarships in 2026, a testament to UAC’s enduring commitment to youth development and educational success. The growth of the program highlights the power of optimism, faith, and community investment in young people as they pursue their academic and professional goals.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown congratulated the scholarship recipients in a message published in the event program, “To this year’s recipients: I congratulate you on your outstanding accomplishments,” he wrote. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make in Brampton and across Canada in the years ahead.”
The 2026 scholarship recipients represent a broad range of talents and academic interests:
- Oluwatomiwa “Tommy” Balogun, St. Martin Catholic Secondary School, Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto.
- Michelle Ben, Turner Fenton Secondary School, Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University.
- Shadrach Boakye, St. Augustine Catholic Secondary School, Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto.
- Joshua Dormant, St. Marcellinus Catholic Secondary School, Bachelor of Commerce, Queen’s University.
- Jhayla Esono, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, Creative Industries, Toronto Metropolitan University.
- Matthew Girma, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School, Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto.
- Jaeda Goodon, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School, Life Sciences, McMaster University.
- Khannell Grant, David Suzuki Secondary School, Criminology, Law and Society, University of Toronto.
- Amora Marryshow, Notre Dame Secondary School, Advanced Studies in Arts and Humanities (SASAH) and Psychology, Western University.
- Pearl Nwokenye, Notre Dame Secondary School, Honours Health Sciences, University of Ottawa.
- Alyese Sutherland, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School, Environment and Urban Planning, Toronto Metropolitan University.
- Rhesa Thomas, Woodbridge College, Social Development Studies and Social Work, University of Waterloo.
- Saige Uhunmwangho, St. Martin Catholic Secondary School, Bachelor of Music, University of Guelph.
- Dylan Wellington, Loyola Catholic Secondary School, Mechatronics Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University.
The keynote address was delivered by Nailah Gordon-Decicieo, a former UAC scholarship recipient, lawyer, Criminal Duty Counsel, and youth advocate. Returning to inspire the next generation, she shared a message of perseverance, leadership, and overcoming obstacles. Her remarks encouraged students to embrace opportunities, confront challenges with confidence, and continue striving for excellence.
UAC also acknowledged the generous support of sponsors, including: the Kiwanis Club of Brampton, the Black Internal Support Network of Peel Regional Police, Jennifer Cave Williams, Dr. Darlene and Matthew Weekes, Carole Walker of The Operators Insurance, and members of the United Achievers Club.
Over the years, UAC scholarships have left lasting marks on the lives of hundreds of students. As the organization looks to the future, its investment in young people will continue to inspire and support generations of aspiring leaders on their journeys toward academic excellence.
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