Two local students awarded for championing diversity and belonging in Clarington

Clarington, Ontario – The Municipality of Clarington is proud to announce that the two recipients of the 2025 Diversity Leadership Bursary are Alina Gregory from Courtice Secondary School and Jacob Kniaz from Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School. They are recognized for outstanding leadership in advancing diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and accessibility across Clarington, each receiving a $1,250 bursary to support their post-secondary goals and continued journey as leaders.

“We’re proud to support the Clarington 2025 Diversity Leadership Bursary recipients – your passion and promise embody the caring spirit of Clarington. Our community is strengthened by growing diversity, and you are helping lead the way toward a more inclusive future. Congratulations on your well-earned recognition,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.

Alina Gregory has made it her priority to create safe spaces for women and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through school events, care packages for Bethesda House, and community outreach. This fall, Alina will begin studying Kinesiology at Trent University, with plans to pursue a career in occupational therapy because it aligns with her passion for helping people and seeing others succeed.

Jacob Kniaz is passionate and committed to supporting diversity and creating inclusive communities that support and uplift others, shown through his leadership as Student Cabinet Prime Minister and his work with Durham Region Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative. This fall, he will begin studying Management Engineering at the University of Waterloo to create inclusive, human-centered designs.

Jacob and Alina are creating positive change as champions of diversity and inclusion in their school and the community.

“Our committee was once again inspired by the applications received for the second annual Clarington Diversity Leadership Bursary,” said Tenzin Shomar, Chair of Clarington’s Diversity Advisory Committee. “This year’s recipients have made incredible contributions to their schools and community, and we look forward to seeing their continued leadership and impact in Clarington and beyond.”

Now in its second year, the Diversity Leadership Bursary is supported by Clarington’s Diversity Advisory Committee—an advisory group of local volunteers who provide guidance to Council and the Municipality on diversity-related issues. Learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Clarington at www.clarington.net/IDEA.

Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Sarah Raso, Communications Officer
905-260-3495 | sraso@clarington.net

Mayor Foster and members of council with Diversity Leadership Bursary winner Alina Gregory

Pictured: Councillor Margaret Zwart, Diversity Advisory Committee Vice-Chair Bev Neblett, Regional Councillor Willie Woo, Councillor Corinna Traill, Councillor Lloyd Rang, Diversity Leadership Bursary recipient Alina Gregory, Mayor Adrian Foster, Councillor Sami Elhajjeh, Regional Councillor Granville Anderson, Diversity Advisory Committee Chair Tenzin Shomar, Accessibility Coordinator Jeanette Whynot.

Pictured: Councillor Corinna Traill, Regional Councillor Willie Woo, Diversity Advisory Committee Vice-Chair Bev Neblett, Councillor Margaret Zwart, Diversity Advisory Committee Chair Tenzin Shomar, Councillor Lloyd Rang, Diversity Leadership Bursary recipient Jacob Knaiz, Mayor Adrian Foster, Councillor Sami Elhajjeh, Regional Councillor Granville Anderson, Accessibility Coordinator Jeanette Whynot.