Clarington awards Diversity Leadership Bursary to local Grade 12 student

Clarington, Ontario – Jenae Heron-Kelly, a Grade 12 student at St. Stephen Catholic Secondary School in Bowmanville, is the inaugural recipient of the Municipality of Clarington’s Diversity Leadership Bursary.

The bursary provides $1,500 to an eligible graduating high-school student involved in activities and initiatives that create positive change related to diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and accessibility in Clarington.

Jenae wrote a moving essay about her passion and dedication to promoting positive change, inclusion and diversity within her community. An active participant in her school, she leads the St. Stephen’s Black Student Association, which incorporates Black culture through awareness and events like Black History Month. She’s also been the recipient of the Royal of the Month award, a monthly award given by St. Stephen to students making great impacts on their community, as well as the courage award, and certificate for academic accomplishments. An artist, dancer, singer, activist and entrepreneur, she still finds time to volunteer at her local food banks and shelters.

“In Clarington, our growing diversity is a source of strength – and young leaders like Jenae are at the forefront of shaping a more welcoming and inclusive community. I am proud to present her with the first-ever Clarington Diversity Leadership Bursary. We are fortunate to have young people creating positive change here, now and into the future,” said Mayor Adrian Foster.

“Our committee was thrilled with the applications received for the inaugural Clarington Diversity Leadership Bursary,” said Tenzin Shomar, Chair of Clarington’s Diversity Advisory Committee. “We wish Jenae nothing but the best in her future endeavours, and we look forward to her continued community involvement in Clarington and beyond.”

Jenae Heron-Kelly is pictured with Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster and Regional Councillor Granville Anderson. 

Clarington’s Diversity Leadership Bursary aims to encourage and celebrate young community leaders by alleviating some of the financial barriers associated with post-secondary education. The bursary is made available on behalf of Clarington’s Diversity Advisory Committee, an advisory body that provides guidance and recommendations to Council and Municipal staff on issues related to diversity in the community. It is an action item of Clarington’s 2024-27 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism (IDEA) Strategy. Learn more at www.clarington.net/IDEAStrategy.

Media inquiries: 
Municipality of Clarington 
Melissa Westover 
Communications Manager 
905-623-3379 ext. 2019 or mwestover@clarington.net