We are proud to share that three Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) students are among the eight winners of the 2025 Portuguese Heritage Essay Contest, hosted by the Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business & Professionals (FPCBP). The contest received numerous submissions from across Ontario, particularly the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
Congratulations to:
- Andre Luiz C., Grade 7, Stella Maris Catholic School
- Alessia Maria M., Grade 10, Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School
- Dominic Alexander P., Grade 10, Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts
Notably, Andre Luiz was one of the few applicants who submitted his essay in Portuguese—an especially meaningful and courageous effort for a student in Grade 7.
All winners were honoured at a formal award ceremony held at the Consulate General of Portugal in Toronto on the evening of Friday, June 20, 2025. The celebration brought together community members, sponsors, leaders, and dignitaries.
The event featured the TCDSB winners alongside FPCBP President Bela Cumberbatch and Dr. Ana Luísa Riquito, Consul General of Portugal in Toronto.
We celebrate the outstanding achievements of these students and their meaningful contributions to Portuguese heritage and culture.