Youth of the Month 2026
Celebrating the youths we serve
Congrats to Isaiah Grant
Position: January Youth of the Month
Categories: YOTM 2026
Isaiah Grant is an outstanding candidate for Youth of the Month, exemplifying determination, drive, and a deep commitment to building a positive future—not only for himself but for those around him. As a young entrepreneur and founder of @revivedetailing and @. Isaiah has demonstrated exceptional leadership and work ethic, all while balancing his passion for business with a heart for service. He has actively worked with underserved members of the community, volunteered his time to help serve the homeless, and continues to be a positive role model for youth. Isaiah’s dedication to uplifting others and creating opportunities where they are needed most truly sets him apart. His actions reflect a maturity and purpose that are both rare and inspiring, making him more than deserving of this recognition.
Congrats to Isaiah Grant
January Youth of the Month
Isaiah Grant is an outstanding candidate for Youth of the...
Congrats to Monique Naranjit-Rocquemore
Position: February Youth of the Month (nominated by her mother)
Categories: YOTM 2026
Congrats to Monique Naranjit-Rocquemore
February Youth of the Month (nominated by her mother)
Monique has continuously excelled academically. Throughout elementary school, Monique was...
Congrats to Jazmin Talia Finn
Position: March Youth of the Month (nominated by her mother)
Categories: YOTM 2026
Jazmin Talia Finn, born May 24, 2012, is an exceptionally bright and mature young leader who excels both inside and outside the classroom. Academically gifted, she consistently maintains grades in the 80s and 90s while demonstrating an impressive linguistic range as she nears fluency in French and tackles the complexities of Mandarin. At school, Jazmin is a driving force in her community, serving as a member of the Black Student Alliance and the Leadership Committee, as well as holding the responsible role of Broker at the “Tiger’s Den” school store.
Her vibrant personality is reflected in her diverse passions, which include anime, fashion experimentation, and a long-standing commitment to swimming and soccer. A talented chef in the making, Jazmin’s independence shone through at just ten years old when she prepared her first full dinner for her family. Known for her kindness and inclusive spirit, Jazmin balances her artistic flair for baking and hair styling with a grounded, disciplined approach to her many responsibilities, making her a truly standout candidate for Youth of the Month
Congrats to Jazmin Talia Finn
March Youth of the Month (nominated by her mother)
Jazmin Talia Finn, born May 24, 2012, is an exceptionally...
Congrats to Jahnyah Bent
Position: April Youth of the Month (nominated by her grandmother)
Categories: YOTM 2026
Jahnyah was proudly nominated by her grandmother, Beverley, who highlighted her exceptional character and dedication.
Jahnyah Bent is an exceptionally bright and mature young leader who excels both inside and outside the classroom. Academically serious and dedicated, she consistently puts in her best effort and continues to grow both personally and academically. Known for her kindness and positive attitude, she approaches her studies with determination and a genuine willingness to learn.
At school, Jahnyah is recognized for her responsible character and the way she carries herself. She contributes positively to her community and consistently demonstrates qualities of leadership, respect, and compassion toward others.
Her vibrant personality shines through in her thoughtful nature, her steady commitment to doing her best, and the warmth she brings to those around her. A young lady with a promising future, Jahnyah’s discipline, maturity, and kindness make her a truly standout candidate for Youth of the Month.
We are proud of you, Jahnyah!
Congrats to Jahnyah Bent
April Youth of the Month (nominated by her grandmother)
Jahnyah was proudly nominated by her grandmother, Beverley, who highlighted...
Congrats to Joshua Box
Position: May Youth of the Month
Categories: YOTM 2026
Joshua Boxe, is 16 years old and in grade 11 at North Toronto Collegiate Institute.
I am highlighting my son because Joshua is an awesome kid, and this opportunity will encourage him to believe in himself, push through the challenges in school and advocate for his future.
Joshua is a great kid, his teachers, his community, and even the parents of his peers speak to his potential Leadership qualities. His is respectful, kind, well-mannered and behaved yet reserved. Josh doesn’t say much at first, because he is a deep thinker. He likes to build trust and confidence before he puts himself out there.
I am a single parent and I have been single and raised Joshua his whole life. We are active members of our local church, C3Toronto and because of our faith and engagement in the community, God has always blessed us and carried us even in the toughest times.
As a single parent I often worry about the effects of my struggles on Joshua, but we have weathered the storms in our lives pretty well, and I am so proud and believe that somehow, Joshua will be more than ok. He will be impactful, and a change maker, once he is able to tap into his purpose and run with it.
I am not sure what the requirements are for this Youth of the Month highlight, but if this email is the start for your consideration, then I am grateful for the opportunity and pray this will impact Joshua in a mighty way, encouraging him to keep being the great kid he is, and to never lose sight of his values nor his faith. He can do anything.
Congrats to Joshua Box
May Youth of the Month
Joshua Boxe, is 16 years old and in grade 11...
Congrats to Inayah Jamani
Position: June Youth of the Month
Categories: YOTM 2026
Nominated by her Mother.
Inayah is a hardworking and dedicated young person who continues to show excellence in both academics and athletics. She has completed 260 volunteer hours, demonstrating a strong commitment to helping others and giving back to her community.
Last year, in Grade 9, she received an Honour Certificate for her academic achievement. She was also recognized with the Academic Award of Excellence for Student Athlete, which reflects her ability to balance school success with sports dedication.
For the past two years, Inayah has been actively involved in wrestling and weightlifting through her school. These activities have helped her build discipline, confidence, leadership, and perseverance.
Congrats to Inayah Jamani
June Youth of the Month
Nominated by her Mother. Inayah is a hardworking and dedicated...
Congrats to Zeleah Rose
Position: July Youth of the Month (nominated by her mother)
Categories: YOTM 2026
I would like to nominate my daughter Zeleah Rose for Youth of the Month. She is a 20 year old that has been working so hard. She is a week away from finishing Police Foundations at Durham College. She also works 2 jobs; one at Moores, and she is also a security guard for the Blue Jays. She was the only female picked from the new hires to be a security guard on the field with the Blue Jays. She has been working since the age of 15, going to school and getting phenomenal grades. She also volunteers any chance she can get especially when asked by her teachers. I believe she deserves this recognition and I pray she gets picked.
Congrats to Zeleah Rose
July Youth of the Month (nominated by her mother)
I would like to nominate my daughter Zeleah Rose for...
Tamara Natukunda
Position: August Youth of the Month
Categories: YOTM 2026
I am pleased to nominate Tamara Natukunda for the Youth of the Month. Tamara is an exceptional Grade 12 student whose academic achievement, leadership, and sustained commitment to community service make her a highly deserving candidate.
Tamara recently led a fundraising initiative that raised funds to provide reusable sanitary pad kits to 320 vulnerable girls from low-income households in Uganda. Many of these students lack access to menstrual products and miss school during their menstrual periods. Through this initiative, Tamara helped address an important barrier to education while demonstrating compassion, initiative, and the ability to turn concern into meaningful action.
Her service also extends throughout Mississauga. Since 2022, Tamara has volunteered with the Rotary Club of Mississauga at Annual Ribfest and Lobsterfest events, helping raise funds for local charities, youth programs, food banks, Trillium Health Partners, and the Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital. She has sold raffle tickets at community events, served meals to fundraising patrons, and participated in an Earth Day cleanup at the Riverwood Conservancy and Arsenal Lands.
At school, Tamara contributes to the Black Students Alliance and Thrive clubs, which supports equity within the school community, the Audio & Visual (AV) Club, and Studio 209, where she assists with school announcements and communication. She has maintained strong academic performance throughout her school years and has received academic proficiency and honour roll recognitions. Her accomplishments also include the 2025 Mississauga City Black Excellence Youth Award, the 2024 Most Improved Cadet Award from the 2824 Royal Canadian Army Cadets, and a Young Authors Award from the Dufferin-Peel school district.
Tamara is currently a Warrant Officer in the Army Cadet program with the 2824 Royal Canadian Army Cadets, where she has strengthened her leadership, resilience, teamwork, and presentation skills. She has also volunteered as a junior swim instructor at Glenforest Pool, assisting with lessons and helping create a safe, encouraging, and enjoyable environment for swimmers at various levels. In addition, she holds Bronze Cross, Bronze Medallion, Standard First Aid, and Emergency First Aid certifications.
What distinguishes Tamara is the breadth and sincerity of her service. She combines academic excellence with empathy, reliability, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of others, both locally and internationally. Her record reflects not only what she has achieved, but also the thoughtful and responsible young leader she has become.
Tamara Natukunda
August Youth of the Month
I am pleased to nominate Tamara Natukunda for the Youth...
Congrat to Sekhmet Harambe Blake Walsh
Position: Sept Youth of the month
Categories: YOTM 2026
Sekhment is an exceptional young woman whose character, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact on those around her make her highly deserving of this recognition. She consistently demonstrates kindness, integrity, and a genuine desire to uplift others. Through her actions, she leads by example and inspires those in her community.
Sekhmet embodies the qualities this award seeks to celebrate. Her dedication to personal growth, education, and serving others reflects the values of leadership, empowerment, and community that Shining Light Youth Charity promotes.
Thank you for providing opportunities to recognize outstanding young people. I appreciate your consideration of Sekhmet Harambe Blake Walsh for this month’s award.
Congrat to Sekhmet Harambe Blake Walsh
Sept Youth of the month
Sekhment is an exceptional young woman whose character, leadership, and...








