Nine Humber valedictorians are graduating after making an impact through leadership, innovation and community service.
TORONTO — As more than 10,000 students graduate from Humber Polytechnic this spring, nine valedictorians are being recognized not only for their academic achievement, but for the leadership, innovation and community impact they have demonstrated throughout their studies.
From advocating for student rights and advancing sustainability initiatives to representing Canada on the international stage and supporting marginalized communities, the graduates reflect a new generation of Canadian leaders emerging from campuses across the Greater Toronto Area.
Their achievements extend far beyond the classroom, highlighting the growing role post-secondary students are playing in shaping communities, workplaces and public life.
Leading Through Advocacy and Service
Several of this year’s valedictorians built their legacy through advocacy and student leadership.
Emily Edwards, a graduate of the Media and Communication Studies program at the University of Guelph-Humber, represented approximately 30,000 students through her work with the IGNITE student union. During her time at Humber, she advocated for issues including affordability and unpaid placements, helping bring student concerns to the forefront of campus discussions.
Bachelor of Public Relations graduate Tu Thanh Luc also made student engagement a priority. Through orientation programming and campus initiatives, she helped support more than 20,000 students while earning the Canadian Public Relations Society Toronto ACE Award for Student Public Relations Communications Plan of the Year.
Bachelor of Child and Youth Care graduate Onoriode Francis Osifo focused his efforts on equity, inclusion and student advocacy. Through his involvement with Black Student Support and Engagement and his role as Chair of IGNITE’s Board of Directors, he worked to strengthen support systems for students while promoting leadership opportunities and community engagement. He was also named a Top 10 finalist in Humber’s 2025 Map the System competition.
Turning Ideas Into Impact
Innovation and creativity were central themes among several of the graduating leaders.
Bachelor of Interior Design graduate Dayanna Lopez Buitrago earned first place in the Daniels Faculty design competition and completed a service-learning project that created acoustic wall art installations for a therapy clinic using upcycled materials.
In Humber’s entrepreneurial and sustainability community, Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting graduate Aashna Manocha and Architectural Technology graduate Suneha Walia helped lead Project ReShade through Enactus Humber.
The initiative earned a top-four finish at the Enactus Canada National Exposition and received a 2025 Beauty’s Best Technology/Product Award. As President and Co-President of Enactus Humber respectively, both students helped demonstrate how innovation and environmental responsibility can work together to create meaningful community impact.
Excelling in the Arts and Athletics
For some valedictorians, leadership was demonstrated through artistic and athletic excellence.
Bachelor of Music graduate Beth Lane became a familiar face at major Humber events, performing at convocation ceremonies, the President’s Breakfast and other institutional celebrations. She was also featured prominently in Humber Polytechnic’s “The You You Knew Was In You” campaign.
Medical Esthetics graduate Rielle Elizabeth Bonne balanced academic success with elite athletic competition, representing Team Canada in trampoline and capturing a gold medal at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games.
Meanwhile, Wellness Coaching graduate Hannah Manners distinguished herself as both a student and athlete. As captain of Humber’s women’s volleyball team, she helped lead the program to provincial and national podium finishes while earning recognition as a 2026 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association All-Canadian, the 2025 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association Championship MVP and a CCAA National Scholar.
Manners also achieved a perfect 100 per cent average during her first semester in the Wellness Coaching program, exemplifying excellence both on and off the court.
A Reflection of Humber’s Mission
Collectively, the accomplishments of Humber Polytechnic’s 2026 valedictorians highlight a broader shift in how student success is defined.
While academic achievement remains important, these graduates are being recognized for their ability to lead, innovate, collaborate and create positive change within their communities.
Their work spans public relations, business, sustainability, youth advocacy, design, music, athletics and community engagement, demonstrating the diverse pathways through which young leaders are helping shape Canada’s future.
As convocation ceremonies continue this spring, the stories of Humber’s valedictorians serve as a reminder that leadership begins long before graduation day.
For these nine graduates, the next chapter starts with a record of achievement already making an impact across the GTA and beyond.
GTA Weekly congratulates Humber Polytechnic’s Class of 2026 graduates and wishes them continued success as they begin the next stage of their academic, professional and community journeys.
Follow us on social media @GTAWeeklyNews for more.
Leave a Reply