On 10 June 2023, the Durham Educational Mentoring Program (DEMP) held its end of year closing events at the Pickering High School in Ajax. The guest list included Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax, Marilyn Crawford- Regional Councillor Ward 1 and Deputy Mayor of Ajax, Andrea Walters, DEMP consultant and DDSB Principal and Sameer Awan, Executive Assistant to Barnes.

The ceremony was chaired by Mr. Errol Rollox, who is a Board Director & Tutor. Nicola Sutton-Leslie spoke on how the program benefited her two children, one of whom is currently in a postsecondary program in life sciences with the expectation of entering medical school.

MPP Barnes noted the importance of DEMP to the community. The Ajax MPP became associated with the tutoring program in 2014 when she a DDSB Trustee. Barnes said her children benefited from the tutoring program.  

Capping off the morning ceremony Certificates of Participation were presented to those students who had at least an 80% attendance and to volunteer tutors.