Student Recognition Awards 2008

Student Recognition Awards • 6 to 9 p.m. • May 29, 2008 Celebrating Outstanding Student Leadership

Produced by Communications and Information Services pg 133 Greenbank Road, , ON K2H 6L3 pg 613-721-1820 Acknowledgements

The members of the organizing committee would like to thank the following for their contributions to make the Student Recognition Awards a reality:

Marie Bulgin — Executive Assistant to the Director, for her assistance and advice.

Communications and Information Services staff — for the production of the Student Recognition Awards 2008 booklet and program.

Nepean All-City Jazz Band — for the dinner music. Mike Lynn — Tenor Saxophone Jason Gencher — Trumpet Alex Bilodeau — Bass Anthony Jillions — Piano Austin Lamarche — Drums

Art Nielson — Sport Vision for the production of the plaques.

Miroslawa Wasilewski — Ottawa Technical Learning Centre, Horticulture, for the corsages and fl owers for the tables.

Steward Hartley — Exhibit Marketing Specialist, for the donation of the portable displays on which the student photos have been arranged. Student Recognition What the Student Recognition Award Recipients Awards are all about . . . for 2007 The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is pleased to host the third John Armstrong Kendra-Ann Kennedy Continuing Education Credit Program Hillcrest High School District-wide Student Recognition Awards. The purpose of this new initiative Ashley Attwell Tessa McNicol West Carleton Secondary School Nepean High School is to celebrate excellence in student leadership. Katie Badham Lonnie Nadler Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School Sir Robert Borden High School One of the long-term goals of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is Stephan Boraks Simrin Nagpal Glebe Collegiate Institute to strengthen the organization’s commitment to creating a learning and work Jennifer Buckell Dipesh Parmar environment that encourages positive outcomes for all students and staff. To Frederick Banting Secondary A.Y. Jackson Secondary School Alternate Program support that objective the District has recognized teachers, administrators, Arianne Ramirez Michelle Campbell and support staff with the Director’s Citation, Mentoring, Innovation, Ronald Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School James Riggs K. Lynch Memorial, and Technology Excellence awards. Tonight we proudly Tara Chan South Carleton High School Bell High School and publicly honour our senior student leaders. Steve Robins Matthew Clayton John McCrae Secondary School Elizabeth Wyn Wood Secondary Alternate Program Edrise Sherif Julie Crowson Richard Pfaff Secondary Alternate Program The students being recognized were chosen by their principals and/or Earl of March Secondary School Kevin Shonfi eld coordinators who felt they demonstrated the will to succeed, the dedication Benjamin Durocher Ottawa Technical Learning Centre Canterbury High School to fi nish what they started, and the commitment to achieve their personal Lauren Smith Laura Fanjoy Colonel By Secondary School best. Gloucester High School Wendy Smith Adam Farhat Norman Johnston Secondary Woodroffe High School Alternate Program Thank you for joining us this evening to celebrate the achievement of our Benjamin Farrow Pavatharani Srikaran secondary students. Lisgar Collegiate Institute Adult High School Naureen Haque Jessica Steward Brookfi eld High School Ridgemont High School “I am still learning.” Jenna James Kendra Towns Osgoode Township High School Cairine Wilson Secondary School – Michelangelo

36 1 at the ; donating Student Recognition time and energy toward charitable causes including the Relay for Life and Award Recipients United Way; running dances, movie for 2006 nights, spirit assemblies, and rock Kailynn Anthony Farrah Issa concerts; participating in the Cappies; Osgoode Township High School Merivale High School and promoting environmental Michelle Boulet Dina Kahiel responsibility. What all of them have Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School South Carleton High School done is be active in their high school Jonathon Braun Robin Kearns life. In doing that, their lives, the lives West Carleton Secondary School Earl of March Secondary School of their family, friends, and children Dan Carnite Lindsay Lachance Glebe Collegiate Institute on the other side of the world all Ottawa Technical Learning Centre Ninnera Channer Anna Lim benefi ted. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School Rachel Datson Konval Matin This is the third year we have Continuing Education Credit Program Ridgemont High School Message from recognized outstanding graduating Amy Derickx Amanda McDonald the Director students from every high school — it Gloucester High School Frederick Banting Secondary Alternate Program is a practice we hope to continue for Joy Ding Danielle Mignault Tonight we will honour 30 graduating years to come. Sir Robert Borden High School A.Y. Jackson Secondary School students. Their stories are varied Larisa Droll Samantha Oswald Lisgar Collegiate Institute and uniquely their own but you will Congratulations to each of you J.S. Woodsworth Secondary School Sara Emard Natasha Rupani quickly see their message is singular — for what you have been able to Norman Johnston Secondary Alternate Program John McCrae Secondary School through dedication and perseverance, accomplish already and for the Mutiat Enikanolaiye Paula Saliba one person can make a difference. recognition of your school for your Brookfi eld High School Hillcrest High School contributions and leadership. You Joel Fair Meghan Spring Among these 30 students are have been given the gift of leadership Cairine Wilson Secondary School Bell High School stories of hardships handled with and a talent that will help make this Amani Farhat Sarah Stephens grace, dignity, and determination; world a better place. Rideau High School Adult High School raising awareness for the Rwandan Armin Forouzan Jordan Tannahill Genocide; winning the Chancellor’s Woodroffe High School Canterbury High School Owen Gemmell Sarah Tranquilli-Doherty Scholarship at Queen’s University Dr. Lorne M. Rachlis Richard Pfaff Secondary Alternate Program Colonel By Secondary School and at and the Director of Education Ashley Gunn Eleni Wener Undergraduate Research Scholarship and Secretary of the Board Elizabeth Wyn Wood Secondary Alternate Program Nepean High School

2 35 Student Recognition Award of impressive purposes. At the same Recipient time your leadership is a gift given to you from your fellow students, your teachers, and other staff in your Katreena Savard schools, your families, and friends Woodroffe High School in the community, where they have accepted your vision, your direction, Katreena Savard’s positive demeanour, her your help, and your will to achieve proven leadership style, and her ability to something good. Your legacy will be motivate her fellow classmates have benefi ted not just the things you’ve done this year but also the ways that others in Woodroffe High School tremendously and her future follow your example. legacy will be felt for years to come. If what you have accomplished this year is any indication, the world will Her list of accomplishments, during her four years at Woodroffe, are numerous Message from and diverse and include being the Athletic Association president, Student Council be a better place for your efforts. On the Chair behalf of the trustees of the Ottawa- president, Leadership member, and Woodroffe Ambassador. Year after year Carleton District School Board, I offer Katreena continues to lead the Tiger Ambush, providing a peer role model for the Leadership manifests itself in many my congratulations and thank you for students who will follow in her footsteps. ways. When I look at the range of following your principles and your achievements demonstrated by the dreams to such good effect. You’ve Her connection to the community is exemplary and includes fund-raising for 30 students being honoured here, made good things happen and many I’m heartened and humbled by have benefi ted, and will benefi t, from several causes including a fun day at the local seniors’ home, volunteering with your commitment to improving our the results. Korean exchange students, and working with the homeless in Ottawa. communities, our society, and our world. Katreena is a model student who is respected by her peers and appreciated by her teachers. She is part of what makes Woodroffe a special place to learn and work. Your leadership has been a gift Lynn Scott from you to all those engaged in Chair of the Board your school community, where you have provided inspiration, hope, motivation, organization, and hard work to accomplish a spectacular array

34 3 Student Recognition Student Recognition Award Award Recipients for Recipient 2008 Thi Dao Lauchlan Gale Alicia Puritt A.Y. Jackson Secondary School Lisgar Collegiate Institute West Carleton Secondary School Afnan Azizi Sarah Kehler Adult High School Merivale High School Alicia Puritt wanted her high school Amanda Harvey Madison Cumbaa Bell High School Nepean High School experience to be well rounded. She wanted Andrew Charles Kayla Russell to participate in social justice activities, Brookfi eld High School Norman Johnston Secondary Alternate to become better acquainted with other Program McLish Alexander cultures and their languages, and to support both local and global charitable Cairine Wilson Secondary School Grace Valentine Osgoode Township High School initiatives. Well, she fulfi lled her goal completely. Meghan Johnston Canterbury High School James McIntyre Ottawa Technical Learning Centre Philip Gazaleh Locally she volunteered at her elementary school and in sports leagues. As Colonel By Secondary School Chloe Gervais Richard Pfaff Secondary Alternate Program a volunteer she coached younger students in judo and football. In addition, Liana Gannon Continuing Education Credit Program Lundi Ly Alicia raised global awareness regarding issues relating to poverty through Rideau High School Sarah Fortune her work with the school’s Social Justice Club. Earl of March Secondary School Khadeejat Momoh Ridgemont High School Jesse Clark Elizabeth Wyn Wood Secondary Alternate Corey Maxwell-James One of Alicia’s most signifi cant contributions to the school community as Program Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School a whole has been through her participation in an international exchange Naina Behal Wendy Zhang program. She participated in a six-month exchange to Germany and then Frederick Banting Secondary Alternate Program Sir Robert Borden High School hosted two international students in return. Alicia’s commitment to Barkhad Barkhad Marya Jaleel Glebe Collegiate Institute Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School learning about other cultures and languages provided her peers with the Chantal Denis Lindsay Morris opportunity to meet students from another country without having to Gloucester High School South Carleton High School leave home to do so. Jillian Gedeon Alicia Puritt Hillcrest High School West Carleton Secondary School Thomas Swayne Katreena Savard John McCrae Secondary School Woodroffe High School

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Lindsay Morris Thi Dao South Carleton High School A.Y. Jackson Secondary School

Lindsay Morris is a person of character whose “Great things come in small packages” and name has become synonymous at South this couldn’t be truer when speaking of Thi Carleton High School with getting the job Dao. Her exemplary leadership style has done — locally, provincially, nationally, or been contagious throughout the A.Y. Jackson even globally. Secondary School’s student body. She is the ‘whole package’ — involved at a high level in many aspects of school life including academics, sports, music, Her interest and commitment to social causes began as a junior student. She student government, and global exchanges. worked to raise other students’ awareness and understanding of key global and local issues, including the genocide in Rwanda, AIDS, poverty in Ottawa, Last September, incoming grade 9 students experienced a week of fun-fi lled and the need to support clean water initiatives and education for children in orientation activities at A.Y. Jackson which were all fl awlessly orchestrated by developing nations. Thi. The outcome was far more lasting than the organizers had anticipated — these events allowed the grade 9 students to instantly become more Lindsay is a mentor and role model. She has literally transfi xed her fellow comfortable and effortlessly encouraged long-term student participation. schoolmates by organizing a Minga Committee — Minga is the gathering of community members to complete a task that benefi ts the community. Under Thi is always looking out for the underdog and she excels as a skills builder Lindsay’s mentorship, an ever-growing group of students raised over $30,000 at leadership camps. She believes it is her responsibility to train future for Free the Children, the world’s largest network of children helping student leaders so that A.Y. Jackson continues to be one of the best high children through education. She plans to continue her work in social justice schools in the country. by enrolling in the International Development Program at Guelph University.

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Afnan Azizi Marya Jaleel Adult High School Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School Afnan Azizi’s quiet leadership comes from a wealth of experience. In his home country of In her four years at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Iran, he participated in activities that ranged Secondary School Marya Jaleel has grown from playing and organizing local soccer from a quiet grade 9 student into a caring, games to coordinating philosophical discussion groups. When imprisoned outspoken student with a proven track record who gets the job done. for his political beliefs, Afnan negotiated the safe treatment and eventual release of himself and his fellow detainees. Marya has consistently produced a grade average of over 90 per cent while maintaining an active role in the Music Program, playing in the Concert and Afnan enrolled at the Adult High School in 2007 shortly after his arrival Jazz bands. in . His impressive abilities are evident in his high marks despite English not being his mother tongue. As an exemplary citizen and a strong Marya has been actively involved with the school’s Multicultural Club. She role model Afnan is a mentor to many of his school peers. He generously has moved with ease and confi dence into a leadership position in the club, shares his talents and he is one of the most reliable and sought-after tutors bringing with her enthusiasm and energy for the benefi t of members. Her at Adult High School. commitment to the school community and towards bringing a positive message of acceptance within diversity is outstanding and she has done so Afnan’s demonstration of personal initiative to improve his own life and the with kindness and respect. Her commitment to Amnesty International can lives of those around him exemplify what makes the community of learners be seen in her words and in her deeds. She is a remarkable role model for all at Adult High School so successful. young people and adults.

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Wendy Zhang Amanda Harvey Sir Robert Borden High School Bell High School

Wendy Zhang is appreciated and respected by Amanda Harvey is an enthusiastic, energetic, her peers and her teachers as she embodies caring student who has demonstrated the three pillars of education — academics, consistent academic success combined with athletics, and arts. athletic prowess.

Wendy’s academic record at Sir Robert Borden High School has been Amanda’s tremendous talent and passion for sports encouraged her peers unparalleled over the last four years resulting in her winning the to try out for teams they did not think they could make but who did in fact Chancellor’s Scholarship at Queen’s and Carleton universities and the make the teams, thanks to her encouragement and support. Amanda was as Undergraduate Research Scholarship at the University of Ottawa. She is also much a coach as she was a team player. The only thing that mattered to her an accomplished track and fi eld athlete and musician. For the past four years was that the team played hard while still having fun. she has been lead clarinet with the Sir Robert Borden Concert Band. Amanda was a participant on many school teams including cross- Wendy’s leadership and involvement in her community exemplify her belief country running, track and fi eld, and Nordic skiing. Her abilities and her in volunteerism. Her volunteerism is not limited to school activities; she has determination resulted in her making the trek to the OFSAA championships been recognized with an award from the Queensway Carleton Hospital. in track and fi eld and Nordic skiing. She supported Bell’s Athletic Wendy plans on becoming a doctor and the students and staff at the school Association in each of her high school years culminating this year in her feel that when her dream comes true, the community will be all the better role as association president. Her leadership has been instrumental in for it. strengthening Bell’s overall Athletic Program.

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Andrew Charles Corey Maxwell-James Brookfi eld High School Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School

Andrew Charles has overcome many Corey Maxwell-James’ genuine optimism challenges, both personally and academically. and witty sense of humour shine through Prior to coming to Brookfi eld High School, in whatever he is involved in, whether it is he was a student at Laurentian High School in in class or pertaining to extra-curricular the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) class. activities. His multifaceted nature, willingness, and desire to achieve allow him to juggle work, school, and his youth group At Brookfi eld he demonstrated maturity, respect, and determination commitments with ease. combined with a superior work ethic. He became a peer tutor and is both an inspiration and a mentor for other ASD students. Andrew is extremely giving Corey has been a leader since the fi rst day he entered Sir Guy Carleton of his time and support to the Brookfi eld Music Program. Secondary School. He has demonstrated his commitment and responsibility through his involvement in sports, leadership groups, fashion shows, and He is an active member of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Brookfi eld the school band. He is warm-hearted and loved by staff and his fellow Chapter and played an integral role in the 2007 ‘Art and Sole’ initiative to students alike. Corey genuinely cares for people and possesses a style that is collect shoes which were sent to Africa. He has also been a member of the not only unique but never ceases to delight those around him. District’s All-Star Band for the last two years. Corey’s future plans include joining the Reserves. This is not surprising. The Andrew plans to attend university and aspires to be a music teacher. He fact that Corey wants to support peace efforts and provide security for his believes that music has the power to teach, to heal, and to motivate. fellow Canadians is right in keeping with this young man’s character.

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Khadeejat Momoh McLish Alexander Ridgemont High School Cairine Wilson Secondary School

Khadeejat Momoh has been a true Ridgemont McLish Alexander has demonstrated solid High School Spartan and an outstanding academic performance combined with an young leader. She leads by example, in that admirable need to support social justice she is an Honour Roll student who is involved activities and promote charitable works in a wide array of school activities ranging from the track and fi eld team, the locally and globally. Knitting Club, Ambassadors Club, a peer mentoring group, the Environment Club, and Live It Up. In addition she is also involved in two community McLish’s leadership skills have been on display within the SOLE Leadership groups — YOUCAN and Future Shock. Program for the past four years. She has also assisted many grade 8 students with their transition to grade 9. McLish’s work with the grade 9 Khadeejat is respectful. She values the thoughts and opinions of others students provided them with a solid foundation that encouraged them to and appreciates their perspectives. She demonstrates the right attitude, be valued members of the school’s community from day one. In essence, genuinely cares about people, and expresses this in all she does. She is a she encouraged school spirit through example and helped create a learning humanitarian in word and action. environment that welcomes all students into the Cairine Wilson family.

In 2006–2007, as president of the Ridgemont Council, Khadeejat impressed McLish believes it is everyone’s responsibility to give back to their local everyone with her abilitity and her personality. She is a unique and gifted neighbourhood and their global partners. She does this by volunteering young woman who will continue to make a positive mark in the world. with the local Canadian Cancer Society, supporting welcoming programs at neighbouring feeder schools, and raising funds for programs that help support education in South Africa.

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Meghan Johnston Lundi Ly Canterbury High School Rideau High School

Meghan Johnston is an exceptional student Lundi Ly is one of Rideau High School’s leader who believes passionately in school greatest ambassadors. He has demonstrated unity, school spirit, and contributing to the consistent leadership skills, academic greater community. These core beliefs fi lter excellence, and personal initiative. His school- through everything she has done during her years at Canterbury High based résumé is impressive, because it shows Lundi to be both a team player School. Meghan’s school résumé is impressive: Student Council, Social and a leader — Student Council (three years), the Rideau Athletic Association Awareness Committee, Leadership Club, and the Literary Arts Council. (three years), and supporting and participating in inter-scholastic sports. This year he parlayed his love of politics into a campaign that won him the During this past year alone, Meghan has been one of the key organizers of role of student body president. a variety of new initiatives including an AIDS walk, a Halloween for Hunger food drive, a 30-Hour Famine to support World Vision, and a blood donor Lundi has been a dedicated athlete, playing on varsity volleyball and rugby clinic. In addition she is co-chair of the school’s fi rst Annual Relay for teams, facilitating intramural competitions, and organizing leadership Life. This is a huge undertaking, with over 500 registered student and staff camps. He has been able to do all this while holding down a part-time job as participants, representing a true cross-section of the Canterbury community. well.

Meghan has modelled her vision of leadership and acted as a mentor and His excellent interpersonal skills, strong academic standing, and enthusiastic role model for all of the younger students involved in these activities. approach during these last four years have made Rideau a better school for all who attend. Lundi will be studying biochemistry at the University of Ottawa. He is ready to take on the world.

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Chloe Gervais Philip Gazaleh Richard Pfaff Secondary Colonel By Secondary School Alternate Program Colonel By Secondary School is a far better Chloe Gervais is a born leader. Her passion place to grow and learn thanks to Philip towards academic and extra-curricular Gazaleh. He has made his presence known activities shines through and is unmatched. in both small and large ways, through his leadership, his guidance, his enthusiasm, and his tenacity to see a job go Known for her love of outdoor activities and raising awareness to help from the drawing board to reality. protect the environment, Chloe has been the foremost participant of the student-led EarthCARE Team, helping to improve the school’s recycling His leadership cannot be measured just by the quality and quantity of his program and reduce energy consumption. She spearheaded a petition to efforts as his legacy will live on long after he bids adieu to high school. stop toxic substances being dumped in the Ottawa River and the petition Students in the younger grades look up to Philip and he is a living example was brought to the fl oor of the House of Commons in 2007. It led to a ban of just how great high school can be if you participate. on this practice by one of our national energy groups. Philip has been a key member of the volleyball team, cross-country Chloe was one of three students who organized the Healthy Bodies, Healthy team, and soccer team as well as being the head of the school’s Athletic Minds Program at her school which included workshops on nutrition, stress Association. In addition to his athletic prowess he has contributed to relief, and physical activity. The program culminated with a keynote address Colonel By as a band member, a tutor, and council member. by Ottawa Senators’ captain Daniel Alfredsson. With Chloe’s exceptional organizational skills, incredible drive, and outstanding leadership capabilities, she will surely continue to succeed.

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Liana Gannon James McIntyre Continuing Education Credit Ottawa Technical Learning Centre Program James McIntyre is proof positive that there Liana Gannon has faced many hardships in are many ways to successfully achieve a high her life and has handled them with grace, school diploma. He is a shining example of dignity, and with a determination to succeed. what can be accomplished when students Her road to academic success has not been straight but one fi lled with many decide they are worth the effort. James dared to dream big and he achieved twists and turns. By turning to the Continuing Education Credit Program victory. she has been able to complete her high school graduation diploma and is looking forward to graduating this year. James has worked very hard and realized tremendous success in his school work, in participating in extra-curricular activities, and as a school Liana’s decision to return to school after the tragic loss of her sister showed ambassador. His time at Ottawa Technical Learning Centre introduced him a quiet strength that served her well, as she completed a PLAR assessment to many new and enriching experiences. His talent for music was discovered and achieved several credits through Continuing Education and cooperative because he believed in his teachers and in himself. He embraced his lessons education. She is a shining example of what believing in oneself and hard and the outcome was beautiful music and a renewed sense of self-worth. work can accomplish. Liana is a role model to her peers in the Credit Program and to others faced with similar challenges. She is living proof that James also excelled in the Culinary Arts Program both as a leader in the how we react to the challenges and tragedies can ultimately defi ne us. student-led cafeteria, at school-catered functions, and in co-operative education placements. James has proudly been accepted into the Culinary Arts Program at Algonquin College this fall.

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Grace Valentine Sarah Fortune Osgoode Township High School Earl of March Secondary School

Grace Valentine is a quiet, caring, student Sarah Fortune’s energy and determination leader who has made Osgoode Township can be seen everywhere throughout the halls High School a great place to learn and of Earl of March Secondary School. She is laugh. She began her high school career as a known as someone who makes a difference participant in Student Council and her contributions increased exponentially when she speaks, when she acts, and when she advises. Her enthusiasm and year after year. motivation are contagious. If Sarah is involved in a school project, everyone wants to join up because they know it will be a fun and fulfi lling endeavour. During 2006–2007 she chaired the Relay for Life event and Student Council’s United Way Campaign, both of which set school records. This year, Grace is Sarah motivates by her own example. She encourages and empowers others a Student Council co-president who actively organized school spirit weeks, simply by doing. Her innate leadership abilities promote positive actions murder mystery evenings, the Christmas Canned Food Drive, as well as the within the school, the community, and the world at large. successful OSCARS event (which donated a portion of its profi ts to the ALS Society). This year she again led a team for the annual Relay for Life event. Sarah has organized numerous initiatives at Earl of March such as Women in Technology, Safe Schools, and Exposé, an anti-smoking campaign. She is an Grace thinks contributing to her school and greater community is as natural outstanding leader, athlete, and academic, who is making a difference and as breathing and she is counting on the next group of students to carry on will continue to make a difference in our world. Sarah’s example will be felt her goal of making a difference in the life of the school. long after she leaves Earl of March.

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Jesse Clark Kayla Russell Elizabeth Wyn Wood Norman Johnston Secondary Alternate Program Secondary Alternate Program

Jesse Clark’s educational journey at Elizabeth Kayla Russell is a living example of what Wyn Wood has been a very diffi cult one but Character Education is all about — doing it has concluded with a triumphant fi nish. what is needed, doing what is right, and Medical problems meant that he was out of the classroom for extended doing what is best for others. This defi nes who she is. As a student advocate periods of time and at one point he had become disengaged from his school she spearheaded a student welcome wagon hoping it would make student community. transition into the secondary alternate school program a little easier.

One day the offi ce administrator managed to connect with him and showed As a role model her work ethic is unrivalled. She is always working harder to him that he was indeed valued and cared for. He started coming back to better herself, always giving just a little bit more than was asked. Kayla was school every day, engaging with his teachers and the other students. They required to complete 40 hours of community service to achieve her high know and treasure him as a gentle, humorous, responsible, and thoughtful school diploma; she recorded 240 hours at a summer program for kids with young man. Jesse’s teachers say he has become a role model for others. special needs. This September she is enrolling at Algonquin College in the Developmental Service Worker Program. Jesse is currently enjoying a cooperative education placement with a fi lm and video production company. When speaking about Jesse, the program It is clear the students and staff of Norman Johnston Secondary Alternate coordinator says, “I can say with all honesty that we made a difference in his Program are better for having known Kayla and being exposed to her life but that he also made a difference in ours.” infectious smile.

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Madison Cumbaa Naina Behal Nepean High School Frederick Banting Secondary Alternate Program Madison Cumbaa was determined to be the best she could be at school and she Naina Behal worked diligently to make a accomplished that and so much more. She difference in the delivery of the Alternate has excelled in academics, arts, and altruism. Program at Frederick Banting. She asked Madison co-organized FUSE, a grade 9 questions, she sought answers, and she orientation program for incoming students at Nepean High School. Together worked hard — her reward is a well-deserved high school graduation with her involvement in the Nepean Leadership Development Course, diploma. Madison has impacted positively on the school’s culture and promoted harmony and inclusiveness for all students. Naina encouraged students to talk to the program’s social worker before problems became overwhelming. She promoted the In Love and In Danger As an Honour Roll student with yearly averages of over 90 per cent and the message that relationship violence is wrong and help is available. She winner of the Play the Game Awards for three consecutive years, Madison genuinely believes in the value and energy of true school spirit and she has modelled excellence in academic studies while at the same time role did everything she could to foster it. Naina felt strongly that if the students modelling the importance of helping those in need at home and abroad. supported each other as they faced their life problems and challenges and modelled this behaviour, they could positively impact each other’s lives Madison has devoted numerous hours to school and community events. She and dare to have big dreams. Naina believes the Alternate Program paves never shies away from a challenge and manages tasks as diverse as editing the way for personal success and her belief inspired others to believe in the school newspaper to organizing a tsunami relief fundraiser. themselves. Naina is the ultimate defi nition of success.

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Barkhad Barkhad Sarah Kehler Glebe Collegiate Institute Merivale High School

In every way Barkhad Barkhad is an ideal Sarah Kehler is more than just the Merivale academic student. Not only is he diligent High School Students’ Council co-president. and thorough in completing work and She is a leader, an activist, and a true artist. assignments, he also asks incisive and Her contributions to the Merivale High insightful questions to deepen his understanding and further broaden his School community are often tied to her belief that through acceptance and knowledge. As a dedicated leader, he led a very successful Civics project to tolerance the world can fi nd its path to total world peace. Sarah believes raise funds for sports teams at Glebe Collegiate Institute. in, promotes, and supports a tolerant learning environment. She feels that if the youth of today can accept their peers for who they are, then they will Barkhad has served the school and the larger community as a member be given a wonderful opportunity to fully participate in Canada’s diverse of the Exposé anti-smoking group, a leader of the 30-Hour Famine, and a cultural mosaic. leader on many sports teams such as basketball, volleyball, and track. Sarah’s gift to her school community also extends into the arts — she has As an organizer of the 30-Hour Famine, Barkhad showed initiative and had a major role in three musical theatre productions and has been a strong dedication to bringing awareness of the issue of hunger in developing proponent of strengthening arts in the classroom. nations. In his capacity as community liaison he spent many hours talking to local businesses to secure prizes for activities during the event and food Students such as Sarah remind us that it is a privilege to work with youth donations for the fi nal feast. Barkhad is a respected and valued member of who will become the next generation of leaders. the Glebe family.

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Lauchlan Gale Chantal Denis Lisgar Collegiate Institute Gloucester High School

Lauchlan Gale exemplifi es the character No task is too large or too small for Chantal qualities that are promoted at Lisgar Denis who is a natural leader and motivator. Collegiate Institute. He is honest and Her winning attitude is infectious and serves responsible; he demonstrates respect, to inspire both students and staff. In fact, “I integrity, optimism, and perseverance while love Gloucester High School” is her mantra. participating in a range of activities in the school community. Chantal is seldom seen standing still or without a smile on her face. She Lauchlan has successfully encompassed the three ‘A’s’ — academics, arts, is always busy chairing meetings, earning silver medal status, organizing and athletics — without compromising the quality of his efforts in any of Student Council events, volunteering at the blood donor clinic, speaking these areas. He has maintained high grades in all his courses while also at assemblies, playing intramural and inter-school sports, acting in school participating in the Inter-scholastic Program as a member of the rugby theatrical productions, and encouraging others to be the very best they can and basketball teams. His involvement in Lisgar’s Music Program has been be. exemplary — he played in several winning ensembles, bands, and orchestras. He also performed in three musicals and at the Cappies. Chantal takes the time to recognize others, staff and students, for their accomplishments. She is very deserving of an award that recognizes how Lauchlan’s musical gift was honed at St. Matthew’s Choir in the Glebe and he her compassion and commitment have served to make a difference at her has returned there on several occasions to give back to the community that school. Her presence at the school has shown others that one person really supported his musical ambitions. Lauchlan is a positive role model to his can make a difference. She epitomizes those high expectations. peers.

20 17 Student Recognition Award Student Recognition Award Recipient Recipient

Jillian Gedeon Thomas Swayne Hillcrest High School John McCrae Secondary School

Jillian Gedeon is Hillcrest High School’s Energy and enthusiasm, boundless Student Council co-president and is actively determination — there are just so many involved in planning and implementing most superlatives to describe Thomas Swayne and of the school’s key events. Not only has she his impact at John McCrae Secondary School. run dances, movie nights, spirit assemblies, and rock concerts, she has also dedicated hundreds of hours to the school’s annual fundraiser for cancer Thomas’ impact during his years at John McCrae has been truly inspiring. research. She is indeed a positive role model to her peers. He has participated in every theatrical production staged during his high school years and has been nominated for, and won, several Cappies awards. Jillian has also been involved in several key initiatives within the school This year, Thomas single-handedly directed the musical performance of including MADD and Live it Up. Both programs encourage healthy High School Musical, where he took the reins on a cast and crew of over 75 approaches to living. Jillian is also a dedicated member of Hillcrest’s Swim students and created a masterpiece which was ecstatically praised by all ages Team and the Improv Team. in the audience. It was as the critics said, “A resounding success.” Thomas, an Honour Roll student with two part-time jobs, was also featured in two It would be virtually impossible to estimate the amount of time and effort major Orpheus productions at the Centrepointe Theatre. that Jillian has put into helping make Hillcrest such a great school, a place to learn and grow. And wherever life takes Jillian, she will surely have a similar Thomas Swayne is ‘that’ student — the one that teachers come across impact on those around her. She is a most worthy recipient of the 2008 once or twice in a career — the student who truly represents the best and Student Recognition Award. brightest of his generation.

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