BACKGROUNDER: TCDSB TOP SCHOLARS 2019-2020 Salina Bee is a graduate of St. Mary Catholic Academy who achieved an overall average of 100 percent average. Salina has shown dedication to her community as a member of the St. Mary’s environmental club and a volunteer with the Bloor Gladstone Library’s Youth Advisory Group. Salina was awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship from the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Engineering, where she will be pursuing a Joint Honours Bachelor Degree of Science in Math and Computer Science this fall. During her post-secondary studies Salina looks forward to building the skills and mindset to make the most out of the opportunities in her future. “I am so proud of all TCDSB graduates and students like Salina who go above and beyond. They are destined to be leaders of tomorrow and I wish Salina all the best in her post-secondary studies.”– Frank D’Amico, Trustee, Ward 6 Bohdan Hrotovytskyy is an advance graduate of Bishop Allen Academy who achieved an overall average of 100 percent. As an active school and community member, Bohdan has contributed almost 1000 volunteer hours, was Founder and President of Bishop Allen’s Math and Physics Club; and Chair of Bishop Allen’s Model United Nations. He also assisted fellow students by acting as a peer tutor for math, physics, and chemistry; and received numerous academic awards. Bohdan has been awarded the President’s Scholarship of Distinction at University of Waterloo where he will be studying Honours Software Engineering (Co-op) in the fall. “Bohdan is an outstanding student who has made the most of his three years in high school. He has contributed so much to his local, national, and international community, and we know his work has just begun. We wish Bohdan much success in whatever future career path he chooses.” - Teresa Lubinski, Trustee, Ward 4 Nicole Owsicki, graduate of Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School, achieved a 100 percent average. Throughout her high school career, Nicole was active participating in clubs such as GIVE, in addition to being a member of the varsity soccer team. Nicole has a passion for the sciences and loves learning about new discoveries in the field. She loves animals and volunteered at the Toronto Zoo where she was able to work with the public to spread awareness about the consequences humans have on Earth’s biodiversity. Nicole hopes to one day dedicate her life to helping others by working in the medical field. “We are so proud of the Catholic education our schools provide students and the values they instill in our graduates. Nicole’s commitment to her community and the environment demonstrates the root of our Catholic social values. Congratulations Nicole!” - Mike Del Grande, Trustee, Ward 7 Matthew Parvaneh, graduate of Michael Power-St Joseph High School, achieved a 100 percent average. In addition to being a member of the International Baccalaureate programme, Matthew was an involved member of the school activities, having participated in numerous clubs and volunteer experiences. In the fall, Matthew will be attending the University of Toronto where he will be studying Computer Science, with aspirations of working in the fields of Software Engineering or Finance. “Michael Power-St Joseph has a long tradition of accomplished alumni and I am certain Matthew will make our community proud in his future endeavours. We wish him all the best as he begins studies at the University of Toronto.” - Markus de Domenico, Trustee, Ward 2 Sophie Sun is a graduate of Bishop Allen Academy who achieved an overall average of 100 percent. In addition to being a dedicated student, Sophie is an OFSAA track and field and cross-country athlete, participates in biology research work at the University of Toronto under the guidance of University of Toronto Professor Dr. Bass, and is a regular volunteer at Santa Maria Public School coaching elementary students to achieve academic success. Sophie is the recipient of the President’s Scholar of Excellence for the University of Toronto, where she will be studying Engineering Science in the fall. After completing her undergraduate degree, she hopes to become a biomedical engineer or to continue her education by pursuing a graduate degree. “Sophie is an accomplished student, dedicated to her community and peers. Congratulations to Sophie on her many achievements. I wish Sophie all the best as she works towards a successful career in biomedical engineering.” - Teresa Lubinski, Trustee, Ward 4 Top Scholar Ward 1 Raksha Rameshkumar is a graduate of Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School with an overall average of 99.67 percent. Raksha has a passion for reading and has volunteered as a piano instructor in her community throughout high school. Raksha will be attending McGill University in the fall, and hopes to major in neuroscience, with a focus on researching neurological conditions in infants. “Congratulations to Raksha on outstanding grades and a successful high school career. I wish you all the best at McGill this fall.” - Joseph Martino, Trustee, Ward 1 Top Scholar for Ward 3 Nicholas Furlan is a graduate of St. Basil-The-Great Catholic Secondary School with an overall average of 98.5 percent. Nicholas is a committed student and an active member of his parish, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. In addition to being a member of the Chess Team at St. Basil’s, Nicholas has a number of musical talents, including playing the flute in the Senior Band and keyboard in the Jazz Band. Nicholas will be attending the University of Toronto in September for Track-One Engineering and plans to study Computer Engineering after first year. “Congratulations to Nicholas on completing this chapter of his education with such distinction. We wish him success in his studies at the University of Toronto and beyond.” - Ida Li Preti, Trustee, Ward 3 Top Scholar for Ward 5 Dennis O’Brien is a graduate of Brebeuf College School with an overall average of 99.67 percent. Math, technology, coding and science are Dennis’ areas of interest. Dennis also has a passion for music as a skilled drummer and saxophonist. Dennis plans to spend the summer learning about app development before heading to the University of Waterloo in the fall, where he received the President's Scholarship of Distinction and will be studying Computer Engineering. In the future Dennis hopes to work in an area related to computer technology, such as software development, quantum computing, cyber security, or AI. “Dennis is a compelling leader who inspires others. Beyond academic excellence he leaves TCDSB with a legacy for future generations of students for his brilliant mind, community service, work ethic and his strength of conviction. Wherever life takes him he will make a significant contribution.” - Maria Rizzo, Trustee, Ward 5 Top Scholar for Ward 8 Samantha Wong is a graduate of Francis Libermann Catholic High School with an overall average of 98.67 percent. Samantha has been an involved member of her school community, most recently re-establishing the Debate Society. Outside of school, Samantha participated in the Junior Achievement Company Program where she worked alongside other high school students to create, manage and liquidate a start-up business in 18 weeks. She was awarded a Scholars’ Award at the University of Toronto Scarborough where she will be studying Co-op Management in the fall. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, she aspires to pursue a career in finance. Top Scholar for Ward 9 Christian Sforza is a graduate of St. Michael's Choir School with an overall average of 99.67 percent. Christian is an active community member with over 500 volunteer hours, as well as being involved in many extracurriculars including acting as Co-President of Student Council, organizing community fundraisers, and participating in solo, choir, piano, and organ music at St. Michael’s Choir School; all while upholding a part time job as a lifesaving/swim instructor and supervisor. Christian will be attending the University of Waterloo for Mechatronics Engineering with a President’s Scholarship. Christian plans to make a difference in the industry of technology by developing ways for the world to advance in a more environmentally friendly way. “Christian is a wonderful example of the distinguished graduates of St. Michael’s Choir School. His involvement in his school, including its world-renowned Choir, and surrounding community is an excellent demonstration of our Catholic Graduate Expectations. Congratulations and all the best at the University of Waterloo!” - Norm Di Pasquale, Trustee, Ward 9 Top Scholar for Ward 10 Jimmy Huynh is a graduate of Chaminade College School with an overall average of 99.83 percent. Jimmy has been an active participant in his school community, including participating as Core Team Leader for Chaminade Orientation, member of Chaminade's first Robotics Team, the school's drama club Chaminade Players, the Mathletes Math Club, and the Chaminade Film Society. Jimmy will be attending the University of Waterloo for Software Engineering this fall, and is interested in exploring careers in web development. “Jimmy’s impressive participation in many clubs and groups throughout high school is amplified by his exceptional marks. I wish him all the best in all that post-secondary life has to offer, and success in his future career. Congratulations, Jimmy!” - Daniel Di Giorgio, Trustee, Ward 10 Top Scholar for Ward 11 Mahya Fazelzarandi is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Morrow Park Catholic Secondary School with an overall average of 99.83 percent. Mahya’s involvement in her school community spans from starting the Math Club to being a member of the Robotics Team to voluntarily tutoring grade nine students and acting as a peer mentor to new students.