Elementary Students
Braden Watkins Aldershot Elementary School
Grade 8
Braden is a well rounded student who excels in all areas academically. He’s a leader among his peers, and has shown himself to be a caring and compassionate human being.
Olivia Pellegrini Alexander's Public School
Grade 8
Olivia displays excellence in all areas of school life. She has demonstrated outstanding qualities in the areas of academic, athletic, self-improvement, community work, citizenship and student leadership. Olivia is always kind, caring and willing to help anyone.
Muneet Bhardwaj Alton Village Public School
Grade 8
Muneet is a respectful, kind, and caring student, who is empathetic toward others. His mature work ethic, responsible behaviour and positive attitude make him a natural leader. He consistently puts tremendous effort into all of his class work and excels academically. Muneet highly values inclusivity and ensures that all members of his group feel included and respected.
Alyssa Bown Brant Hills Public School
Grade 8
During her time at Brant Hills, Alyssa has consistently been a positive influence in the school community. She is a well rounded student who seeks out learning opportunities in all areas and willingly helps students and adults throughout the school. Alyssa’s positive attitude, determination and drive to be successful is evident in her academic achievements and leadership skills.
Prisha Vashisth Bruce T. Lindley Public School
Grade 6
Prisha is an outstanding student who has maintained academic excellence and leadership involvement throughout her time at Bruce T. Lindley Public School. Showing an exceptional work ethic, she frequently sets personal goals and takes on leadership opportunities when available. A role model, Prisha maintains a positive and inquisitive attitude toward learning and takes descriptive feedback and applies it to improve her learning across all subjects.
Lauren Sutherland Burlington Central Elementary School
Grade 8
Lauren is a prime example of the gracious, empathetic, and responsible student that BCE cultivates. Highly proficient in all subject areas, she is always willing to share her learning with others, either through outright leadership or her many positive interactions with staff and students on a daily basis. Lauren is responsible and has demonstrated a strong sense of perseverance over the last two years, overcoming many obstacles, yet still remaining positive and determined to make BCE a better place. Lauren is commended for her positive attitude and ability to rise to challenges with enthusiasm and dedication.
Cameron Larocque C.H. Norton Public School
Grade 8
Cameron has grown to be a mature, polite, hard working student who is a pleasant member of our community. From the start of his Grade 8 year, Cameron has exemplified a driven, determined and thoughtful student in our community. He has been a leader in the school and has been involved in many extra curricular in past years. A student who sets a strong example for others and interacts with his peers effectively, Cameron has a variety of unique interests and enjoys sharing his learning with others. Respectful of everyone and willing to pitch in and support his teachers and fellow classmates, he enjoys being a part of a positive classroom and school. Cameron is an established leader that many of his peers look up to and respect.
Oluwadayobomi Samuel Jegede Central Public School
Grade 6
Samuel is a natural leader who is kind, polite and respectful to all. He takes initiative and is the first one to volunteer when opportunities present themselves. He is empathetic, an advocate for many, and seeks to include others to ensure that everyone has a chance to participate or share their ideas. Samuel is kind, takes the time to explain things to others in a variety of ways to best help them to understand, dependable and reliable. Always willing to engage in discussion, he shares his thoughts openly in a non judgmental manner and demonstrates strong ability to collaborate with peers to build inclusiveness in his classroom.
Naomi Carmichael Charles R. Beaudoin Public School
Grade 8
Naomi has consistently achieved a high level of academic success. A leader in our school and a role model for other students, she has been active in the life of our school participating in a variety of clubs and teams including basketball, volleyball and cross country. Naomi is an outstanding overall student and she should be proud of her accomplishments.
Matthew Aljas Clarksdale Public School
Grade 6
Matthew is a conscientious, responsible student who participates frequently and enthusiastically in class discussions both in English and in French. He always demonstrates a positive attitude willing to help and inspire other students. Matthew consistently looks for ways to challenge himself academically, always going above and beyond and thinking outside the box. He shares his opinions and ideas thoughtfully and respectfully with his classmates, and is a quiet leader by taking the initiative and offering help when needed. A positive role model to his peers and the Clarksdale community, Matthew is always looking for ways to get involved in the activities around the school.
Teanna Ubbink Dr. Charles Best Public School
Grade 5
Teanna’s quiet and kind ways are appreciated by her peers and teachers. A self-motivated and compassionate student who is always helping another student or working to help build the school’s culture, Teanna is involved in Morning Announcements, Grade 1 Recess Helpers and anywhere else that needs student assistance. Whenever the class is asked for a volunteer, Teanna is one of the first to step forward. She is truthful in nature, kind, inclusive and helpful.
Megan Donnelly Florence Meares Public School
Grade 8
Megan consistently sets strong goals for herself, both academically and in her co-curricular commitments. She approaches her school work with a positive attitude, always looking for ways to improve her performance. She is a leader in the classroom where she models kindness, hard work, respect for others and innovation with technology. Her enthusiasm motivates others to do the same.
Maria Bilkic Frontenac Public School
Grade 8
Maria embodies all the characteristics of a Student of Excellence. She is a highly motivated, self-directed learner who diligently strives for excellence in everything she does. Maria demonstrates a superior degree of creativity, artistic ability, athletic prowess, and academic performance in and outside the classroom. She is a well liked and respected leader among her peers who continuously models our school’s values and beliefs.
Roan Wallwork-Ardal Glenview Public School
Grade 6
Roan is a dedicated and hard working member of the Glenview community. She strives for excellence in all academic areas and is a positive leader in the classroom. A budding writer who loves to research and write about topics that get her excited to learn about something new, Roan’s natural curiosity for learning is evident in all areas of learning. She is the first to raise her hand when asked to share her math solutions and she always asks thought provoking questions during science and social studies. Her calm, polite and patient manner makes her a valuable partner or group leader. Having a passion for space exploration and love for reading and writing, Roan’s involvement in the many clubs and teams at Glenview make her a well rounded student.
Jumaana Nainar John T. Tuck Public School
Grade 8
Jumaana excels in all academic subjects, asks questions and strives to do her best at all times. She participates beyond the classroom and over the last two years has participated in intramurals, on our school badminton team, and was a finalist in our Virtual Tuck Idol competition. Jumaana represented her peers as the Student Senator this year, meeting with other students throughout the system to discuss student issues. Most importantly, Jumaana goes out of her way to be inclusive of others and will ensure that all of her peers feel included and welcome.
Ailsa Sommerville John William Boich Public School
Grade 8
Ailsa is a student who is constantly striving to be the best version of herself that she can possibly be. She always puts forth her best effort, regardless of the subject area, and she perseveres with every challenge. Ailsa consistently goes above and beyond her expectations and demonstrates a sincere interest in her learning. Extremely kind, honest, and positive, she treats her teachers and classmates with the utmost amount of respect. She ensures her fellow students are involved and are able to contribute equally. Very involved in the school community, Alisa exudes respect, honesty, kindness and forgiveness every single day.
Taylor Chan Kilbride Public School
Grade 8
Taylor is a model citizen at Kilbride Public School and epitomizes our philosophy of "Be Kind Do Your Job. Make a Difference." She greatly believes in, and practices, inclusivity among her peers, demonstrates consistent, outstanding academic achievement across her learning, and she is a vocal leader in equity at our school and on the Student Senate. As staff, we are extremely proud of Taylor's tireless efforts inside and outside the classroom, and we know she will continue such amazing accomplishments in secondary school.
Tristan Cottrell King's Road Public School
Grade 6
Tristan has demonstrated quiet, consistent leadership, demonstrating positive effort in both virtual and in-person school opportunities. Tristan took part as a school ambassador and in sports teams where possible. In academics, sports and social groups, he displays maturity, imagination and as he strives to produce at a high level, he brings up the quality level of those who work with him.
Christopher Chambers Lakeshore Public School
Grade 6
Chris comes to school everyday with curiosity, a quick wit and the intent to learn. He is a critical thinker who strives to make sense of all new knowledge he encounters. This, coupled with his gentle, kind manner, has earned him the respect of his classmates and his teachers. Chris strives for excellence in everything he does. When presented with a challenge, Chris displays perseverance, flexibility, innovation, and superior problem-solving skills. He collaborates with everyone regardless of the situation and communicates in a very thoughtful and meaningful way so that expectations are met, if not exceeded, by everyone.
Naomi Boudreau Maplehurst Public School
Grade 6
Naomi brings her many talents and strengths with her each day to school and is known as a leader and role model by her peers. Always maintaining a positive disposition and supporting others through encouragement and mentoring, Naomi pushes herself to achieve higher levels of success through her extracurricular activities. She continues to set herself apart from her peers with her optimistic attitude and dedication to learning. Naomi’s ability to approach tasks calmly and with a positive mindset sets the tone in the classroom and school community.
Genesia Campbell Mohawk Gardens Public School
Grade 6
Genesia is a member of our Mohawk Gardens Bullying Prevention and Intervention Action Committee and has worked with her peers to reinforce our No More Bystanders - Dare to Care initiative. She is always considerate to our younger students and has supported them through volunteering as a student helper or by simply being kind. Academically, Genesia always does her best and is a high-achiever. She is committed to excellence in all Learning Skill areas.
Jasmine Johnson Orchard Park Public School
Grade 8
Jasmine always goes above and beyond in everything she does. She's academically strong and looks for ways to improve. She's an excellent leader, kind to everyone, stands up for others and has been involved in so many clubs and activities around the school over her years at Orchard Park PS.
Riley Balsdon Paul A. Fisher Public School
Grade 6
Riley is a confident, respectful student who is always aware of the needs of others. She advocates for herself and others in the classroom and beyond. Her peers respect her ideas and leadership. Riley has demonstrated strong skills in academics, sports and the arts which reflect the values at Paul A Fisher.
Derek Spiske Pauline Johnson Public School
Grade 6
Derek is one of Pauline Johnson’s most positive and well rounded students. His teachers describe him as a creative risk taker who works equally well with any group across all subjects. He is a kind and considerate leader amongst his classmates. In whatever project Derek embarks on, be it academically, athletically or artistically, he gives nothing but his best effort, every time.
Janelle Ross Pineland Public School
Grade 8
Janelle approaches learning with the vibrant curiosity, focus and stamina of a true scholar. She remains committed to all challenges and sees each one as having a small part to play in her long-term academic goals. Her peers, teachers and parents know she truly loves school, and that her passion for learning and making connections extends well beyond academics. Involved in many school activities, Janelle’s reputation as a kind, considerate, and mature student is known well by the entire Pineland community. Whatever Janelle chooses for her career path later in life, she will no doubt achieve it and with the same level of excellence she demonstrates through her daily work at school.
Abbey Sutton Rolling Meadows Public School
Grade 8
Abbey is a kind, hardworking, and dedicated student who consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of her. She demonstrates respect and politeness to teachers and classmates alike. A collaborator and class leader, Abbey is an amazing role model to her classmates. She has a special skill of making everyone feel included and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard. Abbey has been highly involved in the Rolling Meadows community as a member of the Volleyball team, Track and Field team and a part of Student Council. She has been a Lunchroom Helper, an avid participant in Glee Club. In addition, Abbey is a fantastic public speaker, winning the Rolling Meadows public speaking competition.
Zainab Majid Ryerson Public School
Grade 6
Zainab is an exceptional and well rounded student who demonstrates outstanding achievement in academics and self-improvement. As a model citizen of the Ryerson community, Zainab always seeks opportunities for personal growth in and outside of the classroom. She always looks for ways to share her thinking with classmates in a respectful manner to ensure that everyone feels welcome and supported in our classroom community. Among her peers, she is a caring and empathetic individual that interacts positively with all of her classmates. Zainab’s positivity and kindness shines with the classroom walls and beyond.
Reem Nasser Sir Ernest MacMillan Public School
Grade 8
A friendly and good-humoured student, Reem quickly fit in with her new peer group and became a positive member of the classroom and school community. She showcased her musical talents by joining the Jazz Band and brought her passion for the school community to the leadership team. Warm and kind, Reem always comes to school with a positive attitude, ready to try her best and it is no secret that academic success is of utmost importance to her. Resilient, Reem sets goals and follows through with a plan to achieve them, seeking out and learning from feedback along the way. She has been involved with Student Senate, participated in spirit days, and been elected to a term as Class 81FEʻs class representative.
Sandy MacGregor Tecumseh Public School
Grade 8
Sandy has been selected as this year's Student of Excellence Recipient because of her positive attitude, strong leadership skills and dedication to making Tecumseh an inclusive environment. Sandy strives for excellence in all subject areas as well as in whatever she does. Within the school, Sandy has contributed immensely to creating a caring and welcoming community.Sandy has demonstrated a willingness to participate in various initiatives and help others, as well as taken on various leadership roles within the school such as the school’s outreach team, “Bell Let’s Talk” initiative, and Terry Fox and kindergarten helpers. Sandy's positive attitude and kind nature has set a wonderful example for her peers.
Mutsa Gamba Tom Thomson Public School
Grade 6
Mutsa is being presented this recognition for demonstrating strong academic achievement through her excellent initiative, motivation, and class participation. She is a kind and empathetic classmate who demonstrates quiet, thoughtful leadership for her peers by advocating for the rights of others, setting high standards for herself, and working diligently to pursue her goals. From being a member of the school choir in Zimbabwe, to completing voluntary lessons at home in order to provide vaccinations to children around the world through UNICEF, to having the drive to instruct herself with online piano lessons, Mutsa has demonstrated not only the willingness to take risks in her learning, but also a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
Secondary Students
Julie Dieroff Aldershot High School
Grade 12
Julie's life motto is, "If I can help you, I will”. A genuinely loving, kind and caring person, Julie has accumulated more than 600 hours of volunteer work in the community. He has volunteered at the Aldershot Community Youth Kitchen Mentor program, summer camps and Aldershot School's breakfast program. She tutors math virtually and is always willing to help classmates. Julie has been an active participant in school sports and clubs including track and field, swimming,soccer and band. Julie has received subject awards every year in high school, was nominated for and participated in the "Think About Math" day at the University of Waterloo, and has been accepted into the University of Edinburgh for their direct entry Masters of Math program, one of the top math schools/programs in the world.
Nooran Kandil Burlington Central High School
Grade 12
There are not enough words to describe Nooran's exceptional character and contributions as a student of the Burlington Central community. She is a leader of the school's Well-Being team, Eco-team, Reach Link Crew and The Youth Movement, Burlington Central's unique club whose mandate is to lead social change for youth with the help of youth. Nooran also finds time to give back to her community with commitment through her volunteer work at the YMCA for three years, while also leading youth camps at the Ireland House Museum. As a learner, she is a deep thinker who is tenacious and optimistic. Supportive of her fellow classmates, Nooran's actions consistently demonstrate her strong work ethic, sense of community, ethical character with exceptional organizational and leadership skills with students, staff and community.
Olivia Muhn Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School
Grade 12
Olivia Muhn demonstrates the outstanding qualities in all of the areas mentioned for this award. Since Grade 9, all of Olivia's grades have ranged from 90-99%. Olivia sets the standard for her peers, while collaborating and building relationships with her classmates. From an athletic standpoint, she is one of the best athletes in the history of the Hayden Huskies. With experience playing field hockey, volleyball, touch football and hockey at the school, she has earned an NCAA Division I Hockey Scholarship to Yale University, beginning in the fall of 2021. Above all, Olivia is an incredible citizen in our school community. She treats everyone that she meets with decency and respect, and her attitude will always be her driving force.
Kaylee Taylor Gary Allan Learning Centre
Grade 12 (Bridges to Success program)
Kaylee has overcome many different hurdles in her life and this year, through the support of HDSB staff, Kaylee successfully focused on her educational pursuits. Through her dedication to her studies, her perseverance with online learning and her adaptability to different situations over the last year, Kaylee has completed the Bridges to Success program for 18-20 year olds at Gary Allan High School. We are extremely proud of Kaylee and we wish her continued educational success as she strives for post-secondary studies at College.
Persis Adu-Twum M.M. Robinson High School
Grade 11
Persis has been a champion of equity initiatives since being a student at MMR. She led the installations last year for Black History Month that provided learning for all staff and students that were found around the main floor and the lobby. She has been a leader as a CEO of Equity and has been a voice of change and learning for both staff and students. She has held this position while being at VSS and at MMR. Persis is very empathetic, kind, and passionate about learning and providing learning opportunities for others. She is also organized, proactive, and super hard-working. She leads with determination and compassion, sensitive to others and creative in how she pursues our school goals. Her persistence, knowledge, and never-ending energy to serve the best interests of our students make her an excellent candidate for the Student of Excellence.
Katherine Xu
Nelson High School
Grade 12Katherine's academics are exceptional. She has been involved in many aspects of student spirit and culture at Nelson. Katherine has taken on leadership roles in many councils and clubs including this year as student council co-president. As a high school student she has won academic awards in Math, Arts and Drama both locally and nationally. Together we celebrate her early acceptance to the Arts and Science program at Cornell next year.