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Neighbourhood Network

Give Back Awards

Back to Programs

Feb. 15, 2023 — Mar. 24, 2023

About the Program

The Give Back Awards are an annual cash prize donated by Magna International Inc. and Neighbourhood Network to graduating students from high schools in Aurora, Georgina, King Township, Newmarket, and Whitchurch-Stouffville. The outstanding recipients of the Give Back Awards are selected based on the exceptional contributions they have made to fellow students and citizens, and their ongoing dedication to community involvement!

How to Apply

Apply online now or download and fill out the 2023 Give Back Awards Application (  PDF  |  Word  ), to be submitted by email to [email protected]

Please ensure you meet all eligibility requirements outlined in the document below before applying. Students must complete the entire Application and have a sponsor complete the Sponsor Endorsement form and letter to be considered.

  • 2023 Give Back Awards Eligibility Requirements
  • 2023 Give Back Awards Sponsor Endorsement Form

Give Back Award Recipients

The following students are the exceptional recipients of past Give Back Awards! Click on each winner’s photo to read his or her story.

To learn more about this program, call 905-726-3737 or email [email protected].



Allyson Surgenor

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School
In all Allyson does, the kindness, sense of purpose and collaborative nature of her leadership shines through. Allyson has volunteered as a leader or participant in Blue Door’s Coldest Night of the Year, Change for Change, Light the Night, Terry Fox Run, Well-Being Team, and the Williams Peer Mentor Team. She has successfully fundraised for holiday drives, Blue Door, MS Society of Canada, and Yellow Brick House. Allyson was also involved in leading a project dedicated to raising awareness for Anti-Black Racism in her school and community. In her spare time, Allyson plays soccer, volleyball, rugby, and volunteers teaching swimming lessons. She enjoys going to the gym and spending time with friends, family, and her fur family - two pups named Milo & Bean!
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Artin Khiabani

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School
Artin was born in Tehran, Iran and had a unique journey at an early age, living first in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore before finally reaching Canada. His travels helped him learn the importance of inclusion, which is what inspired him to connect with the many people and cultures around him. Upon entering high school, Artin wanted to be active in the community that has done so much for his family, so he joined many clubs and challenged himself to be a better person for those around him. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Artin established a virtual fundraising initiative called “Change by Coffee,” for people experiencing homeless which raised enough money to create 275 care packages for less fortunate individuals. He also sent a large donation to Indigenous women and youth. Artin loves to cook and is an avid coffee enthusiast who aspires to be a Human Rights Lawyer for the United Nations.
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Caitlin Barton

Sir William Mulock Secondary School
Caitlin is a hardworking, respectful, and caring individual who loves spending time with family and friends. Caitlin has spent hundreds of hours volunteering at Doane House Hospice and Margaret Bahen Hospice. She is also Treasurer of her high school’s Student Council and has been very involved with events such as Relay for Life, semi-formals, municipal campaigns, and sporting events. During the pandemic, Caitlin created an online program for hospice clients called “Sit and Dance,” where she motivated people to get moving. Her involvement and commitment to volunteering has had a large impact on others in the community. She is passionate about dance, reading, and volunteering, and looks forward to her future, where she plans on studying Science and Zoology.
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Christine Xue

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School
Christine is a self-motivated and dedicated student who challenges herself to improve her critical thinking and leadership skills while finding ways to inspire others help local and global communities. Christine was the Staff Advisor for her school’s Peer Mentor Group and was a member of the Mental Well-Being Committee. As Student Council President, she had the opportunity to run many fundraising events that supported the student body and community, including Spirit Days to raise funds for Sick Kids Hospital and the Southlake Oncology Unit. In everything Christine does, her passion for helping others shines through. Her selflessness embodies her actions, with a determination to make a difference at her core.
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Claire Johnson

Sir William Mulock Secondary School
Claire has dedicated many volunteer hours to her school and community. She is part of her school’s Athletic Council, where she assisted with planning intramural sports, tournaments, school clothing sales, year-end banquets, and became involved with their annual Relay for Life event. Claire is very passionate about baseball. She volunteers coach for multiple teams where she supports player development and acts as a role model for younger females in a male-dominated sport. In 2020, Claire was the only Ontario Women’s Baseball player named to the National “Prospects” team, signifying her as an up-and-coming baseball player in Canada. After graduation Claire will be attending Sir Wilfrid Laurier University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. She has tried out for the Men’s Baseball Team at Laurier to continue her baseball journey and push for gender equity in sports. Claire’s goal is to one day attend medical school and become a practicing physician, specializing in pediatrics.
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Daneika Hammith

Sacred Heart Catholic High School
Daneika truly enjoys learning about those who live and learn differently, which is the driving force behind why she became Vice President of her school's Best Buddies chapter and a volunteer with the Learning Disabilities Association of York Region. Daneika can also be found at the local food bank stocking the pantry or helping other not-for-profit organizations with social media. Daneika’s volunteer efforts have been put towards breaking barriers and creating inclusive environments. She loves to read, draw, and paint and was the School Champion of two mathematic competitions. Daneika also had a great experience in her school’s Advanced Placement Program where she worked with like-minded students who challenged and inspired her to keep working and putting her brain to the test.
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David Buckley

St. Andrew’s College
When presented with an opportunity to get involved in the community, Give Back Award recipient David is quick to act. During his time at St. Andrew’s College, he had the honour of serving as a School Prefect, Cadet Commanding Officer of the #142 SAC Highland Cadet Corps, Captain of Varsity Volleyball, Head of Community Service Council, Co-Head of SAC Model United Nations, and as a leading member of the SAC Dramatic Society. David has participated in the Model United Nations Conferences across North America and received an Outstanding Delegate Award from Harvard University in 2021. The local charities he supports in our community include Jumpstart, Prostate Cancer Canada, and Yellow Brick House. Outside of David’s volunteer efforts, he is passionate about acting and music, and loves to spend his free time golfing, skiing, and exploring the wilderness.
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Eileen Danaee

Ecole Secondaire Catholique Renaissance
Eileen is a creative and ambitious high school senior at ÉSC Renaissance. In Grade 8, Eileen founded the One Nation Club to raise awareness on the importance of Indigenous reconciliation. In high school she was elected to the Executive Pastoral Committee, where she created a school-wide gratitude giving platform, volunteered as Vice President of the Student Council, and was Co-President of the Model UN Club. Outside school, Eileen was a member of the RCMP’s National Youth Advisory Committee where she co-founded a national organization (Canadian Youth for Youth Empowerment) dedicated to raising awareness on Canadian social issues impacting youth. Eileen loves volunteering because it allows her to be a small part of the solution to causes she is passionate about, such as the stigmatization of mental health and Indigenous reconciliation. It also gives her a strong sense of fulfillment and joy in her everyday life and lastly, she volunteers simply because she loves meeting new, likeminded people!
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Elora Morrison-Burgess

Keswick High School
Elora's peers describe her as kind, respectful, and good-hearted. When Elora is not practicing Martial Arts, she can be found volunteering at The Learning Centre for Georgina. During the pandemic, Elora became an independent consultant for a nail polish brand, which she turned into a fundraising initiative by donating her commissions to charities like Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge and SickKids Hospital. Elora has a passion for volunteering and feels privileged to be able to give back to the community that has provided her with so much opportunity. After graduation, Elora will attend college for Business Administration Marketing.
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Emily Peelar

King City Secondary School
Born and raised on a farm, Emily has learned the value of hard work and perseverance. Those core values, childhood roots, and experiences shaped her into the person she is today – a very active school and community volunteer. Emily was President of her school's Empowered Student Partnership Team, Head Mentor of the Mentorship Program, and volunteered countless hours coaching the Curling Team. Within her community, Emily supports local charities such as Belinda’s Place and Yellow Brick House by hosting awareness campaigns and fundraising events like Candy Cane Sales, Colour to Conquer Cancer, and Socks for Souls. Emily has continuously worked to make King City Secondary School and her community at large a better place.
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Emma Roccatani

King City Secondary School
Emma exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and commitment to community service with a reputation for always putting others first. She was part of her school's Mentoring Program, which helped incoming students transition to high school by welcoming them and building trusting relationships. Her passion for sports led her to volunteer her time as an Assistant Coach for the Basketball, Senior Volleyball, and Senior Soccer teams. Through sports, Emma promotes well-being, collaborative relationships, and engagement within the larger school community. She is also a strong advocate for those who are differently abled and brings awareness to their struggles and challenges to help change perceptions and ensure all community members are included equitably in the school experience.
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Joela Xhumri

Ecole Secondaire Catholique Renaissance
Joela has been involved with the Pastoral Committee since grade nine. She navigated through the past challenging years of the pandemic by hosting food and clothing drives with her peers to support neighbours, and holding fundraisers to help SickKids Hospital patients have a brighter Christmas. Joela joined the Canadian Youth for Youth Empowerment Committee to help those suffering with mental health issues. Some of her responsibilities with this organization were to create and share resources available for youth, and to write articles on serious topics such as abuse. When she’s not studying or volunteering, you can find Joela cooking, playing piano, or reading a good book. Joela finds purpose in helping others, which reflects her lifelong goal of becoming a pediatrician.
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Julia Scolamiero

Aurora High School
Julia has a great interest in working with children, youth, and those with disabilities. She finds great joy in helping others in the community, school, and beyond. Some of her volunteer efforts include performing in a jazz band, shoveling snow for seniors, serving food to the homeless, and serving as a camp counselor. Julia is currently a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor for the Town of Aurora, where she has the privilege of teaching children of all ages and abilities the fundamental life skills for safety in water. Her volunteer and work experiences have shaped Julia into a resilient, hard-working, and compassionate individual. Julia will be heading off to university to study Health Sciences in hopes of pursuing a career in the healthcare field, specifically in mental health.
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Katelin Martin

King City Secondary School
As a dedicated student and avid volunteer, Katelin works with others to create the positive change she wants to see in her community. Katelin volunteered as the President of her school's Music Council, where she organized fundraisers to provide instruments to schools in need. She was also a member of the Empowering Student Partnerships Team, which executed school-wide campaigns such as Colour to Conquer Cancer, Socks4Souls, and the Stomp Out the Stigma Mental Health campaign to raise funds and awareness for important issues and local charities like Belinda's Place and Yellow Brick House. Outside of volunteering, Katelin enjoys reading, learning American Sign Language, and trying out new coffee recipes from Pinterest. In the future, Katelin hopes to work in healthcare where she can create an inclusive medical environment and provide excellent and compassionate patient care to her neighbours in need
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Katherine Viney

Aurora High School
Katherine’s strength lies in her perseverance and commitment to excel. She is an exemplary student with many academic achievements and an avid volunteer, donating her time to organizations like the Aurora Food Pantry, Central York Girls Hockey Association, and Habitat for Humanity. She has also kept busy planting trees, helping seniors with technology, and coaching Girls Flag Football. In addition to these volunteer commitments, Katherine gives back at SickKids Hospital, where she meets with children who have received cochlear implants, and their parents, to educate and mentor them on hearing loss. Katherine uses her firsthand knowledge of cochlear implants and how they have helped with her own success to share the ways cochlear implants will benefit these children’s lives. Katherine aspires to become a Landscape Architect and one day hopes to design and build her own home.
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Keesha Rajkumar

Sutton High School
Keesha is an Honour Roll student who has been recognized for her academic achievements with multiple awards, including the Art, Citizenship and Perseverance Award, Good Citizen Award, Proficiency Award, and the Tamil Award. In her free time, she loves to travel, which has shaped Keesha into the person she is today by allowing her to see the world from a different perspective. Keesha brings this attitude to her community involvement work. She volunteers with children at the Georgina Public Library’s Lego Club and Robotics Club. She has also volunteered during Fan Fest, International Women’s Day, Movie Night, and Multicultural Storytime events. Keesha will attend Ryerson University in the fall, where she will study Child and Youth Care with the dream of becoming an elementary school teacher.
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Lindsay McMurter

Newmarket High School
Lindsay’s mom taught her the value of community and the importance of helping others, which inspired her to start volunteering at a young age. Through these opportunities, Lindsay discovered her passions. She has been part of Girl Guides for the past 11 years, where she enjoys some of her favourite activities, such as camping and working with children. Through volunteering, she has also made many great friendships. When Lindsay is not volunteering, she enjoys reading, playing volleyball, and working with animals. At her school, Lindsay volunteered at sporting events and became a peer-tutor. She also assisted with fundraisers such as Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life. Lindsay loves animals, which motivated her to volunteer with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. In the fall, she will attend Guelph University to study Zoology and work towards her dream of becoming a veterinarian.
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Mira Kindo-Yeung

Newmarket High School
In her own words, Mira is “obsessed” with two things: getting good grades and working in a Health Science-related field. She has been on the Principal’s Honour Roll throughout high school, proving how seriously she takes her studies. Mira’s grades are important, as she aspires to work with children, hopefully as a pediatric surgeon. Her volunteer work includes making lunches for elementary school children, providing event support for the King Soup Festival, teaching children to play musical instruments and learn technology, and she has spent many summers as a camp counsellor. Mira has also volunteered with seniors through CHATS, the Alzheimer’s Society of York Region, and, during the winter months, she shovels snow for her senior neighbours. When Mira’s not busy holding down a part-time job, playing in a band, getting good grades at school, or volunteering, you can find her rock climbing!
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Munira Chakera

Stouffville District Secondary School
Give Back Awards recipient Munira is known as a leader within her school and community. She was an Executive member of the Empowering Student Partnership Club where she volunteered as the Seniors Mental Health Lead, planning initiatives to support the mental health and wellbeing of her school’s student body. In addition to her leadership position within her school, Munira obtained the role of Student Trustee for the York Region District School Board, where she operates as a voice for 128,000 students in over 200 schools region-wide. Munira has always found joy in volunteering and putting her time and efforts into the greater good. In Munira’s spare time, she can be found in her hometown of Stouffville playing sports, hanging out with friends, or re-watching episodes of The Office. After graduation, Munira has chosen to study Kinesiology and hopes to become a registered physiotherapist.
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Spencer Thomson

St. Andrew's College
Spencer was one of the youngest members on the St. Andrew’s College Community Service Council, and was relied on to organize and run philanthropic events for Jack.org, Movember, the Terry Fox Organization, Prostate Cancer Canada, and Yellow Brick House. In addition to becoming Head of the Community Service Council, Spencer has volunteered his time as Cadet Captain and Company Commander and Deputy Head Prefect, and was also a two-time Varsity athlete on the Varsity Volleyball and Baseball teams. In the community Spencer has volunteered as an Integration Counselor in Training for students with special needs at Town of Aurora Summer Camps, providing one-on-one attention to students who require special accommodations. Those who know Spencer describe him as having an infectious personality and being mature beyond his years, with limitless potential.
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Ashley Pilling

Sir William Mulock Secondary School
Ashley has been a volunteer for as long as she can remember. She is very passionate about her involvement with Big Brothers Big Sister York Region and believes that every child deserves a positive role model and someone who looks out for them. Ashley has also done volunteer work for the Newmarket Soccer Club where she coached special needs children. Ashley has a soft spot for children with disabilities and has always done her best to advocate for them wherever possible to ensure they have the same opportunities as the other children. She is headed off to university to study neurosurgery in hopes of making the world better for people diagnosed with autism.
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Ashton Lee Wood

Huron Heights Secondary School
Ashton Lee has dedicated many hours to volunteering. She is very passionate about bringing awareness to the hardships faced by Indigenous communities. Ashton Lee is the York District School Board’s first Indigenous Student Trustee and is an active member of the Board’s First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Program, as well as an advocate for Missing Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Ashton Lee enjoys sharing her knowledge of Native Medicine and her Indigenous background – giving honour to the Elders – and has volunteered her time to teaching younger Indigenous people their language. Ashton Lee is also an Assistant Dance Teacher, is engaged in the arts, and passionate about global Indigenous issues. She plans on continuing her education by studying Indigenous Social Justice and Human Rights.
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Avishka Gautham

Cardinal Carter Catholic High School
Avishka has made large contributions to the community by volunteering for diverse initiatives: from tree planting, assisting at Farmer’s Markets and town festivals, teaching students with disabilities to swim, volunteering at children’s summer camps, entertaining seniors, and even helping to look after a variety of farm animals. Avishka is also President of Best Buddies at school, along with being a member of the Me to We Council, the school choir, and the cross country team – and she still finds time to figure skate and read to young children at the library! On top of these achievements, Avishka has even started a new organization leading virtual oral health care seminars for seniors and new Canadians!
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Bridget Neilson

King City Secondary School
Bridget has been involved in Girl Guides for eight years where giving back to the local community is a regular occurrence. From successful bottle drives, to annual trash clean-ups, and weekend camps, Bridget has been a leader and organized activities for the younger Girl Guides and town-run camps for over three years. Bridget also gives back by volunteering for the Terry Fox Run, presenting time management and exam-prep workshops to fellow students, participating the Me to We Club, helping at the local food bank, and leading Earth Hour initiatives at her school. Bridget is heading to university to study Environmental Management to help restore our wildlife and communities.
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Christine Lin

Newmarket High School
Christine began her volunteer journey in Grade 9 with the annual fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life. She secured sponsorships, audited the funds raised, and hosted bake sales in the community. It was not only a fulfilling experience to see the monetary results, but an emotionally touching one as the entire school rallied under a common cause. Christine also joined the Student Council as an Advertising Director and was elected as Student Trustee for the York Region District School Board, where she attends board and planning meetings to amplify the voices of the 128,000 students that she represents. Outside of school Christine has also been an active volunteer, and through a Canadian grant was able to secure PPE, groceries, and other essentials for senior’s homes and shelters in York Region.
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Ella Desbarats

Ecole Secondaire Catholique Renaissance
Ella started her volunteering with the Randolph Kids Performing Arts, taking on an influential leadership role where she is responsible for communicating with students, parents, and staff members. She also volunteers at the Welcome Table, preparing and serving meals to those less fortunate. Ella served on the Student Council as the first female president in over six years; consistently listening and advocating for students’ needs. On the Pastoral Committee, she assisted other team members in planning ceremonies and activities with the interests of students at heart. Ella plans on studying at the University of Ottawa to pursue a Bachelor of Science in French, specializing in Biomedical Sciences.
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Galiya Vendrov

Newmarket High School
From a young age Galiya realized that she wanted to be an entrepreneur. Galiya says “I am my best self when placed in an environment where I can create and bring new ideas to life. My goal is to start a company or social enterprise that has not only a consumer need, but a social purpose that helps others and makes a difference”. After launching her own organization, Youth of Canada, in 2018, she started to build new relationships with the seniors at Roxborough Retirement Residence by offering to write their life stories. Galiya still finds time to participate in Relay for Life, she is the Fundraising Director for her high school, and she volunteers at summer camps to inspire a younger generation. Galiya has consistently shown herself to be an articulate, innovative, and an exceptional leader.
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Hannah Leach

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School
To overcome shyness, Hannah pushed herself to be involved in different volunteer activities throughout her high school career. She has been a leader and member of various clubs such as Me to We, her school’s Peer Mentor program, and she played a leading role for the Relay for Life team, raising over $3,500 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Hannah has also spent many hours volunteering at community events, which included local runs, Farmer’s Markets, and parades. Hannah is described to have a “very strong and positive value set” and is an “excellent role model for her peers.” Hannah is an aspiring microbiologist who loves reading and singing at the top of her lungs! She is passionate about helping people in any way she can and always goes out of her way to make people smile.
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Isaac Collins

Huron Heights Secondary School
Huron Heights Secondary School graduate, Isaac, recently transferred from Nova Scotia where he was an active volunteer. He started volunteering his time at his local church, has assisted with annual fundraising events where he led children’s activities, and he has also spent many hours helping with Challenger Baseball, a program sponsored by the Toronto Blue Jays and Baseball Canada. Isaac has grown to love volunteering because it makes him feel good to help so many others! After graduating, Isaac’s goal is to become an airline pilot.
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Isabella Tari

École secondaire catholique Renaissance
Isabella has always been an active volunteer within her community and school. She has been involved in a wide variety of committees and fundraising initiatives, which span from being Head Leader of the Environmental and Social Justice Clubs, to participating in a “Goat Drive” where her school purchased 160 goats for a low-income community in a first-world country. Isabella is also the Student Council Secretary, where she helps organize events around the school, namely working to spread awareness about racism and gender inequality. Isabella contributes to her community through Trinity Anglican Church. As a member of the Youth Group, she serves the neighbourhood by raking leaves, shoveling driveways, and caroling, as well as delivering poinsettias at Christmas time. She also volunteers by singing in the choir, serving at the altar, and writing monthly “Prayers of the People” for the congregation. Isabella helps facilitate donations to the church’s Clothes Closet and The Aurora Food Pantry and has volunteered preparing hot meals for the Welcome Table, serving those in need.
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Isabelle Jonker

Keswick High School
Isabelle is an enthusiastic and dependable volunteer. She spends a lot of her time volunteering at the Georgina Skating Club, the Bradford Soccer Club, and she is a member of her school’s Athletic Council, where she helps organize and run fundraising events. Isabelle’s excellent communication skills, positive outlook, and pleasing personality enhance her natural leadership qualities. During the pandemic, Isabelle ran Zoom bootcamp classes through the East Gwillimbury Skating Club. She did this to stay connected with the young skaters she coaches, to help keep them stay active and engaged, and because she wanted to make sure kids were still having fun during these difficult times.
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Jordan Kalist

Sacred Heart Catholic High School
Jordan is a very active volunteer within her school and community. Her passion for making the world a better place is reflected in her volunteerism with Blue Door Shelter. During her time volunteering at the shelter, she helped create a Winter Warmth Campaign to provide winter coats for people experiencing homelessness. Jordan also developed a third-party fundraising package full of inspiring ideas to motivate companies, groups, and youth to support vulnerable people in their community. Within her school, Jordan has been involved with The Canadian Cancer Society’s Pink Ribbon Campaign and she is also a part of the Believe Leadership Course where she created her passion project “Our Earth.” Our Earth is an organization focused on educating people on the issues surrounding plastic waste. In her free time, Jordan enjoys reading, writing, skiing, playing basketball, and spending time with her family. She loves music and can even play six different instruments!
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Kaitlyn Douglas

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School
Kaitlyn has dedicated a lot of her volunteer hours to providing inclusion support for people with disabilities. Kaitlyn knows firsthand that being kind and showing compassion to others can be life changing, and that one simple act of kindness can turn a bad day into a happy experience.
Kaitlyn has been described as “a wonderful student, a patient and calm leader who can be fair, yet firm when she needs to be, hardworking and dedicated to her volunteer roles.” Kaitlyn’s career goal of becoming an Early Childhood Educator will enable her to make sure all children receive kindness, compassion, and support throughout their lives.
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Maia Baker

Sacred Heart Catholic High School
Maia has always managed to keep a positive and encouraging attitude and is continuously looking for new and creative ways to bring the community together. She launched a new initiative called “For the Community” where, under her leadership, Student Council members created and sent out positive videos to long-term care homes in our community. Maia has proven herself to be a strong student, a dedicated leader, and a caring member of the Sacred Heart school community. She is the Vice President of her Student Council and is always going above and beyond by hosting events, attending, and running leadership conferences, and working to bridge the gap between the student body and administration. Last year Maia won a spot on the York Secondary Catholic Presidents’ Council, which allowed her school to be more active and her voice to be heard. Maia’s excitement is described as contagious and her initiatives inspiring. She is a role model who leads by example and exemplifies the personal integrity and work ethic required to achieve excellence.
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Maximiliano Falbo

Villanova College
Throughout high school, giving back to the community has been a top priority for Villanova College’s graduating student, Maximilian. His volunteer journey began when he travelled to Mexico to help build a school for a local community. This trip filled him with the desire to help the less fortunate, which he continued to do when he came home. Max joined different organizations within his school such as SAVI and Sandwich Patrol, to help marginalized people around the world and the local homeless population. He is also very dedicated to volunteer roles at the Benfica Soccer School, a not-for-profit community soccer club, where he spends time teaching skill development to youth. Max is looking forward to attending Western University where he plans to pursue studies in Business.
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Nina Tahvildar

École secondaire catholique Renaissance
École secondaire catholique Renaissance graduate Nina is committed to giving back to her community. She has been a member of her school’s Student Council where she took on many different roles such as Grade Representative, Cultural Ambassador, Well-Being Ambassador, and Vice President. Through this volunteer work, Nina’s goals are to increase school spirit and ensure that each student has a great high school experience. Within her community Nina participates in Relay for Life, is a dance instructor for children, has been an active member in events like Canada Day celebrations, and has spent hours at local seniors’ residences playing the piano and performing dance numbers to help uplift their spirits. Her smile and positive energy have been said to brighten up a room, no matter what the circumstance. Nina will be attending the University of Ottawa with future plans of becoming a dermatologist.
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Sanjanaa Arunagiri

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School
Volunteering and community involvement have always been an integral aspect of Sanjanaa’s life. Sanjanaa has been a member of the Peer Mentors team for three years and is currently leading the team this year. She has supported cancer research, volunteered at hospitals, assisted at runs like the Run 4 Rett, and she was a volunteer Counsellor in Training for the Town of Aurora. She consistently engages in opportunities to support the local and global community. Sanjanaa has also served as a volunteer at the Coldest Night of the Year in support of the homeless population, as well as the Santa Shuffle, raising funds for the Salvation Army. From a young age, her passion has been volunteerism. Being involved within the community has allowed Sanjanaa to learn valuable life skills and meet amazing people which, she explains, has been incredibly rewarding!
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Sara Mousavi

Keswick High School
Sara’s volunteer involvement spans from participating in school plays, to being a Teaching Assistant at Lake Simcoe Public School, which also led to her volunteer role as Program Leader of Jericho Youth Services. Through these volunteer experiences Sara has improved her management and leadership skills and has realized the importance of being part of a team, all while having a positive impact on people and the community. The Coordinator at Jericho Youth Services commends Sara, saying she “has displayed a very strong work ethic, always has a positive attitude, takes on every task and gives 110%. Sara constantly took initiative and maintained a role model status when interacting with children and co-workers.” After graduating from Keswick High School, Sara will pursue a degree from the University of Toronto in the Life Sciences program because she is dedicated to helping people any way she can!
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Sarah Gangl

St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic High School
When Sarah began at St. Maximillian Kolbe C.H.S. she was immediately drawn to the Best Buddies Program. Her leadership in Best Buddies has opened the doors to so many exciting opportunities and has allowed her to use her time and talents to support a worthy cause. Sarah has been described as a “model Peer Buddy” who is “an exemplary leader for her school’s Council and Catholic community.” Sarah is also part of Kolbe Leaders at Work, a group that leads the school community in various charitable initiatives. Outside of school, Sarah started a youth band at her church. She always goes above and beyond and pushed through the many challenges of the pandemic by creating ways for her groups to continue meeting virtually. Sarah plans on attending the University of Toronto where she will study Music and Life Sciences. Combining these two fields of interest, she hopes to pursue a career as a music therapist.
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Shonekaa Suthaaharan

Sacred Heart Catholic High School
Sacred Heart Catholic High School graduate Shonekaa has dedicated hundreds of hours volunteering within her school and community. She is Chapter Head of the Believe Leadership Course in her area, an Ambassador and Writer for Beyond the Wards Canada, where she raises awareness for under-recognized frontline workers, a Co-Chair of an in-school club Student Mentors where she leads a team to plan and run events, Chapter Co-Head of the Women in STEM, and she has also volunteered at the Southlake Residential Care Village! Shonekaa volunteers because it helps her grow as a person by allowing her to understand the world from another perspective, and because it encourages her to be humble and open-minded. Her Chapter members describe her to be “the perfect representative” and a “kind and positive spirit” whom they appreciate for her positivity, effort, and never-ending support. Shonekaa’s goal is to work for the humanitarian aid organization Doctors Without Borders, to continue helping those in need.
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Abigail Reist

Aurora High School
Abigail has been committed to making her community better, she has made many positive contributions to students and has demonstrated significant initiatives and generous acts of kindness to those in need. She has dedicated a lot of her time at the Teen Challenge Ontario Women’s Centre, a rehabilitation for women overcoming substance addictions. She volunteers at her church where she participates in the band, Sunday School Program, summer Day Camp and she also sits on the Mission Committee where she helps decide what organizations to support financially.
On top of all the hours Abigail spends volunteering she has had a story published by Polar Expressions Publishers.
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Amanda Bishop

Aurora High School
Volunteering has always been an important part of Amanda’s life. Amanda belonged to Peer Mentors, Empowering Student Partnerships, Music Council, volunteers at York Music Camp and Student Voice Representative. She is president and founder or Aurobots, a first robotics team which also does outreach within the community. She has led toiletry drives for students in need at her school, she has created the “Tulips for Autism” initiative where all proceeds were donated to Kerry’s Place Autism Services and she has run free weeklong summer camps for girls, teaching them how to design their own website. Amanda puts in a lot of time and effort to make things happen because she cares about students, her high school and her community.
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Amanda Round

Aurora High School
Amanda is a hard-working student, and a dedicated volunteer. Within her school she founded STEM, a group of volunteers who create eco-friendly projects and educate others about environmental sustainability. She has led a co-ed team to program a weather-station, started school-wide campaigns such as #donttrashtech and she has also fundraised for causes such as supporting rain forest conservations in Ecuador. Aside from volunteering Amanda loves singing, reading, and being a plant-mom. She plays competitive soccer and has played the French Horn in her school band for 6 years. After graduation Amanda is planning to attend McMaster University where she hopes to major in molecular biology and genetics with a minor in environmental science.
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Briana Malcolm

Sutton District High School
Briana has dedicated early mornings to volunteering at a local elementary school’s breakfast program, she spends many hours helping out in her school’s cafeteria, she has participated in Terry Fox Runs and she also volunteers for Georgina Trades Inc., a not-for-profit organization where she helps with community events and fundraisers. When Briana is not volunteering you can find her playing soccer, rugby or traveling the world. After graduation Briana will be going to Trent University for the Forensic Biology program.
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Christina Paraskevopoulos

Dr. G.W Williams Secondary School
Christina believes volunteering is an important element in her school and community and finds fulfillment in helping others. She is part of her schools Peer Mentor Group, Art of All event, has assisted in elementary school track and field days, planned and ran the annual Swabbing Drive and has volunteered at Parents Night. In addition, Christina has taken on many leadership opportunities, such as being a leader of their We to We Team which holds monthly initiatives to help local and global communities, has led the team Sarah’s Stars for the Light the Night walk and has been a dedicated member of the wildcats Relay for life team. Giving Back to Christina means sharing her time and skills with organizations to make a positive difference.
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Elise Quail

Ecole secondaire catholique Renaissance
Elise is passionate about spreading positivity wherever she can. She has been a very active volunteer in both her school and community. She is Executive Pastoral Council President, Leader of various Pastoral Committees, Student Council Vice-President and Relay for Life leader, grade 7 camp leader, Anti-Bullying committee member plus many more. She has been involved with many initiatives that support local charities such as Inn from the Cold, Blue Doors Shelter, and the Aurora Food Pantry. Elise believes that it is important to find joy in every moment and to make meaningful and long-lasting connections with people around her.
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Jessica Sok

Newmarket High School
Jessica has been surrounded by dedicated volunteers for as long as she can remember, from the passionate individuals who helped her parents begin a new life in Canada to the bright-eyed student leaders on her first day of grade nine. Before she knew it, she was volunteering for a number of different clubs and organizations, including leadership projects, student governments and the local center for autism services. Spending the time and efforts to enrich her community has allowed Jessica to make a difference for things she is passionate about such as social issues. It has been rewarding for her to see the impact she has had on others.
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Katie Phipps

Huron Heights Secondary School
As a child Katie was surrounded by volunteers so she gives back to say thank you to those that had such a positive impact on her life. Katie has spent many hours at the pool assisting swim instructors, she was involved with York Children’s Water Festival and she participated in research studies through SickKids Hospital. In addition, Katie also tutors elementary school student’s primary math, French and English. Katie plans on attending University to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.
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Kiana Mirshahi

Aurora High School
From a young age, Kiana had a burning passion to help people; specifically, vulnerable and marginalized groups that have trouble getting their voices heard. Within school she has been actively involved in various clubs such as Mental Health Council/ Wellness club, Social Change Makers, Student’s Global Issues Club and she has also been an active member in her school’s Equity Club. Outside of school, Kiana is an active peer to peer supporter and founding member of a youth lead mental health initiative called Peerify and is a member of the Town of Aurora’s Youth Engagement Committee. Kiana aspire to make the world a better place and she believes it’s the act of volunteering that assures her she is working towards her dreams. An interesting fact about Kiana is that she is a music fanatic, she loves singing, writing songs, playing the piano and anything else music-related!
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Lily Edmunds

St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School
Lily has made multiple contributions to fellow students and citizens and has demonstrated a commitment to her community above and beyond expectations. Within school Lily is part of the Best Buddies Program, connecting mainstream students with students who experience learning challenges and developmental disabilities. In her community Lily has supported The Alzheimer’s Society, Southlake Hospital, Markham Stouffville Hospital, Youth at Risk, Operation Hero, Because I am a Girl and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the list goes on. Lily is an accomplished cross-country runner who gave up training to continue volunteer work because it is truly where her heart is.
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Lydia Wade

Sacred Heart Catholic High School
Lydia’s ability to think creatively and offer alternative solutions to problems makes her stand out as a leader. Volunteering has enabled Lydia to impact others across many sectors. Lydia is very active in her church and has participated in many initiatives with her high school. As vice-president of her school’s athletic council, she has positively affected the health of her fellow students and promoted good sportsmanship. She has assisted in fundraising for Relay for life and has applied her talents of academic guidance as a tutor. Fun fact about Lydia is that she was born in Egypt and has lived on three continents: Africa, Asia and North America. She has been living in Canada since she was twelve years old.
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Matthew Deo

St. Andrews College
At a young age Matthew’s parents taught him the importance of giving back. Matthew is very involved in his school and community. He has been on his school Community Council for three years and is now an executive member. He has organized Terry Fox Runs, built houses with Habitat for Humanity, has organized fundraisers to purchase instruments for students that couldn’t afford them, and he has supported the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes which raises awareness of violence against women. Matthews grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimers, inspired him to form a band with some of his musician friends who would then play at senior’s residences simply because he wanted to do something to bring them joy. A fun fact about Matthew, is that he has a black belt in karate.
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Miya Waldron

Keswick High School
From a young age Miya has always wanted to help others. Miya started volunteering because she wanted to get involved, meet new people, and make a change. Within her school she has been a student leader during grade 8 tours, school representative at YRP monthly meetings, score keeper at sporting events and is part of the Athletic Council. In the community she has volunteered for Rogers TV Georgina, and the Georgina Minor Baseball association. Miya will be heading to Sudbury to attend Laurentian University where she will be part of the Varsity Baseball team. Her long-term career objective is to be a Firefighter.
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Morgan Shepherd

Sutton District High School
Morgan’s selfless generosity makes her an asset to the Sutton Public School Breakfast Club, to her community and to her school. She spends a lot of her time making sure children are receiving proper nutrition throughout their day and she also volunteers with the Georgina Community Living Program through her dance studio. Morgan volunteers because she enjoys giving back to the community that has provided her with so many experiences and opportunities. Her commitment to volunteering has also led her to meet likeminded people that have become her best friends.
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Nishtha Mehta

Sir William Mulock Secondary School
Nishtha discovered her love for helping others at a very young age. Throughout her high school years, she was a member of the Breakfast Program at an elementary school, she became a Peer Mentor where she helped grade 9’s transition into high school and she became the Head of Prefect Council where she helped organize fundraising events for local charities. Nishtha is also very active in her community. She volunteers at local events such as SoupFest, The Run for Southlake and the Canadian Cancer Society, to name a few. Nishtha moved from India and recognizes her privileges in Canada, she aspires to be someone who inspires, empowers and supports those less fortunate.
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Nourhan Almasri

King City Secondary School
Nourhan’ s dedication to her school and community has been demonstrated at her through her involvement with Mats for Haiti, a program that weaves milk bags together to create comfortable sleeping bags for those affected by natural disasters, wars or economic collapse. She is also a member of her schools Empowering Student Partnership team, which plans and implements community-based fundraising and awareness campaigns. She also volunteers with the York Region District School Board presenting and mentoring newcomers to ease their transition to Canada. Nourhan is an extremely well-rounded student excelling not strictly in academic subject but also in Visual Arts and Music. She plans on pursuing a medical degree and would love to become either a family doctor or dermatologist.
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Ralph Dagher

École secondaire catholique Renaissance
Ralph not only displays leadership qualities in his responsibilities at school, but he also serves as a mentor for the younger members of his school and community. Ralph is the student body president and spends a lot of his time organizing and executing events such as their schools first ever homecoming. He has also spent countless hours helping at his church summer camps, was a participant at the Central Ontario Leadership Seminar and has volunteered at his former elementary school. After graduation Ralph plans on attending university to study architecture.
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Sanchit Kaushal

Sir William Mulock Secondary School
At school, Sanchit is Vice President of Student Council, Co-chair of the Relay for Life Committee, Peer Mentor club member and Secretary of the Eco-Club he willingly gives his time and talents beyond the classroom. In the community, Sanchit was a volunteer counsellor for his local soccer program and with the East Gwillimbury Library’s reading program for youth. He has also shared his time with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Pink Ribbon and Daffodil campaigns and his most impressive volunteer opportunity evolved from his Co-operative Education experience at Southlake Regional Hospital. Sanchit loves helping other simply because he cares.
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Sarah Darragh

Huron Heights Secondary School
When there is work to be done Sarah is the first to arrive and the last to leave. Whether volunteering and visiting patients at Southlake Residential Care Village, helping prepare department events and field trips for her peers, filing music in the library, maintaining instruments, or spending time on the computer assisting with department inventory, Sarah’s help and support is invaluable. Sarah sets herself apart by maintaining a level of academic excellence while selflessly devoting time and energy to her school and community.
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Sophia Fiorini

St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School
Sophia is very involved in both her school and community. Sophia has conducted research in Microbiology, taught swimming lessons and performed lifeguard duties. In addition, she has served for her church community, has taken part in school clubs and teams, and has organized and led key fundraising initiatives. Giving Back to Sophia means good people working with other good people in order to accomplish and do extraordinary things. It is incredibly rewarding for Sophia to know that she can make a lasting impression.
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Adamo Crescenzi

Cardinal Carter Catholic High School
Adamo has volunteered his time as student council vice-president, camp counselor for grade 9 retreats, through the city of Vaughan he volunteered by assisting kids with disabilities, he coached soccer teams, and has been involved with his church’s youth group. Adamo volunteers to help others and to better the community. Following graduation Adamo will be attending Ryerson University where he will study criminology. During his time as a law student he hopes to spend time volunteering at the John Howard Society, which is a non-profit organization that seeks to develop understanding and effective responses to the problem of crime and prison reform.
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Darcy O'Reilly

St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic High School
For Darcy, giving back is an opportunity for her to help make the world a better place, one individual at a time. Over the years she has learned that change is a chain reaction. One small action or initiative within a community can inspire others to do the same. Darcy has spent hundreds of hours volunteering as a counselor in training, coached special needs soccer teams, assisted with the Santa Claus Parade and Tree Planting, she has been the vice president for her student council since 2017. Last year she became co-president of HOSA, a group dedicated to future health science professionals. Her volunteer experiences have inspired her to study behavioral development disorders.
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Faith Gunn

Sutton District High School
Giving back to the community means the world to Faith. Faith has devoted her time at both the Sutton and Newmarket Farmers Markets, she volunteers at a soup kitchen for her local church and spends hours at her community pool. She also participates in numerous events at her high school, such as the Annual Holiday Dinner, dances, Relay for Life and other student council events. Faith believes that if everyone could lend a helping hand our communities would be happier and better places.
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Hannah Phillips

Sutton District High School
The main reason Hannah volunteers is her love for sports, more specifically her passion for hockey which has enabled her to help others through coaching and teaching young children how to play the game. Hannah score keeps, plants trees for Retirement Homes, volunteers at the town of Georgina Snow-fest, walks in the Scotiabank Waterfront in Toronto and she was part of the Can-skate program where she helped teach children how to skate.
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Jack Viney

Aurora High School
Jack is very involved within his community, spending hours of his time volunteering with the Aurora Minor Hockey Association, Aurora Youth Soccer, The Country Day School, Habitat for Humanity and the Town of Aurora with events such as the Arctic Adventure, Ribfest, The Haunted Forest and Hometown Hockey. Jack volunteers because he feels it is important to give back to organizations that taught him so much when he was a young child, he also enjoys helping children and those in need.
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Jeremy Doucette

École secondaire catholique Renaissance
At school Jeremy volunteers with many clubs and organizing committees, such as prom, multicultural and Phoenix day. Jeremy is actively volunteering within his community at Arts Society King, Seniors Expos and the Dufferin Marsh cleanup. He is the leader of the Environmental Club and is the grade 12 representative on Student Council. To Jeremy volunteering means giving back through donation, commitment, dedication, time and using his skills to better the world one worthy cause at a time.
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Jessica Somerville

King City Secondary School
Jessica has spent approximately nine hundred hours volunteering. She volunteers because she enjoys helping others and seeing positive outcomes first hand has given her a sense of satisfaction. Giving back to Jessica, means creating opportunities for youth, being a good role model, and leaving a lasting impression on someone’s life. Her volunteer contributions range from environmental projects to activities involving youth. Jessica continues to help at her elementary school fundraisers, summer camps, and is an active member for the King Township Mayors Youth Action Team, just to name a few.
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Kara Hunt

Huron Heights Secondary School
Kara is an active volunteer in both her community and school. Kara’s passionate for giving back and volunteering started during her elementary school years and is something that has followed her through her high school years. Kara is part of her high schools Holiday Dinner, where she cooks and serves for people in her community that are in need, she has been involved in acting summer camps and she is also part of the Canadian Play Festival. Giving back to Kara is more than giving up time during a day, giving back is leaving an everlasting impression on someone’s life.
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Madison Coker

Sacred Heart High School
For Madison giving back isn’t just about doing the minimum, it is about going above and beyond, and putting other people’s needs before her own. Madison volunteers at the East Gwillimbury Skating club, she supports The Knights of Columbus, she assists at an equestrian summer riding camp, participates in Relay for Life, she is an active member of student council and she recently held a leadership role as the director of her school’s major theater production.
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Mariana Koruni

Sir William Mulock Secondary School
Mariana is a hardworking and committed student who is described to be an outstanding member of her school’s academic and social community. She has completed over one thousand volunteer hours at a variety of places where she has helped a wide range of individuals. Within her community she has been involved with organizations such as, Girls Inc., Upper Canada Childcare Centre, St. John’s Church Parish Office, and Southlake Regional Hospital. Within her school she takes part in the Math Contest Club, and she tutors her peers. Mariana is very passionate about helping others and does what she can to make a difference in people’s lives.
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Maryam Samimi

Aurora High School
Volunteering has been a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences for her, from volunteering at local libraries to volunteering at Southlake Hospital. Her experiences range from different fields such as health care, education and child development. Maryam is founder of a not-for profit organization called “Reading with Superstars”, which advocates for children’s educational rights. Through this organization she was able to donate hundreds of books to government school in her home town of Sharjah. Maryam volunteers because it allows her to explore her strengths, find her identity and she wants to be a good example for her younger brother, she truly believes that community involvement is necessary for a brighter and more fulfilling future.
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Nicole In

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School
Nicole finds joy and purpose in helping others, and she believes that volunteering holds the potential of changing the local community and world in a positive way. Nicole volunteers for The Canadian Cancer Society, Best Buddies Club, is a leader of the Peer Mentor group, is a head executive of the Me to We club, and she is a committed volunteer for Compassions Canada, just to name a few. Through her volunteer experiences she has learned that small actions can have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. Giving back simply means sharing what she can, whether it be a certain skill, or simply her time for those that need assistance.
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Olivia McElrea

Newmarket High School
For Olivia, giving back is one of the most important things someone should do in their life. One of Olivia’s greatest attribute’s is how much she cars for others, no matter what the task or duty she is always giving 100% and always goes the extra mile. Olivia has been a committed long-time volunteer for the Relay for Life, last year her team raised $66,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Olivia co-chairs the York Region Arts Council and is president of the Me to We Club at school. Olivia volunteers simply because she can and will take on every opportunity to help make a positive impact. Olivia plans on attending University to get a degree in Political Science, no matter what she does she will continue to volunteer and will strive to make a positive change for individuals and communities that need it the most.
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Rachel Gallagher

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School
Throughout her high school career, Rachel has made it her priority to volunteer within both her school and community. She has led many bake sales and has been involved with many fundraising events such as Lemons for Leukemia, Newmarket’s Coldest Night of the Year and local Toy Drives. She spends lots of her time at the Aurora Sunrise Seniors Living Centre and has participated in multiple Habitat for Humanity build days. Rachel strives to give recognition and a helping hand to those within her community who often get overlooked due to age, poverty, or illness, she wants to make every group within her community feel valued and validated.
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Rafael Sakarya

École secondaire catholique Renaissance
Rafael volunteers because he likes to help others and make people happy. Whether it be a small donation of his time or planning a significant event that requires a lot of energy. He volunteers because it gives him the ability to make a bigger impact in his community and in society. Rafael has been a camp counselor, has helped with sports teams, he is currently president of student council, and he enjoys public speaking at events where he can share his person experiences.
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Rebecca Streef

St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic High School
Rebecca started giving back because she wanted to become involved in her community and she joined clubs at schools to meet like-minded peers. She has spent a lot of time working with her school’s Best Buddies Club, she has volunteered as a Peer Mentor, she has been Vice President of her school’s eco-team since grade 10 and on top of it she even donates her time at the local arena snack bar. Volunteering and giving back are very important for Rebecca because she realizes how impactful her contribution has been to both her community and school. Her various efforts within her clubs have ensured that her school community is both practicing and celebrating inclusion, friendship and equity.
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Ryan Chen

Sacred Heart High School
Ryan Chen’s ambitious and proactive attitude has made him a true asset to his school and community. He has spent over 1,000 hours volunteering at summer camps, and The Mackenzie Health Hospital. At school he is part of many organizing committees and is responsible for school dances, designing graduation sweaters, organizing and coaching sport teams. Ryan enjoys working with and for others. Volunteering for Ryan has been self-rewarding because helping others gives him a sense of purpose.
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Samantha Surtees

Sir William Mulock Secondary School
Samantha started giving back at a very young age. In elementary school she often spent her recesses helping kindergarten students, she was a reading buddy for grade one’s and she also offered support in the special need’s classroom. Throughout her high school years, she has been volunteering for the Town of Newmarket summer camps, coach’s youth soccer and hockey teams, has helped at local retirement homes and she also started a girl’s hockey and lacrosse team at her school. Samantha gives back to her community by volunteers because she simply loves the feeling of helping others. Samantha is excited about her future and cannot wait to travel the world and teach in underdeveloped countries.
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Stephanie Payne

Sacred Heart High School
Stephanie volunteers for The Town of Newmarket by participating in Community Clean-up, coach’s basketball, volunteers for BOOST, which is a child abuse prevention and intervention agency located in Toronto. Stephanie also participates in the Relay for Life, she tutors, and she is part of both Sacred Hearts Student Mentor and Health and Wellness Programs. Stephanie volunteers because she enjoys seeing the positive impact she has had on individuals and the community.
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Su Gulerman

Newmarket High School
When Su first started volunteering she didn’t think much of it, it was just something she had to do for high school but by the end of grade 9 her hobby became helping others, and volunteering quickly became a big part of her life. Su is dedicated to making a difference within the community of Newmarket. She has devoted her time to The Rotary Club, the Air Show, Polo for Heart and the Tween Club at the Keswick library. Sues most rewarding volunteer experiences was when she volunteered in Costa Rica, there she assisted in orphanages and animal rescue centers. Su hopes to attend the University of Toronto but no matter where her journey takes her, where ever she is and whatever she ends up doing, her passion for volunteering and giving back will always stay with her.
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James Berry

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

James believes that “giving back means being able to appreciate what your community, and the services in it, have done for you and showing that appreciation by helping out in any way you can.” James has been a committed, long-time volunteer for years with the OSPCA where he has held a weekly four hour shift every Saturday morning since 2016. He supports the OSPCA by doing laundry, helping keep the facilities clean, and socializing with the animals in their care. James is also a peer tutor and volunteers for the Salvation Army.

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Maiya Bertola

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

To Maiya, giving back means spreading equal opportunity to everyone in the community. She volunteers for the Town of Aurora as an assistant Summer Camp Counsellor, for community tree planting events, with the Aurora Community Band, and in numerous elementary schools. Maiya also helps Marquee Theatrical Productions and Ghostlight Players, is a peer tutor, and with her school’s Relay for Life committee. Maiya has been inspired through her years as a volunteer for the Aurora FC’s Stinger Stars program, where she provides one-on-one help and coaching to children with disabilities who want to play soccer.

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Miles Bacuyag

Sutton District High School

Miles believes that you should always give back, especially to those who have helped you through your life journey. He has been a dedicated volunteer at the Georgina Public Library’s Teen Advisory Group for over five years, where he is a role model and mentor to his peers and younger patrons. Miles volunteers with the Robotics programs at two local elementary schools, working with kids to help prepare them for upcoming competitions. He also gives back through his church’s Vacation Bible School and at Air Cadets.

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Molly Calfton

Huron Heights Secondary School

Molly believes that every small effort can make a big difference in the world. She began volunteering in grade seven, when she organized and implemented a penny drive throughout school that raised enough money to provide water to 82 families for life! Molly has also organized a walk-a-thon for Autism awareness and a brick-by-brick campaign to build a school in Kenya. She volunteers at Southlake’s Residential Village, for her school’s Peace Club, and in a kindergarten classroom. Last year, Molly travelled to Tanzania to build a foundation for a school. This summer, she is travelling to Ecuador to help build another school.

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Deneisha Hammith

Dr. John M. Denison Secondary School

Deneisha believes that giving back means showing kindness and compassion through action and good work, and giving yourself wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return. Deneisha’s passion for humanity and justice is visible through her commitment to volunteerism. She is a peer tutor, a LINK Crew Member, a member of the Equity/Social Justice Club, Vice President of Music Council, and also sits on her school’s Student Council, Science Club, and Prom Committee. Deneisha is also a reading buddy mentor, a Program Assistant at a local nursing home, a volunteer for children with disabilities, and fundraises for her local food bank.

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Tristan Hicks

St. Andrew's College

Tristan feels that volunteering has been a privilege, and that there is no better feeling in the world than giving. Since 2014, Tristan has volunteered with the Highland Cadet Corps where he leads his peers and provides training to younger Cadets. He has helped at Aurora Montessori School, with the Town of Aurora’s summer camps, as a volunteer actor in Focus Festival Plays, and at local baseball tournaments. Tristan also volunteers as House Captain where he mentors middle school students and on the Andrean Life Council planning events to enhance school spirit and engagement.

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Rachel In

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School

Ever since Rachel was a young girl, she always wanted to help others and believes that her parents helped inspire her to give back. She has been volunteering for Milal Mission since grade four, where she helps those with mental and physical disabilities. Rachel gives back in school as a member of Best Buddies, the Peer Mentorship program, Me to We, Habitat for Humanity, as President of the Music Council, and as a math tutor. She also volunteers for Compassion Canada helping children living in poverty.

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Alexandra Kasatkina

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

As the daughter of immigrants, Alexandra feels she has truly been gifted with a lucky life because she has grown up in Newmarket. This respect and appreciation for her community motivates Alexandra to make it an even better place by volunteering and giving back. Alexandra has been a Teen Advisory Group member and a Reading Buddy Mentor at her local library. She helped as Co-Chair of Community Sponsorship for her school’s Relay for Life team, and is now the current Committee Chair. Alexandra is a Student Mentor at Sacred Heart and was also part of the TEDx Committee that hosted the first TED event at the York Catholic District School Board.

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Josie Kearney

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School

For as long as Josie can remember, helping others has been her passion. She has a determination to do everything she can to help those in need. Josie volunteers in school as the lead planner for the annual Terry Fox Run and the Habitat for Humanity team. She is the Head of Peer Mentors, an executive of the Williams Athletic Council, and is a math tutor. Josie gives back to the community at initiatives like the Spring Tree Planting, Run4Rett, and Coldest Night of the Year. She also founded an initiative called “Change for Change” where students can participate in a toy drive without leaving the classroom.

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Nupur Krishnan

Pickering College

Nupur is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s quote, “do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” She is Chair of Pickering College’s Community Service Committee, a member of the Youth Action Organization, an Ambassador for the Canadian Cancer Society, and a tutor with the Learning Disabilities Association of York Region. Nupur is an advocate for the deaf community and after learning sign language, created ASL home alone and safety courses for deaf youth. She received a United Way grant to turn these courses into a mobile app for deaf youth to have continuous access to this information. Nupur also created a lifesaving skills course for students in rural India, who lacked access to such programs. 

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Madisyn Lamoure

St. Maximiliam Kolbe Catholic High School

Madisyn says, “there is something very liberating, empowering, and satisfying about making a difference in your community.” Madisyn began volunteering in grade eight with her school’s Anti-Bullying campaign. She completed her Counsellor in Training certification, volunteers as a Town of Aurora camp counsellor, and is a Leisure Buddy, providing one-on-on support to children with disabilities so they can participate in sport and recreation programs. She is also a volunteer for the Central York Girls Hockey Association, the Newmarket Skating Club, Aurora FC, and the Aurora Skating Club.

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Robert Lee

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School

To Robert, “giving back means taking the abilities that you excel at and, in turn, using those gifts to help others.” Robert sits on the Student and Arts Councils at his school. He is an active member of the Best Buddies program working with peers who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as the Youth Alive program running fundraisers for local charities. Outside of school, Robert volunteers for the York Regional Police, Yellow Brick House, the Terry Fox Run, Neighbourhood Watch, the Canadian Cancer Society, Urban Promise, and the Community Safety Village – just to name a few!

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Maya Morris

Newmarket High School

The different volunteer opportunities Maya has done have impacted not only those in her community, but herself as well. Maya believes that volunteering gives you a whole new perspective on life, and that the sense of gratitude received by helping those in need is the best reward. Maya is a Senior Student Council Representative, a member of the Transition Team for grade eight students, is Athletic Council President, and was recently nominated by her teachers to be part of the new Wellbeing Team. She is also a member of Best Buddies and volunteers at various Vacation Bible School programs and with the East Gwillimbury Soccer Club.

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Alisa Neang

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

Volunteers have had an incredible impact on Alisa’s life, from helping her family escape their war-torn country, to detecting a heart defect that saved her life when she was born, to teaching her a new language, and helping her with rehabilitation. Alisa experienced first-hand the impact that a dedicated volunteer can have on the lives of others, which inspired her to give back an astounding 1,351 hours of time. Alisa is a member of Student Council, a Relay for Life committee member, and volunteers as a coach for girls and boys volleyball and the badminton squad. She is Head of Prefect Council and also participates in park clean ups, Moms on the Run BBQ, and WE Day.

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Amy Robidoux

Ecole Secondaire Catholique Renaissance
In Amy’s words, “there is no better feeling than giving back and being able to see the faces and expressions of those you have helped.” Amy is an avid volunteer. She is a Youth Soccer Coach for the Aurora Youth Soccer Club, where she helps young girls learn the sport. Amy participates in the annual Curl for Cancer and Relay for Life fundraisers for the Canadian Cancer Society. She has been a member her school’s Student Pastoral Council and was a grade seven Camp Leader. Recently, Amy travelled to El Salvador to build a home for a family in need with Habitat for Humanity
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Alex Saeedi

Cardinal Carter Catholic High School

In Alex’s words, “although this may sound cliché, volunteering has changed my life forever.” As a volunteer, Alex has found his passions and made lifelong friends, while also making the community a better place. In his role as Volunteer Coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society Alex promoted volunteerism for the organization among his peers, collected donations, and is currently leading a group of students to plan and execute this year’s Relay for Life event. Alex volunteers in the Cardiology and Emergency Departments at Southlake Regional Health Centre, he is the Director of Volunteer Affairs for the Youth Nation Alliance, and has also given back at WE Day, with the Canadian Blood Services, and as a math tutor.

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Sierra Smith

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic College School

In Sierra’s words, “volunteering is not about recognition of the volunteer, but the recognition of others in need.” She believes that we must be selfless and compassionate in life. Since 2014, Sierra has been a lead in the Edge Youth Group through Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. She organizes food drives and is an avid fundraiser for events like Big Bike and Terry Fox. Sierra has volunteered for two years at the Hospital for Sick Children as a Child Life volunteer, where she helps alleviate the anxieties of children who are hospitalized. In school, Sierra gives back as a member of the Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving Council, Student Council, and as a Peer Mentor.

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Keshikaa Suthaaharan

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

In Keshikaa’s words, “giving back, to me, means having the opportunity to bring happiness to someone’s life” and to create change in her community.  Keshikaa began volunteering in elementary school, where she helped at her local library assisting with their Chess Program. In high school, she volunteered for the International Languages Program, as a Student Mentor, and a peer tutor. Keshikaa helps young children as a volunteer basketball coach and gives back to local seniors by volunteering for the Seniors Centre as a Program Assistant and a Volunteer Trainer.

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Natalya Whitla

Newmarket High School

Natalya recognizes that community involvement extends beyond simply “showing up” for events. Within her school, Natalya leads her peers by running the Healthy School’s Council and as a co-founder of the Model United Nations Club. She is also the Lead Entertainment Coordinator for the school’s Relay for Life Youth Event, helping raise over $88,000 last year. Outside of school, Natalya volunteers for the Foundation for Student Science Research and Technology, has organized fundraisers for Belinda’s Place, and taught herself American Sign Language and Tactile Signing, in order to volunteer for the deafblind community.

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Lauren Wilson

Aurora High School

To Lauren, giving back means making someone smile and helping to make someone’s day better. Lauren has been an active volunteer within her high school. She represented her peers by annually serving as an executive member of Student Council. Lauren leads her classmates as President of the Drama Council, she is a YRDSB Mentor, and she works with local elementary schools to help them develop their own theatre productions. Outside of Aurora High, Lauren gives back by volunteering for Highview and Holland Landing Public Schools, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Aurora Public Library’s Reading Buddy program. 

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Heba Shahaed

Aurora High School

Heba Shahaed believes in the words of Gustav Nossal, who said, “Community leadership is the courage, creativity, and capacity to inspire participation, development, and sustainability for strong communities.” To Heba, a successful society comes from the leadership of youth who take action to improve it.

Heba donates her time to a variety of causes; from working with the York Regional Police as their President of Empowering Student Partnerships, to being a Peer Mentor Team Coordinator within her school, and running fundraising initiatives for organizations like the Aurora Food Pantry, Belinda’s Place, the Yellow Brick House, Free the Children, and the Red Cross. She has volunteered over 1,200 hours, all to fulfill her goal of uniting the community to create a better tomorrow for her friends and family.

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Charles Choi

Cardinal Carter High School

Charles Choi volunteers because he knows it is the right thing to do. When his family came to Canada from South Korea, volunteers helped them adjust to their new Canadian culture and lifestyle. Charles credits these volunteers for his ability to overcome the challenges of immigrating to a new country, and believes that he should give back his time to help those in the community in need of support.

He has donated almost 1,300 hours of service. In school he is a reporter for the newspaper, has been President of the Free the Children Council, and leads the Mock Trial team. In the community, Charles volunteers for the Korean Community Centre for Multiculturalism, participated in a mission trip to the Timiskaming First Nation Reserve, and composed a song that he played with the Kitchener Waterloo Chamber Orchestra to bring awareness to PTSD.

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Gareth Price

Cardinal Carter High School

"Volunteering is more than just the forty hours needed to graduate high school. It is about giving up something of your own without any expectation of compensation or gratitude, to positively impact the lives of others."

Gareth is an avid volunteer who has given back hundreds of hours from a very young age. He has helped at church events, in soup kitchens, initiating fundraisers, running campaigns to support LGBTQ youth, in community gardens, as a school lab assistant, and as a peer mentor and leader to younger high school students. Gareth believes that when you are born with privilege, you have a substantial duty to give back and leave the world in a much better place.

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Ella Wickham

Cardinal Carter High School

Ella Wickham cares about people and refuses to let apathy and ignorance run the world.

Her compassion has led her to volunteer hundreds of hours as a leader and mentor for younger students, with Goodwill Newmarket organizing donations, and at charity events like GoGreen. Ella’s most impactful initiative was in creating a mental health council that is registered as a chapter of the national Jack.org Project. By introducing this program to her school, Ella has inspired her peers to raise awareness and end stigmas surrounding mental health. She has led assemblies and awareness campaigns on cyberbullying and drug use, and has encouraged the discussion on coping mechanisms, healthy friendships, and reaching out when you need help, leaving a platform for acceptance behind for future students.

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Quinn Demczuk

Dr. J.M. Denison Secondary School

Quinn Demczuk volunteers for the joy it brings him, knowing he has done good work and helped someone, or the community, that is in need.

He has donated almost 500 hours of time throughout high school, helping with Relay for Life as a first-aid Medical Venturer, as a Harmony Movement leader, with the annual graduation breakfast as a cook and server, as a Student Mental Health and Well Being Student Leader, as School Ambassador for Empowered Student Partnerships, and in the SpeakOUT Gay Straight Alliances Conference. Quinn also volunteers for the 1
st Newmarket York Region Medical Venturers & Rovers, with Scouts Canada, and as a Leader and Counsellor in Training for the Town of East Gwillimbury.

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Alexander Akiki

Ecole Secondaire Catholique Renaissance

To Alexander Akiki, being young has never been a reason not to give back. He believes that youth play a big role in the well-being of a community, and that anything can be accomplished if you put your mind to it.

Alexander has volunteered over 500 hours and counting, through diverse volunteer programs and projects. He has helped at a long-term-care home in North York, where he spent his summer working with seniors, playing games with them, and acting as a companion. Alexander has also volunteered with children at a horseback riding summer camp. He is a leader within his high school, having served on Student Council for six years, where he is currently President. For Alexander, volunteering has had a profound personal impact, and has shaped him into the person he is today.

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Sarah Kennelly

Huron Heights Secondary School

Sarah Kennelly learned from her parents that the most valuable gift you can ever give to someone is your time. To Sarah, volunteering is second nature; she says "there is no greater feeling than making someone else’s life better and supporting the community that has supported her."

Sarah has donated hundreds of hours through her volunteer work. She helps at the Mount Albert Food Pantry, where she provides food to those in need. At school, she volunteers as a peer mentor and as a member of the Peace Club, responsible for organizing a free holiday meal to 1,200 individuals. She is also President of the Music Council, and plans outreach events to spark interest in music with local youth. Sarah volunteers for the Mt. Albert United Church’s community dinners in support of local charities and is a blood donor with the Canadian Blood Services.

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Ryan Lithgow

Newmarket High School

Ryan Lithgow volunteers to give back to the communities that have given him valuable experiences, and to support his passions for community, education, and children.

He has donated his time as one of the leaders for the Youth Alive Christian Club, where he prepares and leads weekly meetings for students. Ryan also tutors students and is part of Science Council, where he is currently working to set up a blood donating and bone marrow registry. For the past six years, Ryan has helped at an organization called Awana, where he volunteers weekly as a supervisor for children.

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Stephanie Saunder

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

Stephanie Saunders says that, “when I volunteer, I feel as though I have been given a purpose and a clear way to make a difference. To give back to the community is to invest yourself completely into a cause, and persist until a difference has been made.”

Stephanie is a member of the Town of Aurora Youth Engagement Committee, where she has planned and executed initiativess to encourage youth participation in local events. She is President of her school’s Environmental Council, where she organized a “Lights Out!” campaign and is currently working to build a school greenhouse. Stephanie has been on the Arts Council all through high school, and has designed and painted two school murals. She promotes social justice through the Youth Awareness Council, is a peer mentor, and a soccer referee for the Aurora FC.

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Michael Unsworth

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

For Michael Unsworth, volunteering is his way to make the community a better place for the future.

He has donated almost 1,000 hours of time giving back others. Michael volunteers for the Newmarket Royal Canadian Air Cadets, where he instructs younger members and supports the Royal Canadian Legion with their annual poppy sales and Remembrance Day events. He is Student Council President, student representative on the Catholic Parent Council, and has volunteered as a camp counsellor for the board’s Arts and Athletics Camp mentoring students as they transition into high school. Michael also volunteers with the York Regional Police Pipe and Drum Band, and has played at the National Police Memorial in Ottawa and the Provincial Police Memorial in Queen’s Park.

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Kelly Zou

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

To Kelly Zou, “giving back means sharing the blessings within our lives with others in our community.” As a volunteer, she uses the fortunate life she has been granted to help others who do not have these same opportunities.

Kelly has volunteered over 600 hours to help those in need. She is an Executive member of the Creativity through Arts Council, a youth-run non-profit organization. She also volunteers for York Region’s Music Alive program and Pencil Studio’s Art Camp. Kelly is passionate about teaching and the environment, and has volunteered as a peer tutor for the past two years, as well as with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. She initiated a volunteer program for the Canadian Cancer Society within her high school, and due to its success, is now working with the Board to implement it in other schools.

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Claudia Rupnik

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

Claudia Rupnik began volunteering by tagging along with her mother to their church meal program. Since then, she has discovered the positive impact volunteering not only has on others, but on her own life. Claudia says that in return for her time, she has gained confidence, a better understanding of the world, and has had a chance to meet new, inspirational people.

At school, Claudia volunteers on the Student Activities Council, the Social Justice Club, Peer Mentors, and the Drug Use and Abuse Awareness Council. She also gives back in the community to the Newmarket Food Pantry, at St. John Chrysostom Catholic Church, at the Windfall Ecology Festival, and for We Day. Claudia says “it is truly amazing how easily we can all help to make the world a better place.”

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Jordan Wheatle

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

For Jordan Wheatle, giving back and helping others gives him a great sense of satisfaction and engagement with his community.

In his high school, Jordan has taken on a leadership role as a Prefect, where he helps organize school activities and fundraisers, including a project to raise money for children in a local hospital. Jordan is also co-leader of the Black History Club, where he planned the entire assembly and delivered a presentation in front of the whole school for Black History Month. He is part of the Robotics Club and continues this volunteer work in the community at NewMakeIt makerspace for inventors and innovators. Jordan also gives back as a swim instructor with the Town of Newmarket.

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William Deo

St. Andrew's College

For William Deo, volunteering is a matter of social responsibility. He strives to give back to the community that has given so much to him, and shaped him into the person he is today.

William is engaged within his school as a senior member of the Community Outreach Committee, which organizes fundraising events throughout the year. He is also a Senior Chapter Leader of the Jack.org Project promoting mental health, has been a peer tutor for three years, and produced an award-winning short film for the Youth Philanthropy Initiative, 360 Kids. William is a founding member and Co-Chair of the C.O.S.S.O.T. STEM Council, which works with eight schools in the GTA to promote student engagement in science and technology. He also founded iWillSwim, an initiative to promote water-safety and provide swimming lessons to underprivileged children in need.

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Kristen Harrington

St. Maximiliam Kolbe Catholic High School

Even before high school, Kristen Harrington was eager to volunteer. In grade eight, she began supporting local recreation programs to help children with special needs. As Kristen moved into high school, she realized that through her volunteer experiences she learned and received much more than she could ever dream of giving back, which motivates her to continue.

She has spent years as a softball coach for young children, and has volunteered at hockey tournaments in her high school. Kristen is also a peer mentor and a dedicated volunteer at the Southlake Residential Care Village. At this nursing home, Kristen makes the lives of residents brighter by playing games, bringing them to social events, and helping them to remain positive. She has developed treasured friendships with those she has met through her role as a volunteer.

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Nili Tonkonog

The Country Day School

Nili Tonkonog is the first recipient of the Give Back Awards from The Country Day School. Her goal is to leave a positive impact on others and on her community.

Nili volunteers at an after school care program for children, where she leads, supervises, and interacts with young kids. She is an avid fundraiser, spending her weekends raising money for cancer research initiatives, and has helped raise over $1.2 million towards this cause. Nili used her summers as a Leader in Training, volunteering at camps and in programs for youth. She also gives back as a tutor, helping kids to enhance their learning and overall success in the classroom.


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Jenny Park

Villanova College

Jenny Park believes that life is a gift, never to be taken for granted. Her goal is to make each day count and to be a role model for younger generations, inspiring her to give back over 1,100 hours of community service.

For three years, Jenny has been volunteering to help the homeless in Toronto. She prepares and distributes sandwiches throughout the year, which she hand-delivers by walking around the city. Jenny is also an active volunteer with the Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra, where she donates her time as the only teenage viola player in the orchestra. She volunteers for local retirement homes, which she has been doing since grade four. Jenny believes in the power of a stranger’s capacity to have a positive impact on another person’s life.

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Gabrielle Stefou

Villanova College

Gabrielle Stefou feels that giving back is sharing with others the same kindness, compassion, and assistance that you have been given, because we all have experienced the relief of receiving help when we are in need.

She is an active volunteer at Stevenson Memorial Hospital in their Medical/Surgical Department. For Gabrielle, this volunteer role has been life-changing and one of the most rewarding experiences she has ever had. In addition to her work at the hospital every weekend, Gabrielle organized a fundraiser to help purchase items for the Medical/Surgical departments like privacy curtains, window blinds, over-the-bed tables, bedside tables, and new beds. She also volunteers as a French and English tutor, and has participated in the Sandwich Patrol program to provide food, drink, and conversation to homeless individuals in the city.
 

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Alyssa Yantsis

Villanova College

Alyssa Yantsis has realized putting the needs of others ahead of her own has shaped her into the person she is today, while making a world of difference to those she has been able to help.

Alyssa volunteers in leadership initiatives at her high school giving back almost 900 hours. She helps at Lady Night, a student-led program to unite younger girls; she sits on House Council to plan activities and increase school spirit; she volunteers for the yearbook; as a peer tutor; and on Nova News preparing satirical and comical broadcasts for the student body. Alyssa also supports child sponsorship programs, raising money for ten children living in Cameroon, and volunteers with Girl Guides of Canada, at a local elementary school, in the Oak Ridges Urgent Care Medical Centre, and with the Advanced Student Placement Integrated Research Education program at Toronto General Hospital.

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Matthew Abas

St. Maximilian Kolbe CHS

According to Matthew, “giving back is a chance to show people the kinder side of life,” and make the world just a little bit better for someone else.


To help others or do something nice for someone without expecting a thank you is what gives Matthew great joy. He volunteers at the Kingsway Arms Retirement Centre and has helped them with gardening and general maintenance, assisted in family celebration activities, organized events, and even showed seniors how to Skype so they could contact their loved ones. He also volunteers at the Aurora Farmer’s Market and in his school with the Best Buddies and Prayer Breakfast programs. 

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Danika Bertrand

École Secondaire Catholique Renaissance

Danika volunteers because she knows the importance of helping others and truly believes that she can make a difference.


Over the course of her high school career, Danika has been extensively involved in volunteering, both in her school and in her community. Danika has served as the President of the Pastoral Council and Pastoral Representative on her school’s Student Council, has initiated and implemented an anti-bullying campaign, and founded the first GET REAL high school team, which included workshops for her peers. She also gives her time organizing fundraisers for the OSPCA and leading programs for Sick Kids and the Rose of Sharon. Danika’s strong family and faith based foundation has taught her the importance of supporting the community, especially those less fortunate.  

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Shalyn Boyd

Sutton District High School

“Volunteers are often the glue that holds a community together,” Shalyn says, which is why she has spent time volunteering in her community and around the world. 


The majority of Shalyn’s efforts have been with children, where she assists with reading, crafts, and playing games, while also acting as a mentor. In the summers of 2014 and 2015, Shalyn travelled to Taiwan as a teaching assistant, helping young girls learn to speak and write in English. She finds volunteering to be incredibly rewarding, and believes that the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people and organizations in need. 

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Hollie Dobson

King City Secondary School

For Hollie, growing up with the help from many volunteers inspired her to do the same for others. 


Hollie stands out as a selfless, generous person who has given so much of herself to the community and her peers. She volunteers for her high school as the Senior Boys Football Team Manager and also donates her time as the team’s photographer. Hollie helps at the Schomberg Lions Club, where she assists at a variety of events, and at the Schomberg Agricultural Society promoting the town’s cultural fair. Hollie’s dedication to the importance of rural agriculture resulted in her being awarded as the Schomberg Fair Ambassador, a role she now uses to inspire younger generations. 

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Sarah Fleischaker

Villanova College

Sarah has a goal: to give each person hope and love for their life and future. 


Sarah is very involved in community outreach initiatives both in her school community, and the community at large. Her volunteer work stems from a genuine concern for others and a true sense of commitment to the community. Sarah not only seeks out opportunities to help those in need, she looks for ways in which she can use her talents, positivity, and warm personality to empower others. She has volunteered in many programs for different causes, from the Town of Newmarket gym and dance program, helping elderly neighbours shovel snow, peer tutoring, and by co-running a Jeans for Teens drive, providing jeans and pants for to underprivileged youth.

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Tayler Gorman

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

For Tayler, giving back is an important way to demonstrate citizenship, raise awareness about healthy lifestyles, and mentor young people to inspire them to give back. 


Tayler truly demonstrates the spirit of sport, teamwork, and volunteerism by dedicating her time to giving back and supporting young children as a skating coach and mentor. When she isn’t busy volunteering for the Central York Girls Hockey Association, Tayler finds time to participate in the Terry Fox Run, assists with school fundraising initiatives, and volunteers at the Kettleby Valley Camp.  She plans to continue her leadership and mentorship roles by pursuing a career in teaching.

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Kelly Graham

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School

In grade nine, Kelly learned that in order to graduate she must complete forty hours of community service, but what she didn’t realize was how much joy she would receive or the great lessons she would learn while giving back.


From enhancing the Terry Fox Run at her school, to organizing food drives where she collected thousands of items for the local food pantry, Kelly has thoroughly enjoyed her experience in volunteering for a vast amount of community needs. Her most impactful project was organizing bone marrow drives, which led to the addition of almost 3,000 new names to the bone marrow registry, and means that many more lives potentially saved. Kelly’s dream is to work for the United Nations or the World Health Organization, to pursue a career in humanitarian aid and help with global crises in health or security.

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Tiger He

Newmarket High School

“Volunteering truly has become an indispensable and integral part of my life,” Tiger says, and believes that his volunteer experiences have built his character.


Throughout the years, Tiger is proud to have contributed to a diverse range of volunteer commitments. Within his school he acts as a Captain’s Member, where he helps current grade eight students transition to high school. He spends most of his lunch time tutoring fellow students and, as a baritone saxophone player, provides musical accompaniment at many school events. Tiger is also very active within his community and has helped with Newmarket’s annual First Night Event, ran ABC Camps for young children, collected donations at food drives, and volunteered as a program assistant and volunteer trainer at the Southlake Residential Village.  

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Lucille Iacono

Our Lady of the Lake CCS

Giving back to Lucille simply means “doing my duty to my family, friends, and nature…giving back to them is the least I can do.” 


As a lover of the outdoors with great passion for the environment, Lucille found herself volunteering in the gardens of Loretto Maryholme, an inter-faith spiritual retreat centre, and at Happy Farm where she learned more about gardening, operating small machinery, and animal care. Within her school, Lucille is Co-President of the Social Justice Committee. She is dedicated to initiatives like ThinkFast, raising awareness for global hunger injustices, and takes part in food and clothing drives and Christmas Shoeboxes. Lucille feels that the best things in the world happen when people give back without expecting anything in return, and she acknowledges that time is valuable, making it one of the best gifts to give. 

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Lauren Jenkins

Pickering College

Lauren volunteers because she has a passion for serving others and loves knowing that her contributions help make worthy causes successful.


Throughout her high school career Lauren has been an active volunteer in her church and school communities. From being a Bible School team leader, to running a camp for children in junior kindergarten to grade four, and assisting with the annual Pickering College Holiday Home Tour, Lauren is always giving back. She takes pride in helping children and finds joy in knowing that she has made a positive impact on their lives. To Lauren, giving back means spending her time using the gifts and abilities she has been given to help others.  

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Yazmeen Kanji

Cardinal Carter Catholic High School

“I have always felt a great sense of purpose in doing volunteer work, because to me, volunteering means committing to something greater than myself,” Yazmeen explains. 


Yazmeen began her volunteer contributions in elementary school, where she founded a Response Team club to organize food collections and coat and shoe drives for victims of the Haiti earthquake, along with movie nights and annual Halloween Dances to support UNICEF. In high school she continued her volunteer work by becoming an active member of Free the Children and The Third World Council. Yazmeen believes that volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new people, gain experience in the workforce, build public speaking skills, and increase your self-confidence. 


Yazmeen Kanji


Cardinal Carter Catholic High School


 


“I have always felt a great sense of purpose in doing volunteer work, because to me, volunteering means committing to something greater than myself,” Yazmeen explains.


 


Yazmeen began her volunteer contributions in elementary school, where she founded a Response Team club to organize food collections and coat and shoe drives for victims of the Haiti earthquake, along with movie nights and annual Halloween Dances to support UNICEF. In high school she continued her volunteer work by becoming an active member of Free the Children and The Third World Council. Yazmeen believes that volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new people, gain experience in the workforce, build public speaking skills, and increase your self-confidence. 

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Veronica Klassen

Newmarket High School

Veronica knows that people have the power to make a difference, and with perseverance and the help of a community, amazing things can be achieved.


Veronica is a young woman that has a heart for others, a passion evident throughout her high school years. She has immersed herself in school life through various organizations that serve her peers including the Youth Alive program and the Peer Mentorship initiative that she is developing for grade nine students. Veronica also demonstrates leadership and commitment to others through her tremendous fundraising efforts for impoverished families in the Dominic Republic and her role as Youth Liaison for a Refugee Sponsorship team aiding families in war-torn countries.

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Marcha Koren

Newmarket High School

Marcha feels very lucky in her life and wants to do anything she can to help others and better the lives of those less fortunate. 


Marcha began volunteering at a young age as a camp councillor. Since then, she has been involved with many other volunteer positions, such as the Reading Program at the Newmarket Public Library, helping as an assistant swimming instructor for the Town of Newmarket, and assisting with the Newmarket Home Shows. She also donates her time to local Rewilding Projects of Lake Simcoe, food drives, and community cleanups. Marcha has always loved helping others in any way that she can, and plans to continue her efforts while at university. 

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Emily Maier

Newmarket High School

Emily believes giving back goes beyond the physical act of community service, and encourages others to get involved in issues they are passionate about. 


Giving back through volunteerism is an opportunity for Emily to show her appreciation for the organizations and community that have done so much for her over the years. She is an active volunteer with Relay for Life, St. Andrews Church, Social Justice Club, Newmarket Home Shows, the Tom Taylor Ten Mile Race, and Help Portrait Day. Emily also volunteers as a math tutor in school and teaches kayaking, swimming, and fishing to local youth. She believes that her volunteer efforts have brought happiness to others in her community and plans to continue giving back on a future mission trip.

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Alexa Moschella

Villanova College

“Giving back means being the light amidst someone else’s darkness,” Alexa says. 


For the past two years, Alexa has been an active member of the Child Sponsorship Club, helping to raise money for children from Cameroon. Alexa is also a reading buddy at the Pierre Burton Library, where she tutors students with their reading and comprehension skills, and a fundraiser for the Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity. At Sick Kids Hospital, Alexa entertains patients through games to lessen their anxiety and while in Toronto, participates with her peers in Sandwich Patrol to deliver handmade sandwiches to the city’s homeless population. Alexa believes that happiness is the pivotal aspect of our well-being that must be spread around the world, which is why she volunteers.

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Melika Parsamanesh

Cardinal Carter Catholic High School

“I always had a passion for making a positive contribution to my community,” says Melika, whose dedication to becoming a global citizen has earned her an outstanding 1,852 hours of community service. 


Melika’s volunteer contributions began in grade seven, where she founded a Milk Bag club, collecting bags to make sleeping mats for victims of the Haiti earthquake. Transitioning to high school, she ensured that her efforts for contributing to a better world continued by tutoring students with disabilities. Melika has also expanded her volunteer reach by travelling to Iran to help in a hospital as a lab assistant in the Maternity Ward. In the future, she plans to attend medical school and work for Doctors without Borders to help those in need, not only in Canada, but around the world. 

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Nicole Payne

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

“I volunteer because I take great satisfaction in making a difference in other people’s lives,” Nicole says. 


Nicole’s community involvement ranges from being an IEM basketball coach, a tutor, working with the BOOST Child Abuse program, being involved with Newmarket’s Community Cleanup, supporting Relay for Life, and gift-wrapping for Southlake Regional Health Centre. Her volunteer experiences have enriched her leadership, time management, and conflict resolution skills. More importantly, Nicole believes that being a volunteer constantly rewards and motivates her to continue helping others. 

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Kristina Robinson

Keswick High School

According to Kristina, “there’s always time to give time.” 


Kristina is heavily involved in leadership committees within the Keswick High School community. She has been a part of the Student Council, Leadership Council, and Peer Mentoring programs. Her commitment and enthusiasm is said to be contagious, making her a natural leader who inspires others to give back. Kristina is an avid participant in the planning and execution of her school’s Terry Fox Run and Relay for Life, and has spent countless hours raising awareness and money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. She also volunteers as a figure skating coach and as a mentor for the First Kicks Soccer Club.     

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Michelle Zanette

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

Giving back for Michelle means “positively impacting the lives of those around you, helping those in need, and enjoying yourself while doing it.” 


Michelle has been actively involved as a volunteer coach with the Newmarket Crest Special Olympics Swim Team and encourages participation from all members, regardless of their abilities. Her volunteer efforts in the pool also expand to the Newmarket Stingrays Swim Club where she uses her skills to assist at their events. Michelle is a member of her school’s Relay for Life committee and also volunteers for the Canadian Cancer Society. She believes that volunteering has taught her more about herself than she could have imagined, and has made lifelong friends along the way. 

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Aaron Zhang

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

To Aaron, volunteering and giving back is about much more than simply attaining the forty hours required to graduate high school. 


Aaron volunteers to give back, to thank his community, and to leave his community in an improved state. He has led a team of students and worked with two town councillors in establishing the Aurora Youth Engagement Committee, creating events and opportunities for local youth. Aaron also volunteers for the Canadian Cancer Society by recruiting students to help with Daffodil Days, Relay for Life, and with their Pink Ribbon Campaign. His volunteer efforts have helped to raise a significant amount of money for causes he truly cares about, while donating over 1,700 hours of involvement in the process.


 

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Trevor Wright

Aurora High School

Volunteering is a part of Trevor’s life and he believes “if we work every day to improve the lives of others, the world will slowly but surely become a better place.”


Combatting youth homelessness is Trevor’s passion, and is an ongoing cause that he champions by participating in fundraisers and raising awareness amongst his peers. Trevor organized the Sandwich Run at his school to provide lunches for those in need, and acts as Co-Chair for the 360 Experience Youth Leaders Edition, recently raising over $23,000. As Co-Chair, Trevor connects 360 Kids with the public high schools in York Region, where he hopes the knowledge gained will spread region-wide and encourage future initiatives. Trevor believes that we should never stop volunteering, and that there is no limit for giving back.

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Damian Di Biase

Cardinal Carter Catholic High School

Through volunteerism, Damian has gained “good leadership skills and learned the true value of giving back by impacting people in a positive way.”


For the past 5 years, Damian has accumulated over 650 community service hours acting as a referee for the King United Soccer Club. Through this opportunity, Damian has become a strong leader, which he carries into his school community. He is President of the Student Council, and while holding this role, Damian formed a new committee called the “Identity Squad,” a group that seeks to help individuals who are experiencing difficulty within the school. Damian also volunteers in the community with the Terry Fox Run, King Day, annual Town parades, E-Waste Day, and helping at sport events in York Region.

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Damiano Panetta

Cardinal Carter Catholic High School

Damiano hopes to “help further develop devices for the hearing impaired, such as the cochlear implant, to help other people just like him.”


Damiano is a true inspiration, leader, and role model. In 2013, he qualified to swim for Team Canada at the Deaflympics. Damiano acts as a mentor for the York Catholic District School Board by giving talks to students about setting goals, hearing loss, and overcoming adversity. Damiano also volunteers at the Hospital for Sick Children and the Parkinson’s Foundation. His determination to achieve his goals is applauded by other students and adults. Damiano wants everyone to know that people with disabilities can reach their goals and do anything – the key is not to give up.

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Haven Moulds

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School

Haven knows that “giving back to the community should not be considered a task, but rather something that she should be honoured to do.”


Haven feels she has not only made a positive impact on her community, but her volunteer efforts have helped her grow as a person. She loves that volunteering has given her the ability to meet people who share her passions, all while making someone’s life better. Haven organized a bone marrow drive at her school, which led to a campaign to hold bone marrow drives in every high school in York Region. She also believes in healthy living, and organizes the Terry Fox Run at her school to promote the fun side of physical activity. 

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Cassandra Carey

Ecole secondaire catholique Renaissance

Cassandra believes that in order to achieve goals in the community, everyone needs to contribute, “nobody can get anywhere alone…we all need help.”


Even before high school, volunteering regularly within the community was a huge part of Cassandra’s life. She donates her time to a variety of causes from being a reading buddy, to a program assistant at her skating club, to dedicating countless hours volunteering at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Cassandra firmly believes that “by helping people, you are helping your community, and by helping your community, you are helping the world.” She put these words into action earlier this year when she traveled abroad to build two homes for families in need. Cassandra has a deep compassion for others and her contributions continue to enhance many lives in the community.

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Dhruv Krishnan

St. Andrew's College

Dhruv feels that “the path to success should not be focused on ‘me,’ but ‘we,’ and that the key to happiness is supporting each other and rising together.”


Dhruv is an active volunteer within his community and at St. Andrew’s College. He has volunteered for the Alzheimer’s Society of York Region as their Youth Ambassador, the Learning Disabilities Association of York Region where he tutors grade 5 students every week, and acts as the Student Engagement Coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society at his school. Dhruv’s passion for community is rooted in his altruistic nature. He believes that “the idea of a community is that different people will do their part and contribute for the prosperity of the whole.” 

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Trisha Baladhay

St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School

For Trisha, “giving back means devoting her time to worthy causes and to things that she’s passionate about, without the intention of getting awarded or recognized.”


Trisha’s well-rounded personality stems from her active involvement in several organizations, like Easter Seals Ontario, the Aurora Historical Society, and the AIDS Committee of York Region. She is recognized as a positive peer mentor and a leader in the community, and has volunteered to organize a number of fundraisers for St. Vincent de Paul, the Rose of Sharon, and various natural disaster relief organizations. Trisha believes that everyone possess unique skills that can be used to positively impact individuals in need, and hopes to continue inspiring volunteerism.

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Eric Haskins

Keswick High School

For Eric, giving back is not about the recognition; he hopes “that people can be and do better because he made an effort to do and be better.”


Eric believes volunteering has good value because you make a difference and get “paid” in a way that is priceless. This belief shines through his lengthy list of volunteer commitments within his school and in the community. Eric has volunteered at the Red Cross, senior’s homes, animal shelters, Relay for Life, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Salvation Army, and the Georgina and Aurora food pantries. To Eric, the life experiences that are gained from volunteering are true experiences that are irreplaceable. 

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Margaret Evans

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic College School

Margaret volunteers because of “the relationships that come along with the work that she loves.”


Margaret has devoted the past two summers to volunteering at Camp Widjiitiwin, where she spent countless hours impacting hundreds of young campers by providing healthy advice, leading religious lessons, and offering her friendship. During the school year, Margaret donates her waitress skills to the New Wave Café for its many charity fundraisers. She also helps at a number of different community events through her church. Margaret’s volunteer experiences have built a strong stepping stone for her future academic endeavours in early childhood education.

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Mahima Mehta

Dr. J.M. Denison Secondary School

"For Mahima, volunteering is "a hobby she has grown to love," and she believes, "it is our collective responsibility to take care of our community."


Mahima began volunteering at a senior’s home in Aurora, where she assisted with exercise classes and then in the CAT scan department. From these early volunteer experiences, Mahima decided to pursue a career in the medical field because “saving a life is the greatest help one can get.” Mahima has positively influenced a number of senior’s homes in her community by regularly assisting staff and residents. On top of that, she volunteers at church functions preparing dinners, and participates in charity events like the Hike for Hospice and the 4T Miler. 

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Joshua Clements

Huron Heights Secondary School

For Joshua, volunteering does not feel like “giving back because he is also receiving enjoyment from the activity.”


A recent immigrant to Canada, Joshua has quickly become a young leader and entrepreneur who uses his skills to educate others. Joshua was diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, which motivated him to work hard and in turn, to mentor students on how to manage and adapt with learning differences. Joshua is active in his local Scout group and has volunteered as a Troop leader, a Medivent, and a liaison between Cubs and Scouts. Joshua is also the Co-Founder of Qwertynomics and Founder of Sci-Tek, which employs youth in the community and teaches people about robotics. 

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Madison Maynard

Huron Heights Secondary School

Madison plans to volunteer for the rest of her life and believes that, “no matter how big or small, positively impacting the community is giving back.”


Madison has been an active volunteer with the Rotary Club of Newmarket, the Rose of Sharon, Big Brothers Big Sisters of York, the Alzheimer’s Society of York Region, and Inn from the Cold. Though she has well over her required community hours, Madison chooses not to log her volunteer contributions because she doesn’t want credit for her efforts. Madison believes that everyone in the community should help one another, and that people need people in order for a community to function.

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Ashni Bhoolaton

Newmarket High School

When entering grade 9, Ashni saw volunteering as receiving hours necessary for graduation. Now, Ashni believes “volunteering is the backbone for a solid community.”


Over the past 3 years, Ashni has volunteered countless hours at Southlake Regional Health Centre in the SDC Post-Op Unit. She found purpose as a volunteer to help nurses, patients, or simply by being present as a cheerful face for others in need. Ashni’s volunteering extends into the sport community, where she helps children experience the real fun and value of being active. She hopes her involvement in the community will inspire others to follow suit.

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Sarah Charnock

Newmarket High School

Sarah volunteers to “help others be the best version of themselves, and to help her be the best version of herself.”


Sarah’s community involvement ranges from being the President of Food for Thought, organizing a committee for Relay for Life, and acting as a coach and mentor for youth soccer players in Aurora. She has also dedicated countless hours at the Walk It Off Spinal Cord Wellness Centre, where she assists patients during their recovery sessions and aims to make therapy fun for patients. Internationally, Sarah gives back by teaching English in Ethiopia. Sarah’s goal is to continue improving people’s lives by furthering her studies in the medical field. 

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Leah Hans

Newmarket High School

A leader at the age of 10, Leah began hosting her own fundraising events and has become an anti-bullying activist and role model to girls struggling with the definition of ‘true beauty.’


Leah’s greatest achievement has been the creation of her own foundation, the Leah Hans Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer through the Canadian Cancer Society. She has raised over $16,000 by hosting hair-cutting events and multiple community fundraisers. When Leah is not organizing or participating in a community event, she is volunteering for Girls Inc. York Region after school and during the summer months. Leah volunteers to create “a brighter tomorrow” in the community, “with the aspiration of creating hope and compassion for others within it.”

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Samantha McFetridge

Newmarket High School

At an early age, Samantha had a passion for helping people, and though she doesn’t “have a master plan to save the planet, she does have a plan to make a difference, one person at a time.”


Making a difference in someone’s life is not just a one-time goal for Samantha, it’s an ongoing effort. Samantha has volunteered for a wide variety of organizations, taking part in different fundraisers, and dedicating over 300 community hours in just one year at the Southlake Residential Care Village. Her efforts and leadership were admired by the Volunteer Coordinator, and Samantha was asked to continue giving back as a Volunteer Trainer. To Samantha, the most important thing in life is people, and she will continue to help anyone who is in need.

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Jennifer Powers

Newmarket High School

 “It’s important to always remember that you didn’t have any say in where you were born but you do have a say in what you do with the blessings you’ve been given.”


Helping the less fortunate has always been important to Jennifer, and her efforts have earned an outstanding 1650 hours of community service. At a young age, Jennifer understood the significance of giving. She planned garage sales, ran lemonade stands, and held clothing drives to help raise money for various causes. Not only has Jennifer taken part in several community events, but she even raised money to support relief efforts in Haiti. Soon after, she found herself volunteering there, to help rebuild a home for a family who had lost theirs during the natural disaster. Jennifer is a true leader by nature, and an incredible philanthropist at heart.

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Melissa Cusack Striepe

Newmarket High School

Melissa gives back “to contribute, to have a part in change, to help one or many, and because she yearns to see better lives and better ecological health.”


Melissa’s most significant contribution to the community has been through active involvement with the Ontario Nature Youth Council. As a member, Melissa helps to plan, organize, and execute an Annual Youth Summit, as well as other fundraisers. In May, Melissa will be holding a wildflower planting day in Newmarket to create a pollinator habitat. Melissa hopes to impact youth and adults by inspiring them to follow their passions and make a difference. When thinking about giving back, Melissa takes a look at all she has received from her community and environment, and then finds a way to help.

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Bomi Park

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

Bomi strongly believes that her “small actions of caring will be brought together and contribute in changing the community and making the globe a better place to live.”


Bomi’s volunteer efforts started at an early age and spread beyond Newmarket’s borders. With her creation of the Christian youth group, 4TX, Bomi has brought together 100 students from Newmarket, Mississauga, Hamilton, and Toronto to discuss ways in which they could address inner city homeless. In grade 7, Bomi went on her first mission trip to the Philippines, and later went to Ecuador and Costa Rica. While abroad, Bomi learned what poverty looked like, and committed herself to a lifetime of volunteering, helping one individual at a time. 

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Zach Roberts

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

Zach has recognized “that working within one’s community can have a powerful impact, and consequently has sought to touch as many lives as possible in a positive fashion.”


Zach dedicates most of his volunteer efforts to school events and leading other students. In grade 9, he was the driving force behind the school’s first participation in “We Day.” He is also a founding member and student leader of the Social Justice Club. Zach has made many new international students’ lives easier by tutoring students in reading and writing. He helps raise their confidence, and makes them feel at home. Zach also teaches others in the community by volunteering as a reading buddy at the Newmarket Public Library and hopes “to be a teacher down the road, and use his experiences to enrich learning and inspire youth to follow their passions.”

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Requeza Reyes

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

Requeza believes that if she is able to spend her time “helping others and having such rewarding experiences while doing so, then this is a life worth living.”


Requeza has been an avid volunteer in her high school. As a SMASH member, Requeza welcomes incoming grade eight and nine students to Sacred Heart, helps lead school retreats, and assists at masses and school ceremonies. She also volunteers for Relay for Life, the MS Walk, and recently helped fundraise for citizens of the Philippines. Requeza’s love for music has inspired her to dedicate her time to a local youth choir, and to help out at her parish’s Vacation Bible Camp.

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Michael Pallotto

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

Michael has dedicated his “volunteer service to the school and community at large, and has a self-directed commitment to make our world better.”


As a member of Student Council from grades nine to eleven, Michael has dedicated his time to improving school life for all students. He helps organize dances and fundraising events, has acted as the schools’ Relay for Life team captain, and has organized and presented Remembrance Day assemblies honouring war veterans. This year, Michael was chosen as a Student Trustee to represent the voice of all students in the YCDSB. Michael also gives his time at his local church, where he volunteers as an altar server and acts as the Youth Coordinator.

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Samantha Torrens

Dr. J.M. Denison Secondary School

Samantha truly understands the intrinsic values of volunteering, and believes that “being involved in the community is not only beneficial to society, but beneficial to personal growth as well.”


Samantha is a “lead by example” student, whose volunteering contributions go beyond her commitments at school. She has participated in Relay for Life and raised awareness to the importance of cancer research for the past three years. Samantha also helps welcome newcomers to her school as a member of their Link Crew. Additionally, she turned her passion for athletics into a volunteering coaching position for grade seven and eight students.

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Erin Kennelly

Huron Heights Secondary School

Erin began volunteering at a young age, through her family’s personal dedication to community. Through her passion, she hopes to inspire others to give back.


Erin’s initial volunteer efforts were through community meals, while simultaneously fundraising to fight poverty within the community. During the summers, she volunteers at garage sales run by local churches, where the proceeds directly benefit parishioners. Erin also volunteers as a member of her school’s Peace Club – an organization that exists to help the community. She is a Peer Mentor and was instrumental in the high school’s “courtyard regeneration” project where she helped turn an area of urban decay into a functioning environmental classroom.

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Kathy Jiang

Newmarket High School

Kathy believes that “volunteering makes you realize how little your problems matter in comparison to the woes of others, and it makes you appreciate all that you have.”


Kathy has contributed over 300 hours of Community Involvement. Locally, Kathy has volunteered as a Program Assistant at the Southlake Residential Care Village where she assisted long term residents with nightly entertainment and acted as a friend for them to talk to. Kathy also volunteers as a Mandarin Teacher’s Assistant for the YRDSB’s International Languages program. Globally, Kathy volunteered to help renovate a school in China with Fudan University’s volunteer group.

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Sarah Maier

Newmarket High School

For Sarah, volunteering and giving back in all capacities is part of “a very large push for positive change,” which she hopes to achieve on a local and global scale.


Sarah volunteers locally through teaching initiatives, where she is an assistant swim instructor for the Town of Newmarket, helps at a local elementary school, and teaches Sunday school. Sarah is also a member of her church’s Youth Group where she participates in Acts of Random Kindness, Earth Hour initiatives, community meals, and is a summer councilor at Bible School. Sarah is a member of her school’s Social Justice Club and works to raise money for people in developing countries.

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Jessica Nguyen

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

Jessica volunteers because “doing good for others makes a huge difference, whether it is a small gesture or a large one. It’s not about the number of hours you commit, it’s about making a difference.”


Jessica participates in town events, like Canada Day celebrations, Winterfest, the Santa Claus Parade, the Children’s Health Festival, and Easter events. Last year, she began volunteering at Southlake Regional Health Centre, assisting visitors coming in to the hospital. She also volunteers for Alexander Muir Retirement Home every Saturday, and encourages volunteerism within her high school through her role as Student Council Vice President.

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Miranda Bouabane

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

Miranda’s 200+ hours of community service have reflected her aspirations of entering the health care field, and her goal of improving the quality of life and health of others.


Miranda regularly volunteers her Sundays at the Southlake Residential Care Village where she helps as a “Friendly Volunteer,” promoting and preserving patients’ mental, social, and emotional health. She also acts as a volunteer trainer within this role, where she passes on her passion to new volunteers. In addition, Miranda volunteers for Community Living in the Newmarket/Aurora district where she raises awareness and assists in supporting overall independence for individuals with developmental disabilities.

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Bhagyashree Ravinthiran

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

Bhagyashree volunteers her time within her high school and the town of Newmarket, where she “strives to generate a positive environment and assist others in need.”


As President of her high school’s Student Council, Bhagyashree runs events and volunteer programs to encourage inclusivity among all students. She is particularly proud of her participation on the school’s Robotics Team where she campaigned to help inspire other girls engage in the program. Bhagyashree has also dedicated over 120 hours of volunteer time to the Windfall Ecology Centre and Festival, promoting eco-friendly products and the benefits of being environmentally friendly.

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Catherine Elliott

Pickering College

For Catherine, collecting Community Involvement hours “was never just to say she had them, but to do these things because she enjoyed them.”


Catherine has volunteered close to 300 hours of her time making a difference in our community. She helps at summer camps, teaches Sunday school, and volunteers for many school sporting events. Catherine is an active participant in Relay for Life and also fundraises for the Samaritan Foundation. Last year, after her and a group of students raised almost $18,000, she travelled to the Dominican Republic to help build houses and volunteer with children.

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Nicolas Chethuan

St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School

Nicolas believes that everybody should “have the same educational and recreational opportunities regardless of their age, cultural background, physical abilities, or economical means.”


Nick has spent many years volunteering within his local community and on a global scale. Nick gives back in Aurora by participating in the Neighbourhood Network Fall Food Drive and through fundraising for Big Brothers Big Sisters of York. He has also taken on the role as a mentor and advocate for the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiing, where he helps students with physical and mental disabilities participate in this sport. Globally, Nick also volunteered in South America to help children at the Hogar La Providencia orphanage in Columbia.

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Mathilde Paré

École secondaire catholique Renaissance

École secondaire catholique Renaissance student Mathilde “is the ultimate community ambassador,” and plays an active role in both the community, and her high school.


For over a year, Mathilde has volunteered at the Southlake Residential Care Village, where she helps as a program assistant. Every year she participates in Relay for Life, and in 2012, Mathilde travelled to Honduras to build a house through Habitat for Humanity. She is currently working on a fundraiser for The Lavoie Foundation and will soon be riding her bike 300 km to Welland and back for this cause. Even with all her community involvement, Mathilde spends countless hours encouraging volunteering within her school where she has been the leader of the Volunteer Committee for the past two years.

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Alex Auger

St. Andrew’s College

Alex “has demonstrated a personal commitment to the areas of community service and school leadership,” at St. Andrew’s College.


With over 870 hours of Community Involvement, Alex volunteers in a variety of roles that help benefit the community. Within his school, Alex volunteers as a School Ambassador, as the tech designer for dramatic productions, as a lifeguard at swim meets, and as a fundraiser for causes like 30-Hour Famine. He is President of the St. Andrew’s College Outreach Committee, responsible for helping many local and international charities, as well as mentoring students within the school. Recently Alex travelled to northern Madagascar to help build a school and teach children English

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Sydney Cobbold

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School

When it comes to giving back, Sydney “has spearheaded significant efforts to engage the school community and to support the local and global communities.”


Sydney acts as the Lead Mentor in the Peer Mentor program, where she facilitates leadership training for young adults. Her initiative within this role has sparked large community outreach, most notably by creating a fundraising event, “Something for Sarah,” after being inspired by a local six-year-old’s battle with leukemia. Through her Bone Marrow Drive within the school, two students were matches for patients in need of bone marrow – incredibly beating the 1 in 22 million odds. Sydney was also determined to bring the Terry Fox Run back to her school and after a twenty year hiatus, she co-organized its successful return.

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Alexander Harrison

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School

Alexander “is an example of someone who has shown consistent commitment to the improvement of our community.”


Alexander believes that “volunteering is an amazing way to give back to the community that gives so much to us.” He lives by these values, exemplified in his many volunteer roles. Alex volunteers selling ribbons for Wounded Warriors, assisting the Aurora Minor Hockey Association, at the Hockey Helps the Homeless Tournament, and with Neighbourhood Network’s Spring Tree Planting day. He also gives back within his school as a Peer Mentor, fundraising for events like “Something for Sarah,” and as captain of his school’s Relay for Life team.

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Anita Iacono

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic College School

Anita “is a very active and involved student in school and community leadership,” highlighted by her passion for volunteering in community events throughout Georgina.


As the current Student Chair of Our Lady of the Lake’s Chaplaincy Council, Anita has been instrumental in the planning and implementation of key initiatives, such as: collecting over 1,000 food items for the Georgina Food Bank, gathering and distributing Christmas gifts to low-income families, and sending hundreds of toys to children in developing countries. Anita is also a student mentor, and within her school organized and facilitated a “12 Hour Awareness” fast for the hungry.

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Brooke Grant

Keswick High School

Through her participation in a variety of volunteer opportunities, Brooke “has had an active role in supporting the school and community with enthusiasm and drive.”


Brooke’s community involvement spans many fields. She is an active member of the Environmental and Students’ Council, as well as a “Stand Up Speak Up” and Prom Committee member. Brooke also takes on a mentorship role at her school, working with grade nine students to help prevent cyber bullying, address mental illness, and foster positive relationship development. In the community, Brooke’s environmental efforts have increased Georgina’s awareness on proper recycling habits.

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Taylor Felix

Keswick High School

As stated by Principal Fran Fraser, “a phrase that best suits Taylor and her commitment to volunteerism is, ‘she gets it.’”


Though a graduate of Keswick High School, Taylor’s volunteer efforts began at Our Lady of the Lake where she helps on parent-teacher evenings and decorates for the school’s dances. Taylor’s volunteerism expanded to community events like the Georgina Santa Claus Parade and Snow Fest, Christmas toy drives, and the Peer Mentorship program. Taylor recently helped organize a fundraiser called “Score for Shelton” in memory of a friend and in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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Shamika Wickramasuriya

Keswick High School

Shamika “has already dedicated her life to helping others,” and is driven to do so because of the happiness it gives her.


Shamika has been volunteering from a young age, and completed her 40 hours of Community Involvement by the second month of grade nine. Shamika is active with the Keswick branch of the Georgina Public Library where she assists every week at the Children’s Reading Circle and on the Teen Advisory Committee. Shamika also helps at town events and fundraisers, and strives to inspire students within her school through acts of kindness and championing important issues like blood donation.

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Allen Tian

Newmarket High School

Allen Tian has made the most of ‘giving back’ to his community after moving here only three years ago.


Allen is a dedicated, friendly, visiting volunteer at Southlake Village’s Long Term Care Centre. In fact, he volunteered 100 hours at the Centre over the course of only one year. He is also a regular volunteer at the Magna Centre, supporting events such as the Tim Horton’s First Night and the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Allen is a volunteer at his school library and helps out with concerts at Trinity Anglican Church Aurora.

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Andrew Benjamin

Huron Heights Secondary School

With an impressive number of volunteer contributions, Andrew Benjamin steps-up for his community in diverse ways.


Andrew was selected the past two years to be a mentor for grade nine students at Huron Heights Secondary School. He was also chosen to work alongside players and coaching staff from the Toronto Argonauts to raise awareness on bullying and its effects. At his school, Andrew was the Social Advisor for Student Council and initiated its Movember campaign for prostate cancer. Outside of school, Andrew has been involved in Relay for Life at various levels of leadership.

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Brian Lo

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

Brian Lo has made an excellent contribution to his community and future generations due to his dedication, professionalism and empathy.


Since the beginning of high school, Brian has been volunteering in the Clothesline Department of the Canadian Diabetes Association. In his role, Brian is in charge of the pickup of clothing donations, including mapping the appropriate routes. Brian also volunteers with the Reading Buddies program as a tutor at the Newmarket Public Library. Through his co-op program, Brian started working in the Pathology Department of Southlake Regional Health Centre, assisting with the Optimization program to increase patient care efficiency.

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Cheyanne Reed

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

With over 500 recorded community service hours, to say Cheyanne Reed ‘gives back’ is an understatement.


For the past 2 years, Cheyanne has volunteered as a Life Enrichment Program Assistant at the Long-Term Residential Village partnered with Southlake Regional Healthcare Centre. Cheyanne is a peer tutor and mentor at her high school and was elected Secretary of the Student Council. She also re-established her school’s environmental council, acting as President for 2 years and raising $2000 for their various initiatives. Cheyanne was the 2012 co-chair of her school’s Relay for Life Entertainment Committee where her school raised $150,000 and was named the top fundraiser in Canada.

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Daniel Gary

St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School

Daniel is known as a committed and motivational leader at his school, ‘giving back’ whenever he can.


Despite his various roles in student committees, Daniel maintains the position of Director of Communications for the York Secondary Catholic Presidents’ Council. In this role he has initiated multiple projects funded by the Ministry of Education’s SpeakUp grants. Daniel consistently strives to improve his school community and environment for his peers. 

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Doaa Abou Hussein

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

Doaa Abou Hussein has been passionately involved in ‘giving back’ to her community.


Doaa is a pillar in her school community for all that she does. She founded the Smile Campaign (Students Making Inclusive Learning Environments), where they host a series of creative events that inspire and educate students to challenge discrimination, intolerance and negative peer pressure in the classroom. Doaa is an active member on Student Council, Athletic Council and a member of the York Region President’s Council. Doaa is also initiating a Youth Summit to educate students on Municipal Politics.

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Donna Nguyen

Dr. John M. Denison Secondary School

With a strong commitment to both her community and school, Donna Ngyuen is most definitely a person who ‘gives back’ through her countless hours of volunteering.


Donna is actively involved in community events and has been a peer tutor at her high school for the past four years. She is a longtime volunteer at the Rosewood Girl’s Club, Southlake Village and serves on the Newmarket Public Library’s Youth Advisory Council. Her ambition is to be admired, as she hopes to one day become a doctor and help people each and every day. Donna is also a part of the Link Crew that welcomes grade 8 students to high school.

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Glenda Willcock

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School

With a variety of volunteer experiences under her belt, Glenda Willcock ‘gives back’ on both a local and international level.


Locally, Glenda is actively involved with her church where she volunteers in their outreach programs and the Children’s Clothes Closet. She also teaches Sunday school, acts as a nursery helper and Librarian assistant. For the last 4 years Glenda has volunteered at the Vacation Bible Camp. Internationally she has travelled to China to be a counselor at a summer English camp. On a co-op in Costa Rica, Glenda was able to become involved in community beautification, canal widening, sand bagging and protecting turtle nests. Glenda manages all her volunteering along with holding a part time job.

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Jason Lo

St. Andrew’s College

Jason Lo’s commitment to ‘giving back’ to his community is evident in his passion for his local church summer camp.


Jason has served for four years as a volunteer-counselor and Coordinator of his church’s summer camp. Jason is involved with the camp throughout the entire year in terms of planning, organizing and executing the two week program. Jason has also volunteered for the City of Markham’s March Break Camp, the Milliken-Markham Children’s Festival and various school events.

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Kalina Charnock

Newmarket High School

Over the last four years ‘giving back’ to the community has been a top priority for Newmarket High School graduate, Kalina Charnock.


Kalina has exemplified great leadership as President of “Food for Thought”, a club which provides weekly lunches for children in need. Kalina spearheaded the program and secured donations to ensure its longevity. Kalina has also volunteered in the Transitional Care Unit and travelled to Ethiopia to teach, bringing donations, clothes and school supplies.

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Kara Waites

St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School

With extensive involvement in co-curricular’s, the ways in which Kara is able to ‘give back’ to her community are remarkable.


Kara has touched many lives through her volunteer efforts, both on a local and global scale. At St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School, Kara is recognized by her principal as “an active member of our school since we opened our doors for the first time”. In her community, she has been dedicated to the environment, the Sunrise Senior Living Center and the homeless. Kara has taught English to children in Ethiopia and plans on continuing to serve the global community.

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Kelsey Donald

Huron Heights Secondary School

Huron Heights Secondary School graduate Kelsey Donald has consistently ‘given back’ to the community throughout her high school career while maintaining an impressive academic average.


Kelsey is a highly involved student as part of her school’s Peer Mentor Group. Kelsey is also a Peer Ambassador and helps resolve inter-student conflicts and gets students involved in the school community. She has been President of the Athletic Council and a coach for the past four years at the York North Basketball Association. Kelsey volunteers in two classes at Hartman Public School. Kelsey says her biggest accomplishment is being a loving foster sister for the past 14 years.

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Laura Bondi

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School

When it comes to ‘giving back,’ Laura Bondi seems to simply do it all.


Laura has been a proud member of the Best Buddies chapter at her high school for the past four years. She has served as the Chapter’s President where she implemented new programs and outings in the community. She has also organized Autism awareness campaigns and a rainbow week for LGTB equality. Laura volunteers at the Aurora Public Library in the Reading Buddies program and takes part in the strategic planning committee. Laura also volunteers annually with the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Big Bike program.

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Michael Nash

Aurora High School

Michael Nash is ‘giving back’ in all facets; from Scouts, to Student Council, Medical Venturers and volunteering abroad


With 393 recorded volunteer hours, Michael Nash’s community involvement began ten years ago with Scouts and hasn’t stopped since! With the Scouts, Michael has volunteered at the Aurora Food Bank and planted trees. As a Scouts Medvent, Michael has provided medical aid at many camps and community events. He travelled to Kenya last summer for a month-long work effort and delivered 1100 pounds of medical supplies. In addition to everything else, Michael is also on Student Council.

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Nicole Wolscht

Pickering College

Nicole has been ‘giving back’ since she was just a child, dedicating her time to her community in a variety of areas.


Nicole works to provide a “unique and fun experience” for the members of her community, getting involved with events through The Knights of Columbus, The Women’s Group and The Sutton Agricultural Fair. Throughout the school year, Nicole stepped up as Pickering College’s Gold House Chair on the Student Committee, encouraging volunteering and community involvement in her peers.

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Nooran Abbas

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

Nooran exemplifies community leadership as she is involved in so many capacities, further reflecting her multidimensional enthusiasm for life and learning.


Nooran is very involved in the community where she is the Student Ambassador for the Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge. She is also an active participant in Neighbourhood Network’s annual Tree Planting Day and Student Food Drive. Nooran promotes youth literacy as a Reading Buddy and Children’s Program Assistant at the Newmarket Public Library. She has also been the Viva/YRT Student Ambassador, Chief Electoral Officer for her High School, Link Crew Leader for incoming grade nine students and a volunteer at the community garden.

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Ricardo De Sequeira

St. Andrew’s College

Known for his “discipline, commitment, and integrity” Ricardo’s determination to ‘give back’ has made a lasting impact on the local and international community.


During his high school career, Ricardo has dedicated his time with the Special Olympics Festival, the Markham Stouville Hospital, and as a peer tutor to ESL students. He spent last summer refurbishing a school in Tanzania and building a road for the students to walk to class. Ricardo is recognized as “a gifted academic, a dedicated musician, a well-respected student leader and a genuinely nice guy”.

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Saarah Khamissa

Aurora High School

Saarah’s passion for making lasting contributions to her community, both local and global, is displayed through the multitude of her extraordinary initiatives. Simply put, “Saarah truly understands commitment to community.”


Saarah is an exemplary leader, as President of the Equity Council and President of the Red and Gold Society, which facilitates volunteering opportunities for students. Saarah even co-founded a new club called “Students Helping Students,” whose goal is to raise funds to build a library in South Africa and to send young girls to school.

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Sarah Osmond

Cardinal Carter Catholic High School

Sarah Osmond is dedicated to helping through Girl Guides, the Terry Fox Run and her school Leadership Council.


Sarah has been involved with Sparks, which is a division of Girl Guides for the past seven years, which she herself was a participant of at the age of 5. Taking part in the Terry Fox Run and community clean-ups make Sarah an active member of the community. Within her school, Sarah is President of the Leadership Council “LEGACY” which promotes and raises school spirit. She has also fundraised for the Rose of Sharon for Young Mothers and has assisted in organizing an annual leadership conference.

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Shanna Hunter

Dr. John M. Denison Secondary School

Shanna Hunter enthusiastically steps-up for her school and community through numerous initiatives including anti-bullying campaigns and Relay for Life.


Shanna actively promotes equality and inclusivity as president of her school’s Social Justice Club. Shanna has received the Applause Award for her anti-bullying campaign and was named Junior Citizen of the year. She has also fundraised over $1800 for families fighting Malaria in Africa. If that wasn’t enough, Shanna also volunteers her time with Relay for Life and in the Multiple Exceptionalities classroom in her school.

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